The paradoxical nature of natural rubber

The green nature of natural rubber is widely accepted, yet it is probable t hat many remain unaware of the significant contribution which natural rubbe r makes to global ecology. On the other hand, it can be argued that the mai n market for natural rubber (truck tyres) is a major contributor to destruc tion of the environment. Clearly this a paradox. Although many small farmer s are dependent upon the cultivation of Hevea and this contributes to the l ocal creation of wealth, productivity levels are far too low to support an adequate standard of income given current natural rubber prices. Other para doxes include the contrast between the biodegradability of thin latex films with the proven longevity of bulky engineering components and the intracta ble nature of tyre re cycling.