The Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII) has developed an innovative process for recovering high quality rubber from skim latex. Skim latex is a by-product produced during the manufacture of Centrifuged Latex (Cenex), containing about 3-4 per cent of skim rubber.

Cenex is commonly used in the manufacturing of products such as gloves, condoms, and balloons. India has over 40 centrifuging factories, and approximately 10 per cent of the natural rubber produced in the country is converted into Cenex through the process of centrifugation, said M Vasanthagesan, Executive Director, Rubber Board.

Eco efficiency

The newly developed process by RRII eliminates the need for plastic sacks and cuts down processing time to just 24 hours. It significantly minimizes foul odours, boosts environmental sustainability, and ensures complete recovery of high-quality rubber from skim latex. The method is quicker, less labour intensive, and more efficient, offering a substantial benefit to the industry, he said.

The technology has been transferred to the Federation of Latex Processors (FLP) - an association of centrifuged latex factory owners - on a paid basis, and is also available to other associations and Cenex units on a payment basisl.

The Board is branding the product as Indian Purified Skim Rubber (IPSR) and is in the process of patenting the technology. Rubber industries across the country have shown keen interest in adopting IPSR for product manufacturing, as it offers a competitive edge due to its lower cost and superior quality, he said.

Traditional method

Currently, skim rubber is recovered through acid coagulation of skim latex, resulting in a skim rubber slurry. This slurry is then packed into multiple plastic sacks and left for two weeks for dewatering and solidification. The resulting skim powder is further processed into skim crepe, MD Jessy, Director in charge of RRII, said.

However, this conventional method yields only low-quality rubber, is labour intensive and crude, and generates foul odours. Besides, it poses challenges for effluent treatment plants and has led to public protests and legal disputes in areas surrounding Cenex factories, she added.

The Board is branding the product as Indian Purified Skim Rubber (IPSR) and is in the process of patenting the technology.