Why Use Recycled Rubber Sheets and Rolls?

In order to do our part in contributing to a healthier environment, Rubber-Cal makes it a priority to offer products made using recycled rubber material, especially when this means passing savings on to our customers. But where do we get all of our recycled rubber? The vast majority of recycled rubber comes from plentiful sources of “used” rubber such as car tires. As a result, our recycled rubber sheets inherit some of the traits that belonged to the tires they are made from. If you are looking for an affordable rubber sheet that exhibits excellent durability against both physical and elemental abrasions, you should look no further than our recycled rubber rolls.

We stock recycled rubber sheets in large volumes and make it readily available to industry so that a low-priced option is available for use when company need a rubber sheet that is a workhorse. The recycled-content product of our rolls is an overwhelming portion of the weight of each product and the product has an 83% post-consumer recycled rubber content. The tire crumb that makes up the rubber in the recycled rubber sheets is post-consumer recyclable, and the material comes only from recyclables collected from consumers or businesses through tire recycling programs. Each of the states in the US have their own recycling programs. The recycling programs are funded by fees that are collected when tires are returned to state mandated locations (i.e., tire stores). In the US on a yearly basis 279 million tires are discarded each year by commercial and consumer vehicle owners. Scrap tires are used in a number of applications, but the three largest scrap tire markets are (1) tire-derived fuel, (2) civil engineering applications, and (3) ground rubber applications.

Recycled Rubber – 60A

Recycled Rubber – 60A

• Available in several different speckled color options
• Easily cleaned with common household soaps
• Provides better insulation against cold and damp surfaces
• Can be installed with either adhesive glue or double-sided tape

Eco-Conscious Product: This product is perfect for both the environmentally aware consumer and the budget shopper. The reason behind this is due to the recycled rubber material used to make each roll. Recycled rubber is made using mostly vehicle tires. Since rubber is non-biodegradable, it is healthier for the environment if it is taken out of landfills and reused in flooring rolls. Not only will benefit the environment’s health, it will also lower costs for you because recycled rubber is often a more affordable material than synthetic rubber.

Durable Protective Rubber: Another important benefit of having recycled rubber sheets is that they are very durable. This is thanks to the recycled tire material used to make the product. Vehicle tires are a hard rubber product because they are expected to function in a variety of extremely abrasive conditions. This recycled rubber roll can be used for any application that is physically demanding. It can handle the repeated physical stresses of both heavy foot traffic and solid machinery. It is hard to beat this quality level of durability.

History of Recycled Rubber

The process of recycling scrap tires was a very important development in modern industry and waste management. It gave rise to the availability of new, affordable recycled rubber products. Typical scrap tire management before 1985 consisted of sending whole tires to landfills for burial. This method of managing unwanted tires was designed to simply collect the tires from retailers and place them onto a pile, since there were no laws restricting how scrap tires could be managed, nor were there any programs seeking to encourage other uses for scrap tires. This led to a lot of tires taking up space in makeshift landfills. Huge tire stockpiles can be very harmful to the environment around them. Not only do they create a serious fire hazard, but tire piles can also be prime breeding grounds for harmful organisms.

The recycled rubber industry was born partly due to the large stockpile of rubber tires collected with the burgeoning automotive industry in the 1970s and 80s. Tires are made to last outdoor and made to last under heavy duress from the elements and the constant movement over asphalt and exposure to unknowns on the road. Tires must be made from the highest quality rubber products to meet the challenges of their use. For this reason, disposed tires that are left to their accord in abandoned yards have very long life-cycles. In the US and in the 1970s tire stockpiles swiftly became hazardous for communities. Since scrap tires are hollow in shape, they can retain water and become breeding grounds for mosquitos or rodents. Any stagnant water body is a perfect location for female mosquitoes to lay eggs. Inactive water in tires landfills gives mosquitos a massive breeding ground in landfills. The presence of still water and liquid filth allows the stockpiles to serve as ideal grounds for insects and rodents carrying harmful diseases. When a mosquito feeds on human or animal blood, it also takes in and stores any pests living in the blood. These diseases and organisms are then conveyed to the next creature as the mosquito bites. Any illness that is passed on this way to individuals or animals is known as a ‘mosquito-borne disease’. These include Malaria, Dengue, West Niles Virus, Zika, Yellow Fever and Chikungunya.

In addition to the health hazards, the improper disposal or storage of scrap tires is also a fire hazard. Tires are made from petroleum derived rubber products, and these are flammable products. In 1983 an arsonist set fire to millions of tires in Frederick County, Virginia. Four to Five million tires stored on a farm west of Winchester burnt for 9 months. On September 24, 1984, 4 million scrap consumer tires begun burning in Everett Washington. A huge tower of black smoke rose from the fire and began moving southward, but the black dust settled all over Everett, and by afternoon a dense black cloud blocked out the sun in most of the city. Events like this led American lawmakers and the consumers to demand change in the way used tires were stored and dealt with. Hence, the birth of the recycled rubber industry.

General Purpose Rubber – 60A – 3/8″ x 36″

• Smooth black finish
• Stocked width of 36”
• A rubber sheet for a variety of applications
• Working temperature range of -10° F to 190° F

SBR Rubber:  Our General Purpose Rubber sheets are made using styrene butadiene rubber (SBR). This synthetic elastomer is known for its durability. SBR’s physical qualities are present in this solid rubber sheet. With a durometer rating of 60, it can handle physical abrasions pretty well. This rubber sacrifices some elasticity and pliability, but it is meant more for physical applications that require a moderate degree of strength. In addition, its durability is enhanced by the fact that it is a vulcanized rubber sheets.

Different Gauges: You may require a specific thickness gauge depending on what application you need this rubber sheet for. We stock our general purpose in the thickness gauges of 1/16”, 1/8”, 1/4”, 3/8”, and 1/2”. If you have an application that requires a thick gasket, then we have dependable 1/2” thick vulcanized rubber sheets in stock for you. Alternatively, if you require a thin sealing rubber, try the 1/16” version.

General Purpose Rubber – 60A – 3/8″ x 36″

Is Recycled Rubber Eco Friendly?

Yes, almost all recycled rubber is made from recycled tires and a smaller portion from other sources. The history of recycled rubber material tells us that rubber and rubber products are not friends of the environment. What makes rubber so detrimental to the environment is that it is not so easily a biodegradable material. This causes rubber to stay out in the environment indefinitely taking up space that can be used for more eco-friendly, biodegradable waste.

But a huge emphasis is now put on recycling these scrap waste tires, with more than 95% now become re-used recycled rubber material. Rather than being left to rot slowly, these old vehicle tires are now put back into use, going through the process to recycled rubber products. This process has given rise to a strong environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic rubbers. These new products are recycled rubber sheets and rolls which provide plenty of benefits to eco-conscious consumers. About 80 percent of all used tires are handled by retail tire stores and the other 20 percent by auto dismantlers. Tires are collected then picked up by third party firms to tire re-treaders, reclaimers, and large facilities that grind tires. Tires are composed of rubber, steel, and textiles. At the recycling locations, these are separated and recycled as distinct entities.

Since recycled rubber products are generally made from scrap vehicle tire rubber, as explained above, they help reduce the landfills. Since millions of these tires are discarded every year, they are often harvested, or recycled, for their rubber material to be used in various kinds of recycled rubber products. To do this, the tires are shredded down to a fine crumb and bonded back together under elevated temperatures, with a polyurethane-based binder. This production process gives recycled rubber products excellent durability and moisture resistance. This is how our recycled rubber sheets are made, and it is why recycled rubber sheets exhibit excellent abrasion and weathering qualities. Recycled rubber sheets and rolls are the ultimate in eco-friendly products.

Custom-Cut Recycled Rubber 1/4″ or 6.4mm

• Can be used indoors or outdoors
• Available in 247 size variations
• Exceedingly durable rubber designed to withstand a variety of impacts
• Easy, do-it-yourself installation with double-sided tape

Unparalleled Resilience: Custom Cut Recycled Rubber is nearly unmatched in terms of durability. It has high degrees of abrasion resistance, impact absorbance, and water resistance. Plus, it is highly weather resistant, making it a long-lasting flooring or padding option for both indoor and outdoor applications. This rubber product is made from discarded vehicle tires and car tires which are designed specifically to handle some of the most extreme outdoor conditions; therefore, it is no surprise that Custom Cut Elephant Bark has many of the resilient features that tires display. Use this product for flooring or as a protective rubber pad, and you will not be disappointed.

1/4” Thick Recycled Rubber Sheet: This 6.4mm thick is an ideal choice when any rubber sheet is required. More durable than neoprene, less expensive than any other rubber sheet, and perhaps more UV resistant than EPDM, this recycled rubber sheet should be considered anytime hard rubber products are needed.

Custom-Cut Recycled Rubber 1/4″ or 6.4mm

Benefits of Recycled Rubber

Our recycled rubber rolls possess the durability and properties of the tires from which they are sourced. This kind of recycled rubber material is advantageous to customers because they can endure against heavy physical objects and outdoor environmental conditions. Recycled rubber sheets are prized for their enhanced durability against physical objects. The material guards well against repeated impact, high levels of wear and tear and the weight of heavy equipment. This is primarily why it is great for use in commercial and industrial applications. Like the tires they are made from, recycled rubber products exhibit enhanced levels of resistance against damaging UV rays and moisture. Recycled rubber products are ideal for outdoor application due to its high resistance to weathering and moisture.

Here is a list of advantageous properties of recycled rubber sheets and rolls:

1. Impact resistant – This enables recycled rubber to withstand forceful contact without breaking or fracturing. Recycled rubbers are used in weight rooms, as horse stall mats and as running tracks.
2. UV resistance – The ability of recycled rubber to resist ultraviolet (UV) light or sunlight will increase its lifecycle when used during heavy exposure to sunlight.
3. Exhibit excellent outdoor life – Since recycled rubbers are byproducts of tires and car tires are made to be used outdoors for years; hence these sheets are also ultra durable outdoors.
4. Good temperatures resistance – Since recycled rubber sheets have a wide range of temperatures resistance, they can be used in a wide variety of geographic locations.
5. Moisture resistance – Recycled rubber’s ability to maintain its properties when exposed to water or humidity allows it to be used in construction, as flooring or surfacing in playgrounds. Recycled rubber does not get suffer from water-related issues like mold, corrosion, and structural weakening.
6. Easily moldable – During production you can shape the product into a variety of 3 dimensional shapes. This makes for a raw material that can turn into a vast volume of product types.
7. Protective layers – There is no better protective layer, regardless of costs, especially when used outdoors
8. Low cost vs. alternatives – Recycled rubber is far less expensive than petroleum based or natural rubber elastomers.

X-Derm – Textured Recycled Rubber – 60A – 1.5mm x 36″

• Good for resisting water
• Medium durometer of 55-65, offering more flexibility
• Recycled tire rubber gives this sheet enhanced weather resistance
• Recycled rubber material can function in temperatures as high as 170° F

Eco-Friendly Rubber: Given its recycled nature, this product is an eco-friendly alternative to other synthetic rubbers. It is made from recycled tire rubber. By using the rubber harvested from vehicle tires, it helps reduce the presence of non-biodegradable waste in the ecosystem. The additional benefits of a recycled rubber product that directly affect you are twofold. First, it is ultimately a more affordable product than its synthetic rubber counterparts. Secondly, thanks to the durable tire rubber used to make these sheets, they feature good durability against physical abrasions.

Surface Texture for Traction: This rubber texture sheet comes with a coarse and bumpy surface design that is meant to enhance traction. Traction is very important for any sheet that can be used as a runner or walkway. It enhances the grip and stability for those who are walking on top of the sheet. This eco-friendly rubber runner sheet can help make any commercial or industrial walkway a much safer place.

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What is Recycled Rubber Used For?

While recycled rubber products are great for many uses and settings, they lack the properties of chemical resistance that their synthetic rubber counterparts possess. Recycled rubber sheets can come in the form of rolls, tiles or mats that are versatile enough to be used indoors and outdoors interchangeably. Recycled rubber sheets are not meant to be used in applications that involve oils and chemicals. Exposure to such compounds can damage and degrade recycled rubber material significantly. Despite this drawback, recycled rubber products still have price and environmental advantages over synthetic rubber. Due to their recycled nature, they are more cost-effective alternatives to products made of synthetic rubber. Synthetic elastomers cost more to produce because they are generally meant for specific chemical use. The production of recycled rubber rolls is far less cost-intensive in comparison. As a result, these savings are passed on to customers, who get recycled rubber products at a great price. Additionally, they are eco-friendly products because their production actually takes non-biodegradable waste out of the environment. Recycled rubber sheets allow the consumer to save money while reducing any negative environmental impact.

Rubber-Cal lives up to its commitment to keeping the environment clean and healthy by offering recycled rubber products to consumers for their commercial and industrial needs. It is now possible to have the physical and environmental durability of vehicle tires in the form of rolled sheets. Although they are not meant for oil and chemical applications, recycled rubber products can endure heavy physical impacts and resist the effects of UV rays and moisture. Now that recycled rubber products are readily available on the market, discover how Rubber-Cal’s line of recycled rubber sheets can provide you with this durable material at affordable rates.

Custom Cut Recycled Rubber Flooring

Custom-Cut Recycled Rubber 5mm

• Super durable rubber that is often used in weight-rooms
• Made from recycled tires, making for an eco-friendly part
• 5mm is ample thickness when a protective sheet is required

5mm Thick Recycled Rubber Sheet: This 5mm thick rubber sheet is just over 3/16-inch (e.g., 0.196”) and that is ample thickness to be used as a protective surface. Recycled rubber is ideal for padding because it can be used indoor or outdoor and it has excellent impact absorption qualities. Recycled rubber is rubber that has been reclaimed from scrap materials such as used tires. Since tires are made of the highest quality rubber products, recycled rubber sheets made from tire crumb receive these same qualities.

Custom-Fit Pads, Floors, Mats, or Gaskets! In house, we have a team of expert craftsmen readily available to personalize rubber products to match your needs. Custom-Cut recycled rubber rolls are no exception. Down to a fraction of an inch, we will happily cut any roll of rubber to match your desired specifications. No matter how specific your demands are, we are highly capable of tailoring your order to fit your unique application. The ability to buy custom sized rubber sheets saves consumers money and time. Wastage is kept at a minimum and the end-user can put the rubber product to work immediately. In addition, the ability to purchase customized rubber sheets in small quantities allows clients to test products and ideas with very little costs.

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