Revealing the Environmental Footprint of Crepe Rubber Production: A Comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment of a Crepe Rubber Factory in Sri Lanka

Natural rubber, a renewable material with unique properties, is crucial for various products on the modern market. Crepe rubber, a versatile form of natural rubber, is widely used in numerous applications, including footwear soles, medical devices, automotive parts, adhesives, sports equipment, industrial components, musical instruments, and recreational products. Sri Lanka holds a prominent position as a leading producer of premium-quality crepe rubber but faces environmental challenges in its production process. Since previous life cycle assessments (LCAs) in the rubber industry are inadequate to capture the overall environmental impact, the present study attempted to address the gaps by conducting a detailed LCA of a Sri Lankan crepe rubber factory, incorporating a novel index termed the trade-off valuation index (TOVI). The research revealed that fertilizer, water, and electricity use contribute most significantly to crepe rubber production’s environmental impact. To mitigate these impacts, four key improvement options were identified and evaluated through scenario analysis: (1) enhancing fertilizer efficiency, (2) repairing leaky joints and valves, (3) implementing a water reuse system, and (4) installing solar panels. The integration of the TOVI allowed for the prioritization of these options, providing actionable insights for industry stakeholders. This study paves the way for targeted interventions to enhance the sustainability of the natural rubber industry by balancing economic viability with environmental stewardship.