By Dr Sunil E Fernando

The natural rubber tree converts a greenhouse gas to a hydrocarbon. It is also capable of delivering it in commercially viable quantities almost on a daily basis, unlike any other. In addition, it retains some carbohydrates produced over a 30-year period, as medium density hardwood. This natural process of the biosynthesis of two products not only sustains the farmer, but also reduces the impact on global warming to some extent due to carbon dioxide extraction. Thus, preserving existing rubber plantations and cultivating more, especially in marginal lands, will help to mitigate an imbalance created due to the production of excessive quantities of a greenhouse gas

Benefits of Growing Rubber: Hevea brasiliensis or the rubber tree began its epic journey in 1875, when Sir Henry Wickham brought 70,000 seeds from Rio Tapajos in the upper Amazon to Kew gardens in London. Of these, 1911 seedlings were planted in Gampaha botanical gardens, Sri Lanka, initiating an agricultural revolution in South East Asia and an industrial revolution globally. Apart from giving 14 million tons of Natural Rubber (NR) consumed annually worldwide, the tree has other attributes listed below.

 Extracting 24.9 kilograms of Carbon dioxide (CO2) Greenhouse gas (GHG) to produce one Kilogram of latex

 Yielding 2.1 cubic meters/tree of wood from GHG as biomass, every 30-year cycle

 Produce easily biodegradable litter, compared to monocultures like Teak

 Require less chemical fertilisers, water and pesticides

 Retains biodiversity as a tropical plant and co-exists with other species allowing for intercropping

The uniqueness of the rubber tree is its ability to fix CO2 almost instantaneously into a hydrocarbon on a daily basis, with water and energy from sunlight while nature took millions of years converting biomass to a hydrocarbon, Petroleum. The tree is a natural solar panel trapping energy from the Sun, propagating a chemical reaction giving a hydrocarbon, while releasing Oxygen to the atmosphere and accumulating a timber resource. Tapped from year 5, the tree removes a GHG every other day, unlike any other plant species, for 11 months of the year for 25 years.

Why Excess CO2 is bad

CO2 present in the atmosphere is a double-edged sword. "CO2-Earth" reports, its concentration increased from 330 ppm in 1975 to 408.55 in September 2019, and further to 410.27 in November 2019. CO2 absorbs Infrared radiation (heat radiation) from the Sun through molecular vibrations, and emit this energy unlike gases like Nitrogen and Oxygen. Ozone, Methane and Nitrous Oxide are other GHG's, which absorb energy from the sun and similarly emit heat, warming the atmosphere.

However, GHG's maintains atmospheric temperatures without converting Earth into an ice ball. Nevertheless, high concentration of GHG in atmosphere, emit more heat to sustain global warming due to an imbalance created by excessive human activity like burning fuel, rearing of cattle/sheep, giving-off excessive CO2 and Methane, respectively. Two confirmed methods to lower ill effects of GHG are, produce less and increase plant cover.

CO2 is the raw materials for all forms of Carbohydrates, Proteins and Fats produced by plants providing for growth and energy in life forms. What is alarming is the excess CO2 produced, accumulating in the atmosphere, and in Oceans. Dissolved CO2 in seawater, raises temperature and forms Carbonic acid, increasing Ocean acidification. Ocean acidification reduces the ability of sea creatures to fix Calcium as Calcium Carbonate, another form of Carbon sink.

Carbon Dioxide Accumulation Antoine Lavoisier said, in a chemical reaction matter is neither created nor destroyed. Producing GHG through human intervention, new matter is not created but it leads to an unsustainable imbalance of matter in the environment. This is what causes the problem.

Figure 1. Figure 1. Representation of the CO2 Cycle (https://serc.carleton.edu/eslabs/carbon/2a.html)

CO2 is a GHG not only produced by burning fuels and biomass. Humans exhale One Kilogram of it daily. Increase in population does not increase CO2, as exhaled balances out by inhaling. But when human population went up from 1 billion 200 years ago to 7 billion now, increase in human activity led to an imbalance in the atmosphere and the Oceans due to release of CO2 and Methane. Biomass generation too is dwindling due to the population pressure. Thus, this imbalance of accumulating matter capable of absorbing heat is the main reason for global warming.

Biosynthesis of Natural Rubber About 2000 plant species produce NR, but Hevea brasiliensis produce commercially exploitable dispersion in water as latex. The biological reason for NR production is not clear, but it may prevent pathogenic microorganisms entering the tree. Latex is found in horizontally arranged interconnected cells called laticifer, in the bark of the tree, High yielding plantations with about 400 trees per hectare have reported a production of 2500 Kg/NR /Year. The theoretical yield potential is estimated at, 7,000 to 10,000 kg/Ha/Year. A tree giving 15 to 30g of rubber per day, tapping on alternative days yields 2.2-4.5 Kg of NR per year. According to Apollo Vredestein R and D, on average 1.9 Kg of NR goes into a tire and a tree produces enough rubber to make 2 tires per year or 50 in lifetime.

Plants take in CO2 for survival. Some converts part into an edible form, as carbohydrate and fats while the rest is converted to forms like cellulose. These may end up as wood, becoming a Carbon sink for a length of time. In rubber trees, the process extends converting part of CO2 to a rubber hydrocarbon containing Carbon and Hydrogen, more akin to Petroleum. This wonder tree makes a hydrocarbon in few minutes, while nature took millions of years to convert biomass derived from CO2 to Petroleum.

The biosynthetic pathway for NR in Hevea begins with the monomer precursor, Isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP). IPP is an adduct of Pyrophosphoric acid and Isoprene monomer. However, IPP is not an uncommon material, limited to Hevea, but is formed from carbohydrates, in other plants, algae, bacteria, in mammals and humans. The formation of IPP is said to occur by following two pathways; Mevalonate (MVA) or non-mevalonate (non-MVA), deoxy-xylulose pathway. In rubber trees, breakdown products from carbohydrates like Pyruvates and Glyceraldehydes are transformed into IPP, in Cytosol in Cytoplasm/Plastids in plant cells, in several stages in the presence of many enzymes like mevalonate kinase (MVK) and mevalonate diphosphate decarboxylase (MVD). Figure 2.

Figure 2 Representation of the Formation of IPP through MVA and Non-MVA Pathways (Chiang. C. C. K, 2013, PhD Thesis, the Graduate Faculty of the University of Akron).

On isomerisation with enzyme, Isomerase IPP is converted to Dimethyl allyl pyrophosphate (DMPP). IPP and DMPP are building blocks for diverse groups of bio-molecules like Cholesterol, Vitamin K, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and Cis-polyisoprene (NR). Figure 3

Figure 3 Pathway to NR Biosynthesis

In rubber producing Russian dandelion (Taraxacum koksaghyz Rodin), enzyme transformation of sugars enrich NR formation. In the summer months, dandelions produce excess sugars and store it as Inulin. The possibility of metabolic engineering assisted enzyme degradation of Inulin to enhance production of IPP and then to NR has been explored for dandelion. Meanwhile Researchers have succeeded in decoding the Genome sequence in Hevea. This can lead to high yielding rubber clones, by locating genes responsible for biosynthesis of rubber.

Latex with 30% NR and 5% non-rubbers is produced in special cells called laticifers located horizontally and a lateral cut of the bark exposes most number, giving latex. Since the laticifer density is genotype dependant determining latex yield, it can give the direction for biologists as a selection marker for high yielding clones. In older rubber trees chemicals inducing Ethylene formation in the bark-tissue or generated it in situ like 2-Chloroethylphosphonic acid, are used as yield stimulants. Such developments, together with appropriate nutrition infusion, can increase NR yields, making rubber cultivation attractive to farmers.

Chloroethylphosphonic acid

Hevea brasiliensis is a dual-purpose tree, making Carbon sinks from CO2 in two ways, as a hydrocarbon and as wood, extracted in a 30-year cycle. Plants like wheat and rice also fix CO2 to give edible Carbohydrates, often twice a year. Nevertheless, human/animal consumption of edible carbohydrates quickly gives CO2 back to the environment. Thus with respect to environmental benefits, producing NR by growing rubber trees is a more favourable option. Fortunately, rubber cultivation has increased from 9.9 in 1975 to 14.0 million hectares in 2018 giving these benefits worldwide.

Preserving and enhancing rubber cultivation

The rubber farmer does a silent service by extracting latex and thus removing substantial quantity of GHG on a daily basis. As NR based products stay longer in service, Carbon in it remains intact for a longer period without burdening the environment. Each tree has the uncanny ability to function as a tap, working 150 days a year to clean up the environment unlike other plant-based options. It leaves a raw material as timber derived from GHG, extracted in every 30-year cycle giving 50 Kg of wood/tree. The global potential for wood at a replanting rate of 3% of acreage annually is, approx 7.30 Mn Tons/ year.

The environmental benefits can be maximised if the farmer taps the tree every other day for 11 months of the year if their livelihood is secularly safeguarded. Going into alternatives for from existing land is counterproductive to the environment. The negative process will occur only if the farmer finds the daily sustenance by growing rubber becomes a hard task. To encourage the farmer, requires a collective and a concerted effort from:

 Buyers giving stable/reasonable price

 Biologists developing fast growing, high yielding, drought and disease resistant trees

 Cultivation experts developing new and less-laborious extraction techniques and attractive intercropping practices

 Technologists adding value to existing NR products and developing new products

• Chemists by modification to give new elastomeric materials from NR as raw materials for other processes

• Environmentalists by increasing international awareness of the benefits of growing rubber

With respect to increased appreciation of the capability of modified NR forms, an enterprising tire manufacturer uses Epoxidised NR/Silica combination in automobile tire treads, to give higher wet grip and low rolling resistance tires. Such greener tires used in hybrid and electric cars, made these vehicles more environmental friendly. Olefinic elastomers like NR, contains reactive double bonds with potential to be modified as raw materials in many applications. Table 1, Figures 4 and 5. Such developments will give impetus to the sustainability and growth of an industry, benefitting the rubber farmer while fixing more GHG as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ENDS

References:

1. Bhowmik. I (2006), Tripura Rubber Mission Technical Bulletin 2. https://www.co2.earth/

3. Rao. P. S, et.al (1998), Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 3, 90

4. Chiang. C. C. K (2013), Natural rubber biosynthesis, PhD Thesis, The Graduate Faculty of The University of Akron, USA 5. Decoding the rubber tree genome, https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/06/160624100225.htm

 

 

Dr Sunil E Fernando is Former Executive Director, DPL Group, Sri Lanka, Managing Director Dipped Products (Thailand) Limited, Former Director, DPL Plantations and Kelani Valley Plantations Limited, Sri Lanka, and a Consultant - Latex Products

The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) has released its Monthly NR Statistical Report for August 2025, providing an overview of key developments in the global natural rubber sector.

According to the report, a number of reasons, including limited supply and rising demand, contributed to the volatile pattern in natural rubber prices this month. Consumption was increased by seasonal considerations, especially in China, where stronger demand was evidenced by inventory reductions at key ports. However, tapping efforts were restricted due to manpower shortages and rains in producing regions, which tightened supplies.

Global natural rubber (NR) output is expected to increase slightly by 0.5 percent in 2025 compared to 2024, according to recent data from ANRPC member countries. At the same time, a 1.3 percent increase in demand for natural rubber is anticipated in 2025. As buying demand increased, the market sentiment got more positive, especially when the customary peak season for natural rubber, notably for heavy-duty vehicles and all-steel tyres, began.

Tokai Carbon Co., Ltd. has finalised the strategic acquisition of Bridgestone Carbon Black (Thailand) Co., Ltd. from Bridgestone Corporation and Asahi Carbon Co., Ltd. The transaction, valued at roughly THB 2.05 billion (USD 56 million approximately), was officially completed on 30 September 2025. This move represents a significant expansion of Tokai Carbon's carbon black operations within the key Southeast Asian market.

Subsequent to the deal's closure, the newly acquired entity has been rebranded as Thai Tokai Carbon Product Rojana Co., Ltd. The company's ownership is now held by Thai Tokai Carbon Product Co., Ltd. at 99 percent and Tokai Carbon Co., Ltd. at one percent, making it a consolidated subsidiary. Tokai Carbon has appointed its Executive Officer, Tatsuhiko Yamazaki, as the new Managing Director to lead the organisation.

This acquisition is a calculated step in Tokai Carbon's wider plan to bolster its global presence and reinforce its production and supply chain capabilities. The company anticipates that this will solidify its standing in the international carbon black sector, which serves the tyre, rubber and various industrial markets. While the specific financial effect on its 2025 results is still being assessed, the move is a clear part of its ongoing growth strategy across Asia.

Hana Technologies Inc., a manufacturer of radio-frequency identification inlays, has joined the board of Auburn University’s RFID Lab, marking its deeper engagement in setting industry standards for the technology.

The appointment positions the California-based company, which holds ARC Quality certification, alongside other industry participants in shaping research and standards development at the Alabama-based laboratory, which is recognised as a leading academic centre for RFID testing and certification.

RFID technology uses electromagnetic fields to identify and track tags attached to objects automatically and has seen growing adoption in the retail, logistics, and manufacturing sectors for inventory management and supply chain tracking.

“I am excited and honoured to once again collaborate with the Auburn RFID Lab Board, representing Hana RFID,” said Jeremy Liu, chief technology officer of Hana RFID. “This opportunity allows us to contribute to the future of RFID by ensuring quality remains a top priority. Hana is proud of its strong position in the RFID world, and we are committed to supporting our partners with the finest, smartest products available. Together, we will keep moving the industry forward.”

John Erdmann, president and chief executive of Hana RFID, said: “The Auburn RFID Lab has been a key contributor since the very beginning, helping to create a strong and trustworthy RFID ecosystem. We are grateful for this foundation and see our board membership as a chance to give back to the community. Hana will be a fully engaged member – providing continuous feedback, and sharing our knowledge to ensure RFID adoption continues to grow on a solid, reliable base.”

The company, which operates manufacturing facilities globally, did not disclose the term of the board appointment or specific initiatives it plans to pursue in the role.

Kuraray Co., Ltd. has announced a significant step in its renewable energy transition through a 10-year virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) between Kuraray Holdings U.S.A., Inc. and Tokyo Gas America Ltd. (a subsidiary of TOKYO GAS CO., LTD.). This agreement, which commences in October 2025, involves the procurement of renewable energy from a solar power project located in Wharton County, Texas.

Annually, the arrangement will supply Kuraray with renewable energy certificates equivalent to 300 gigawatt-hours of electricity. The company projects this initiative will yield a substantial reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions, cutting the Kuraray Group's US emissions by nearly 70 percent. Furthermore, this shift is expected to lower the entire Group's global electricity-related emissions by approximately 40 percent.

This VPPA is a core component of Kuraray's broader environmental strategy, which identifies climate action as a critical priority. The Group has established a long-term objective of achieving carbon neutrality for its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2050. To ensure meaningful near-term progress, a new interim target has been set to reduce these emissions by 63 percent by 2035, using 2021 as the baseline year.

Beyond securing external renewable power, Kuraray is implementing a multi-faceted approach to decarbonisation. This includes enhancing energy conservation and operational efficiency across its production facilities, transitioning in-house power generation to natural gas and developing carbon capture, utilisation and storage technologies. The company will also collaborate with its supply chain to encourage a broader shift towards cleaner utility fuels. For advisory services related to this specific VPPA, Kuraray engaged Kinect Energy, Inc., a subsidiary of World Kinect Corporation.