The Rubber Products Manufacturing industry is moving towards adopting more sustainable practices. From tire and gasket manufacturers to producers of rubber hoses, belts, and seals, companies are implementing changes to reduce their environmental impact. This transition is being driven by both consumer demand and regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions across industrial sectors.
The Push Towards Sustainability
In the past, sustainability was not a high priority for many rubber product manufacturers. However, in recent years, rising eco-awareness and climate change concerns have put pressure on companies to examine their environmental footprint. Consumers increasingly want reassurance that products are sourced and manufactured responsibly. At the same time, governments are cracking down on emissions and waste across supply chains.
For the rubber industry specifically, tires are a major focus. Tires alone account for a massive portion of all microplastic pollution in the oceans. Legislation like the EU Tire Labeling Regulation now pushes tire makers to develop more fuel-efficient, longer-lasting tires. This pressures manufacturers to innovate production methods and materials choices to create greener, less polluting tires.
They invest heavily in research and development to create tires that use less raw material, conserve fuel, and are made to be retreaded or recycled.
Key Areas of Focus
Many major Rubber Gasket Manufacturers have also launched initiatives to incorporate sustainability across their operations. From sourcing to production methods and materials choices, they are targeting waste reduction at multiple points in the manufacturing process.
Sustainable Material Sourcing
A core focus for the industry is adopting responsible rubber sourcing policies. Rubber typically comes from either synthetic materials derived from petrochemicals or natural rubber from the sap of rubber tree plants.
Leading companies look to source natural rubber from suppliers that follow best practices around forest conservation and land management. They favor suppliers certified by groups like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
The manufacturers also explore using more recycled and renewable materials, such as recycled steel. This reduces reliance on virgin materials extraction.
Efficient Production Processes
Rubber product manufacturers examine production methods to minimize waste and emissions. Strategies include:
- Installing sensors, automation, and data analytics tools to optimize efficiency and reduce excess material usage.
- Converting to renewable energy sources like solar to power facilities.
- Adopting low-emission equipment and using electric forklifts over diesel models.
- Eliminating excess packaging material.
- Ensuring any waste rubber, metals, solvents, and oils are responsibly recycled or reused rather than landfilled.
Product Design
Manufacturers also research design innovations that use less raw material per product or extend product lifespan. One example is a shift towards lighter, thinner yet still durable gasket profiles that require less rubber.
Tire companies mold treads to minimize friction and rolling resistance, saving fuel. They design tires to enable retreading, reuse, and eventual recycling.
Implementing Recycling Programs
A key sustainability focus for the rubber industry is driving end-of-life recycling. Rubber has strong potential for reuse if recovered instead of landfilled.
Tire manufacturers have partnered with governments and other entities to support increased tire collection infrastructure and recycling programs. Goodyear works with regulators in states like California to properly recycle old tires into new products.
Companies like Amber Group take in post-industrial rubber waste, regrind it, and use the recycled material in new gaskets, seals, and other components.
Looking Ahead
The rubber manufacturing industry still faces challenges around sustainability. Extracting raw materials like oil and natural rubber inherently carries environmental impacts. Processing rubber and vulcanizing it with compounds involves chemical use.
However, the industry is clearly embracing more responsibility. With smart resource use, manufacturing process improvements, better product design, and recycling programs, rubber product manufacturers can continue supplying essential components for vehicles, equipment, and infrastructure in an increasingly eco-friendly way.
At Amber Group, we are dedicated to adopting sustainable practices across our Rubber Gasket and seal manufacturing operations.
