Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. is pleased to announce that, after successfully identifying the factors that cause natural rubber to emit an odor, we have now developed 'Reduced Odor Natural Rubber,' a new type of natural rubber that emits significantly less odor.
Thanks to the introduction of a proprietary raw material processing technique at the Sumitomo Rubber Group's natural rubber processing plant in Thailand, our newly developed 'Reduced Odor Natural Rubber' achieves a significant reduction in odor by suppressing the breakdown of odor-causing non-rubber components (such as proteins and lipids) that are found within natural rubber in its raw material state. We believe that the establishment of this new technique represents a major step toward solving longstanding odor issues not just at natural rubber processing plants, but also at tire factories and other sites where natural rubber is handled.
The Sumitomo Rubber Group is actively engaged in research and development activities that aim to improve tire performance while also better responding to the needs arising out of greater overall environmental awareness worldwide through our efforts to modify the properties of natural rubber, make greater use of biomass materials and so forth. As natural rubber in particular accounts for approximately 30%* of the raw materials that make up a tire (by weight), we are currently moving forward with proactive efforts to find pioneering solutions to the various issues surrounding natural rubber and its use.
*Source : 'Tire Industry of Japan 2019' Report (Japan Automobile Tire Manufacturers Association)
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SRI - Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. published this content on 25 March 2020 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 25 March 2020 05:12:05 UTC
Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. is a Japan-based tire manufacturer. The Company operates in three business segments. The Tire segment manufactures and sells tires and tubes for automobiles, construction vehicles, industrial vehicles, race rallies and motorcycles. The Sports segment is engaged in the manufacture and sale of sports items, encompassing golf clubs, golf balls and other golf-related supplies, and tennis-related supplies, as well as the operation of golf tournaments, golf and tennis schools and fitness center. The Industrial Product and Others segment offers vibration suppression dampers, printing blankets, medical precision rubber, slope for wheelchair, and fenders, among others.