Cross-section through a Goodyear tyre revealing the metal structure inside the composite rubber matrix. The two main synthetic rubbers in car tyres are polybutadiene rubber (BR) and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR). They are typically used in combination with around 20% natural rubber (NR). Tyres used in more demanding applications, such as trucks and aircraft, contain a higher proportion of natural rubber. A whole host of other materials and additives are used, including steel cable, reinforcing textile and fillers (predominately carbon black and silica for conductivity and enhanced resistance to tearing and abrasion) to give the desired performance.
Michelin Pilot Sport tyre. The two main synthetic rubbers in car tyres are polybutadiene rubber (BR) and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR). They are typically used in combination with around 20% natural rubber (NR). Tyres used in more demanding applications, such as trucks and aircraft, contain a higher proportion of natural rubber. A whole host of other materials and additives are used, including steel cable, reinforcing textile and fillers (predominately carbon black and silica for conductivity and enhanced resistance to tearing and abrasion) to give the desired performance. Image Michelin.
Hvisk handbag in Leap alternative leather. This 89% bio-based textile is made with a three-layer structure comprising a Tencel Lyocell regenerated cellulose backing fabric, apple waste natural rubber blend middle layer that is plastic-free but not 100% bio-based, and partially bio-based BASF polyurethane (PUR) coating for durability.
Gen1 Grapes T. Black trainers by Mother Earth [MoEa] sneakers brand. The upper is made with GrapeSkin synthetic leather, which is made up of 55% grape waste, 45% water-based polyurethane resin (PUR) and recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET), polyester, backing. Natural rubber sole with 30% recycled content. Image MoEa.
Allbirds Plant Pacer trainers. Upper made from Mirum from startup Natural Fiber Welding (plastic-free plant leather made with natural rubber, plant-based oil, natural pigments, and minerals), lining made with 43% eucalyptus-based Tencel Lyocell and 57% recycled polyester (PET), midsole made with sugarcane-based green ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and sole in natural rubber. Image Allbirds.
Wellington boot by Stella McCartney for Hunter, 2019, made with Yulex rubber. The sole and upper are moulded and welded to produce a watertight boot. The stretch-sock insert is a closed-cell foam produced with natural rubber, also from Yulex. This material offers an alternative to neoprene, a synthetic rubber typically used in these types of fabrics, like wetsuits. Image Hunter.
Mirum colours by Natural Fiber Welding. This plastic-free plant leather is made with natural rubber, plant-based oil, natural pigments, and minerals. Image Natural Fiber Welding.
Hancock jacket made with rubber-bonded cotton. Based on the same material as the original Mackintosh coat, it is constructed from a layer of rubber sandwiched between two layers of cotton to create a durable, waterproof fabric. The seams are handmade and bonded with rubber for a 100% watertight coat. Image Hancock.
Leap plant-based leather alternative from Beyond Leather takes apple waste and converts it into textile. Currently 89% bio-based, it is made up of a three-layer structure, with a Tencel Lyocell regenerated cellulose backing fabric, apple waste blend middle layer that is plastic-free but not 100% bio-based, and partially bio-based polyurethane coating for durability. Image Beyond Leather.
Spot Material is a database of materials for sustainable design, curated by Rob Thompson. Compare properties, carbon and end of life, find better alternatives and discover new material innovations Check your material for free →
@spot_material
hello@spotmaterial.com