Rubber-Cal - A Comprehensive Source for Sheet Rubber, Rubber Mats, Rubber Flooring

Hevea brasiliensis is a tropical tree. It is native to the Amazon Basin in Brazil and adjoining countries. In comparison to the production of synthetic rubbers from petroleum, Hevea, the rubber-tree, has been called "The green rubber factory". Hevea uses the sun as a renewable energy source together with atmospheric CO2, water and mineral elements of relatively poor soils for the building of its constituents. The by-products of Hevea are to a high degree "biodegradable" and rubber itself is "recyclable". The rubber tree may be used to reconstitute new forests on poor or degraded soils. Also, the wood from "the rubber tree" is increasingly used as timber.

Tapping begins once trees reach maturity at about seven years, although this may be later in unfavorable areas. Tapping involves periodically cutting bark on the trunk, and hence severing latex vessels. It is best done at a 25-30° angle from the horizontal, from high on the left of the tree to low on its right, in an action exposing the maximum number of latex vessels per length of incision. Tapping productivity is a critical issue in maintaining sustainable supplies of natural rubber.

One of the main reasons for the successful establishment of Hevea brasiliensis on a plantation scale was the discovery of the excision method of tapping for harvesting rubber: the same cut is regularly reopened by the removal at each tapping of a thin shaving of bark from the sloping cut. This principle is in general use today: Each time a tree is tapped (with a suitable knife) a channel is prepared along which the latex flows. This method avoids wounding trees.

06-02-09 Puzzle-Lock Rubber Tiles make an appearance on HGTV’s “Designed to Sell.” (Full Story)

04-27-09 Rubber-Cal Inc., announces the re-release of a 100% grease resistant nitrile floor mat: The All New “Paw-Grip rubber mat” (Full Story)

04-03-2009 Rubber-Cal Inc. to introduce a new product to its current line of rubber floor mat options: Bubble-Top Anti-Fatigue Mats. (Full Story)

08-01-2008 Rubber-Cal Inc. set to introduce Santoprene. (Full Story)

06-20-08 Rubber-Cal's rubber flooring starring on NBC's hit show The Biggest Loser. (Full Story)

04-25-08 Product Release: Back in black! The Air Ventilator is now available in an all black color. (Full Story)

03-15-08 Product Release: The new Super-Grip Scraper rubber entry mat. (Full Story)

03-07-08 Dura-Chef floor mats starring in Universal Studios's Waterworld attraction. (Full Story)

02-18-08 The DIY networks Man Caves: Ultimate Gyms, Starring Tony Siragusa, will floor the Hoboken Fire Department's gym with Eco-Sport rubber flooring. (Full Story)

12-03-07 Eco-Play Safety Tiles, Rubber-Cal Inc., today unveiled a new product to the playground surfacing market. (Full Story)

10-19-2007 Rubber-Cal announces Puzzle-Lock, recycled modular rubber tiles, product release. (Full Story)

07-15-2007 - Gray Eco-Sport tiles have been released! (Full Story)

06-08-2007- The Air Ventilator's, Rubber-Cal's (i.e. Ducting.com) newest air ventilation flex hose, has officially been released! (Full Story)

04-04-2007 - Rubber-Cal's Industrial Ducting products playing a supporting role in the Eddie Murphy's newest film "Starship Dave" (Full Story)

03-15-2007 - Rubber-Cal's Shark Tooth Mats to Appear in M. Night Shyamalan's newest film "Avatar." (Full Story)

02-16-2007- New rubber matting products, with an "Old School Feel" (Full Story)

12-22-2006 Eco-Sport Tiles starring the latest Bud Light Commercial. (Watch the Commercial)

08-22-2006 Eco-Sport Tiles starring on the DIY networks "DIY to the Rescue."

(Full Story)

08-20-2006 Blue Man Group dedicated to progressive artistic endeavors, set to utilize X-Derm, a recycled Sheet Rubber product. (Full Story)

8-15-2006 Eco-Sport Tiles: The New Standard in Recycled Rubber Flooring. (Full Story)

07-17-2006- Dura-Chef mats to appear in the new Warner Bros. film, "Spring Breakdown." How do you keep actors sure-footed in four feet of foam? (Full Story)

05-01-2006- Rubber-Cal is HUBZone certified. Rubber-Cal has obtained federal HUBZone certification, which will allow the company to better serve the needs and contracting requirements of government purchasers.

(Full Story)