Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) is a species of rubberwood, which is native to rainforests in the Amazon region of Brazil, South America. The important rubber plantation area is in the Malay Peninsula due to the favorable weather and topography, causing the rubber to have been widely cultivated across the area since 1882. Natural rubber serves as an important raw material in rubber products such as tires, rubber gloves, bags, condoms, shoe soles, and automotive parts, etc. Later, during World War I, natural rubber distribution routes were cut off, causing a severe shortage of natural rubber issues. Therefore, there had been researching and development of synthetic rubber, which is a by-product of oil to replace natural rubber. Currently, due to the growth of the automobile industry, natural rubber is insufficient. As a result, synthetic rubber has greatly increased production. Moreover, the industry demands rubber with specific features such as oil resistance, high wear resistance, and high-temperature resistance, etc.

Natural rubber and synthetic rubber are all significant to the rubber raw material-related industries. Moreover, both are required to be used together in many products for the benefit of quality and to meet the needs of products. Furthermore, it can be used interchangeably in various cases. In terms of production comparing, natural rubber is agricultural production with environmentally friendly, as well as creating sustainability for all relevant sectors. Meanwhile, synthetic rubber is an industrial production that requires high investment. Moreover, it causes harmful effects on the environment. However, natural rubber yields are uncertain. It depends on the weather conditions. In contrast, synthetic rubber quality and yield can be controlled. Therefore, synthetic rubber price does not fluctuate, unlike natural rubber.  

The total of world rubber production in 2020 was 24.70 million tons, including 12.60 million tons of natural rubber and 12.10 million tons of synthetic rubber (the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC), 2021). From 2015-2020, natural rubber production tended to increase on average by 1.38%; meanwhile, synthetic rubber production tended to decline on average by 4.10%. In 2020, China was the most synthetic rubber producer with 3.12 million tons (25.82%), followed by the US and the EU with 1.86 million tons (15.36%) and 1.70 million tons (14.04%), respectively. In terms of synthetic rubber consumption in 2020, China was the most consumer with 3.86 million tons (32.60%), followed by the US and the EU with 1.74 million tons (14.70%) and 7.71 tons (14.46%), respectively (LMC TYRE & RUBBER, 2021). An average share of natural rubber and synthetic rubber usage was 50.52% per 49.48%

The Thai Rubber Association recognizes the importance of the synthetic rubber movement information occurring around the world because it will directly affect natural rubber. Therefore, the Thai Rubber Association will continue gathering information about synthetic rubber to present to members.

Mr.Chaiyos Sincharoenkul

President

The Thai Rubber Association