Hevea Brasiliensis and Rubber Bands
What do the Hevea brasiliensis and Rubber Bands have in common? The Hevea brasiliensis, better known as the rubber tree is the primary source of natural rubber. Bounce Rubber Bands are created with this natural product.
About the Rubber Tree
The Havea brasilisensis better known as the rubber tree was originally discovered in the Amazon. However, the world's rubber production now comes from plantations found in Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. The rubber tree is a member of the family Euphorbiaceae, in which there are only three species that produce usable Rubber:- Hevea brasiliensis, Hevea guianensis and Hevea benthamiana. The other species in the family have too high a ratio of resin to rubber in their latex. Commercially, the Hevea brasiliensis is the only species that is planted and is the primary source of natural rubber. The Hevea brasiliensis is a deciduous tree. In the wild, it grows up to 40 metres in height and can live for 100 years. Plantation trees grow between 15-25 metres and are usually replanted after 25-35 years when the milky latex production reduces.
Uses and cultivation
The milky latex of Hevea brasiliensis, produced by a specialised secretory system in the phloem is the raw material for natural rubber. Latex is a renewable resource that can be tapped sustainably without harming the tree. Rubber is water-resistant, does not conduct electricity, is durable and most importantly is highly elastic. These useful properties are due to the complex molecular structure of rubber. Rubber has been used for centuries. Its versatility was greatly improved by a process developed in the nineteenth century called vulcanisation in which the rubber is treated with sulphur and heat. Natural rubber bands are used in thousands of ways, from slingshots, floral arrangements, dental braces, horsetail braiding, newspaper wrap, packaging, art and craft, cash handling, engineering, and industrial and office applications. Felled plantation trees are used for timber (Rubberwood) which has important uses in the furniture industry. The seeds contain oil that can be used in making paints and soaps.
Rubber Bands
At Bounce Rubber Bands, we source our rubber from Thailand where it is commercially produced in plantations. Bounce Rubber Bands has partnered with local manufacturers and we have worked together to create an eco-friendly and sustainable product under an agreement.
Bounce Rubber Bands® takes great pride in their products, service levels and commitment to client satisfaction. We offer industry-best pricing and work with reputable distributors around Australia and internationally. If you have any questions or expressions of interest in becoming one of our reputable re-sellers, please contact Bounce Rubber Bands today!