RUBBER

RUBBER IMPACT

ALTERNATIVE

Synthetic rubber is produced artificially from polymers in different varieties to mimic the different properties of natural rubber. The origins of the elastomers forming the base of synthetic rubber can be traced to the first half of the 19th century, when attempts were made to elucidate the composition and structure of natural rubber with the eventual goal of reproducing the material (Britannica, 2018).

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT Synthetic rubber made from petrochemicals. Petrochemicals are a by product of crude oil refining. The process of extracting the oil, transporting it, refining it, and using the petrochemicals puts out all sorts of fumes and nasty things into the environment.

The production of synthetic rubber is energy-intensive and uses large amounts of fossil fuels, releasing toxins into the atmosphere that are dangerous for the health of humans and our ecosystem. During the vulization of synthetic rubber, soot is produced. Soot is a carbon particle that contributes to climate change since the carbon footprint is increasing (Sciencing, 2017).

IMPACT ON POPULATION Synthetic rubber manufacturing involves highly toxic substances which are extremely dangerous to the health of factory workers (Trusted Clothes, 2016).

NATURAL RUBBER Natural rubber is obtained from trees. The cultivation of rubber has social, economic and ecological consequences as child and forced labour as well as low salaries. Furthermore, the genetic diversity is endangered and the loss of species based on the loss of habitat. Natural rubber production also causes climate change as well as deforestation. If natural rubber is cultivated in a sustainable way, the cultivation creates jobs, habitats for animals and plants and makes it possible to absorb and store CO2 from the air (Business Biodiversity, 2018).

BIODEGRADABLE BIO PLASTIC Unlike traditional plastics, which are derived from petroleum, bioplastics are obtained from renewable resources like vegetable fats, corn starch, food waste and is completely biodegradable. Bio plastic feels similar to rubber, but is not water resistant and pretty fragile.

Easy recipe: - 10 ml distilled water - 1 ml vinegar - 1.5 g cornstarch - 1.5 g glycerole

It can be seen as the plastic without harmful waste and a negative environmental impact (BioPlastic News, 2018).

LATEX (POLYMER)

CLASSIFICATION: Nonwoven

FABRIC INDICATION: Thermal Bonded Nonwoven

FABRIC NAME: Synthetic Rubber (Latex)

CLARIFY FABRIC NAME: The fabric is made from synthetic elastomers within a thermal bonding process. A web is made from thermoplastic fibres and is then point-bonded by using heat.

COMPOSITION IN ABBREVIATIONS: Elastomer

PERSONAL DESCRIPTION OF THE FABRIC PROPERTIES: The surface is matte. No construction can be seen. The fabric offers high strength, flexibility as well as elasticity in warp and weft direction, as well as waterproofness.

SAMPLE WEFT YARN:

SAMPLE WARP YARN:

YARN CONSTRUCTION: /

IS THE FABRIC COATED? No.

COLOURATION: Piece Dyed

M O S C H I N O A / W 2 0 1 8 M E N S W E A R