Natural rubber is an elastic hydrocarbon polymer that can be found in the sap of some plants, typically called 'rubber trees' (Hevea brasiliensis).
Nearly all rubber comes from Asia, with around 25 million tons being used each year.
Synthetic rubbers form part of a broad range of products such as styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), polybutadiene rubber (BR), polychloroprene rubber (CR) and ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM).
Both natural and synthetic rubbers exhibit physical and chemical properties not found in any other materials. They combine high strength with outstanding resistance to fatigue, and have an excellent ability to stick to other materials.
The use of rubber is widespread, with tyres accounting for about half of worldwide usage. Other significant uses of rubber are door and window profiles, hoses, belts, matting, flooring and "under the bonnet" products for the automotive industry.