Reclaim Rubber Applications
These reclaim rubber applications show where each de-vulcanized grade earns its place in a compound. Reclaim is cured rubber converted back into an uncured masterbatch that mixes like a polymer, so manufacturers use it as a low-cost replacement for virgin polymer. Butyl reclaim goes mostly into tire manufacturing; EPDM, SBR 1502, natural rubber (NR) and whole tire reclaim (WTR) go mostly into compression-molded and extruded rubber goods.
- Grades
- 5
- Capacity
- 500+ MT / month
- Full truckload
- 43,000 lb
- Lead time
- 4–6 weeks (SBR 1502: 4)
Which reclaim grade for which application
| Grade | Main applications | Tensile | Hardness | Feedstock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Butyl reclaim rubber | Tire inner liners, tubes, retread and sidewall compounds; butyl adhesives | 1,000+ PSI | 45 ± 5 Shore A | 100% butyl rubber inner tubes |
| Whole tire reclaim (WTR) | Solid and pneumatic tires; compression-molded and extruded goods | 1,067+ / 640+ / 570+ PSI (#704 / #504 / #522) | 55 ± 5 / 60 ± 3 / 60 ± 3 Shore A | TBR / truck tires, buffings, truck tire crumb |
| EPDM reclaim rubber | Extruded EPDM profiles, roofing membranes, conveyor belts, molded compounds, EPDM adhesives | 853+ PSI | 55 ± 5 Shore A | Cured EPDM automotive weatherstrips |
| SBR 1502 reclaim | Mechanical (molded) rubber goods, transit flooring, extrusion-grade and fabric- or cord-reinforced compounds, retread compounds | 950+ PSI | 50 ± 5 Shore A | 100% SBR 1502 cured gasket scrap |
| Natural reclaim rubber | Extrusion-grade and fabric- or cord-reinforced compounds; compounds that cut virgin NR cost | 430+ PSI | 60 ± 5 Shore A | Natural rubber inner tubes |
Applications
Why manufacturers use reclaim rubber
- Lower compound cost: reclaim replaces part of the virgin polymer, or serves as the polymer on its own.
- Mixes like a polymer: one or two pass cycles on a Banbury or open mill, without sticking.
- Blends well with other elastomers, oils, carbon black, processing aids, accelerators and sulfur.
- Consistent feed: each grade comes from a single, known cured scrap stream.
- Documented lots: every lot is certified and ships with a COA and MSDS.
Supply and lead time
Pickup from our warehouse in Columbus, OH, or door delivery of full or partial truckloads to the Northeast, Midwest, South, West Coast and Canada. Capacity is 500+ MT per month across all grades. A full truckload is 43,000 lb, lead time is 4–6 weeks (4 weeks for SBR 1502), and every lot is certified and ships with a COA and MSDS.
Have cured scrap of your own?
We run the same conversion for manufacturers through contract toll processing, and can return the masterbatch to your own mixing room.
Get a quote for reclaim rubber
Reclaim rubber applications: common questions
What is reclaim rubber used for?+
Mostly as a low-cost replacement for virgin polymer. Butyl reclaim goes mainly into tire manufacturing (inner liners, tubes, retread compounds). EPDM, SBR 1502, NR and whole tire reclaim go mainly into compression-molded and extruded rubber goods. Whole tire reclaim is also used in solid and pneumatic tires.
Which reclaim grade should I use?+
Match the reclaim to the base polymer of your compound: butyl for butyl compounds, EPDM for EPDM, SBR 1502 for SBR, natural reclaim for NR. For NR/SBR tire-type compounds, whole tire reclaim comes in #704 (high), #504 (medium) and #522 (standard) tensile grades.
Is reclaim rubber the same as crumb rubber?+
No. Crumb rubber is still cured. Reclaim is de-vulcanized into an uncured masterbatch that mixes on a Banbury or open mill.
How much reclaim can I add to a compound?+
It depends on the application. Blend levels commonly range from about 5% to 50% of the polymer, and some compounds use reclaim as the only polymer. Start with a trial batch against your own spec.
How is reclaim rubber supplied?+
EPDM, butyl, NR and whole tire reclaim ship as 2,000 lb sheets on plastic pallets or 50 lb low-melt EVA bags; SBR 1502 ships as 2,000 lb of extruded strip in coils. A full truckload is 43,000 lb, with pickup in Columbus, OH.
24tons picks up manufacturers' rubber process scrap, converts it into reusable raw material through vetted contract toll processors and reclaimers, and returns it to the original manufacturer (closing the loop) or distributes it into other qualified applications. One accountable partner, full confidentiality and traceability.