Advanced Tracking and Monitoring Security, Agriculture, Blog, Chemical Industry, Cross Border Shipping, Dangerous and Hazardous Goods, General Transportation, Industrial, International Shipments, Logistics, Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical / Healthcare, Rail Cargo, Rail Freight, Sea Container Cargo, Supply Chain Security, Temperature Indicators, Trucking Cargo, TydenBrooks

Safeguarding Rubber Shipments for a World of Essential Products

Products made from rubber are a vital part of everyday life. This elastic material is used in numerous products, ranging from rubber stamps and waterproof shoes to surfing wetsuits, swimming caps, and dishwasher hoses. Rubber products permeate various industries, including aerospace, aeronautics, underwater exploration, agriculture, and household appliances. These indispensable technical rubber products are essential for the smooth functioning of diverse products across these sectors. Applications are so broad that comparatively few people are aware how dependent we are on this remarkable product.

In 2021, Thailand was the largest natural rubber exporter in the world, with sales totaling 5.5 billion U.S. dollars. This accounted for roughly 33 percent of the global value of natural rubber exports. The second-largest exporter in 2021 was Indonesia, which exported four billion U.S. dollars worth of natural rubber. In the first three quarters of 2021, global rubber exports reached 16.8 million metric tons, compared to 20.8 million metric tons in the previous year. Asian countries, particularly Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, contribute significantly to the world’s rubber production.

The automotive sector accounts for 65% of the production of general rubber goods. Beyond tires, wiper blades, seals, air and radiator hoses and seatbelts list rubber as their main components. Rubber is resistant to several chemicals used in a car and can withstand the heat and cold. Rubber is also used to make gaskets used in cars, which help create a seal so there is no leak when fluids are flowing through junction areas in a pipe or a hose. Rubber is also used to cover electrical wires and to create shields for electrical parts and pieces in a car.

Household appliances, industrial applications and the energy/offshore industry account for another 30% of the market. There are also hundreds of uses for rubber in the construction industry and in the leisure and sports equipment. Food contact articles are also a beneficiary of rubber. It’s used in teats, toys and rubber seals which form essential parts of supply systems for drinking water. As an essential natural commodity, shipping rubber must be properly secured from appropriation, the introduction of contraband, and requires comprehensive supply chain visibility to ensure the optimal condition of your cargo. Review the risks and be forward-looking with TydenBrooks’ layered security solutions.

Mitigating the Risks

  • Rubber is a natural commodity prone to rot, mold, and decay if mishandled. Avoid transporting rubber in rainy or snowy conditions as moisture can lead to rotting, deterioration, and discoloration.
  • Temperature control is crucial during rubber shipment. Extreme cold can cause crystallization and tearing, while excessive heat from sunlight or warm environments can make rubber sticky, form soft spots, and deform.
  • Rubber sticking together or picking up debris can complicate the shipment and potentially ruin it. Talcum is necessary to prevent sticking for crepe and sheet rubber shipments. Plastic sheets are inserted between condensed large blocks or bricks for block rubber.
  • Even though rubber is not classified as hazmat, it is still dangerous. When natural rubber burns, it burns incredibly hot (up to 1,200°C) and sputters, making the fire spread rapidly. It also produces thick black smoke that is composed of many harmful gases, making it difficult to get close to and extinguish.

Layered Security

Securing the World

Through the application of TydenBrooks’ proven multi-layered barrier and connected GPS security strategies, carriers and shippers who handle critical rubber compounds, bales, and crepe can effectively shield their shipments from potential harm caused by temperature and moisture fluctuations, while safeguarding for their valuable cargo with the inclusion of ISO 17712 barrier security seals.

Why settle for anything less than total peace of mind. Trust the cargo security experts with 150 years of proven solutions. Contact our leading supply chain security specialists today at 1-800-458-7325 or send us an email at [email protected].

Related Posts