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Agnes Gianni

Future of Rubber Thread: Going Green and Upcycling Your Used Threads

Updated: Nov 15

Like any other industry, the textile world continues to transform. Once a niche material, rubber threads are gaining traction for their functionality and potential to create exciting new possibilities. They have revolutionized how clothes fit on our bodies, expanded their use for activewear, and even increased the production efficiency of factories everywhere. However, with growing environmental concerns, the future of rubber thread hinges on its ability to embrace sustainability and eco-friendly practices. 


There are many ways to implement sustainable practices from a sourcing standpoint. For instance, rubber production companies should be able to re-plant the trees they have cleared for harvesting. Another way is to plant rubber trees on low-quality degraded land and diversify plant types to create semi-natural forests. Rubber production actors can also choose to harvest sustainably without clearing natural forests and using harmful chemicals.


Four strips of white rubber threads
Photo (c) Omnimax

While responsible sourcing is crucial, responsible consumption is equally important. Consumers everywhere need to think creatively about recycling or upcycling used items. In this article, we will discuss a possibly more sustainable approach to rubber production and how upcycling old items is possible.


The Green Rubber Revolution

While natural rubber is the preferred source material for rubber threads and all things elastic, mass harvests could result in shortages over the years. Efforts to replenish resources to increase sustainability have also been scarce. Thus, rubber companies must focus their CSR initiatives on giving back to the Earth by ensuring sustainable resourcing and minimizing environmental impact.


Another way to source materials is by recycling ready-made rubber items into raw materials. Rubber thread companies can and should recycle used tires or industrial waste into thread production. These items are shredded using machines and frozen at sub-zero temperatures to ease the destruction process till it is ready for use. Once pliable, the recycled rubber is ready for repurposing and made into a new set of rubber threads at your disposal. 



A long white strip of rubber thread
Photo (c) Omnimax

Upcycling Rubber Threads

You don’t have to throw away used rubber thread products after the end of its life. You can easily upcycle them from home or send them to recycling centers near you. Should you choose to upcycle them by yourself, you can create small crafts like keychains, hair ties, or woven decorations for your house. Rubber looming and knitting are two popular methods for this. 


If you have clothing made of rubber threads, such as socks, stockings, or activewear that is no longer performing their best, you can use them to mend tears and reinforce seams in other clothing. You could even stitch together fabric scraps to make a quilt or a new pair of trousers for leisure. The key to upcycling is using the things you have and making them work. 


By working together, we can ensure that rubber thread continues to push the boundaries of textile design while minimizing its environmental impact. Consider sustainable options when possible, and get creative with upcycling to prolong the lives of your beloved products. 


Let us weave a more sustainable future using good quality rubber threads with long-lasting colors and elasticity from Omnimax by PT Cilatexindo Graha Alam (www.omnimax.id).


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