Delivering Sustainability
Our products and manufacturing processes have low environmental consequences in the following areas:
- raw material extraction and depletion
- emissions into the air, water and soil
- land conversion and physical modification of the natural area
- noise pollution
- land and water use
- human toxic effects
- climate change, ozone depletion and photochemical ozone creation
- ecotoxicity, eutrophication and acidfication
At A1 Rubber, we want to go above and beyond simply offering a “green” product choice.
Our goal is to include as much recycled content as possible in our production of all products, as we feel that simply providing a "green" product option while still manufacturing a vast majority of unsustainable products is a weak commitment to a sustainable future. Therefore, we include recycled content wherever possible and are proud to say that 99% of our products manufactured in our Yatala factory contain recycled tyre rubber.
At A1 Rubber, we upcycle approx. 17,000m³ of crumbed rubber annually, an amount we are continually striving to grow. That’s roughly 270 semi trailers full of crumbed rubber per year! When you buy our products, this is the result you are contributing to.
THE IDEA: Sustainability
As technology advances and knowledge increases, it is becoming more and more apparent that sustainability is vital for future generations, to the point where it is now a key factor in many new constructions and ventures.
CURRENT SITUATION: Exponential Oil Usage
Most people will think of fuels when they think of oil usage, but the shocking truth is nearly any virgin product that is not grown or recycled is manufactured using oil derivatives. This includes everyday items such as synthetic fibres (clothes, carpets, etc), fertilisers, detergents, food preservatives, medicines, inks and all plastics!
THE PROBLEM: Finite Oil Supply
As more and more products are made of synthetic, oil derived materials, the growth in oil consumption is exponential. The problem, however, is that oil is a finite resource and regardless of technology and investment, output cannot go on increasing year after year. M. King Hubert predicted oil production would peak between 1965 and 1970. His prediction was accurate, and we have already passed peak oil and are now using the last half faster than we used the first.
SOLUTION: Recycle!
At A1 Rubber, we believe the solution to the problem and working towards the idea of a sustainable future is obvious: recycle! By using recycled materials, we are not only preventing a waste product from becoming detrimental to the environment, but we are also refraining from harvesting large amounts of rescources from the earth to make our products. One day oil is going to run out, and when that happens, our products will still be available.
What are the alternatives if we don’t provide upcycled products?
Recycling and upcycling have played important roles in the construction industry for many years. The concept of reducing waste, re-using old materials and becoming sustainable are ingrained in our culture, and are even understood by our children.
At A1 Rubber, we understand the importance of upcycling as a way to slow the trend of harvesting new materials from the Earth. In many of its applications, the alternatives to recycled rubber are oil derived, putting unnecessary pressure on our planet’s delicate ecosystem.