Thomson Rubbers (India) PVT LTD Kanjirappally, Kottayam, Kerala

    Ribbed Smoked Sheet (RSS) is marketed based on visual assessment of quality. Grading of RSS is done based on the grade descriptions and specifications defined in the 'The Green Book" of International Rubber Quality and Packing Conferences as RSS 1X, RSS1, RSS2, RSS3, RSS4, and RSS5.Over 70% of the production of natural rubber is processed as Ribbed Smoked Sheet. RSS of superior quality are processed from fresh field latex, adopting modern processing methods. After grading, the sheets are packed in 50 kg bales, with the grades marked on the bales.

Field latex is a white or slightly yellowish opaque liquid with a specific gravity, which varies between 0.974 and 0.986. It is a weak lyophilic colloidal system of spherical or pear shaped rubber globules suspended in an acquiesces serum. Field latex is centrifuged to manufacture latex concentrated of 60% rubber content. Centrifuged latex is commercially available in two different varieties, one with high ammonia (above 0.60%) and the other with Low Ammonia (less than 0.30%). It also contains secondary preservatives like TMTD (0.0125%) and zinc oxide (0.0125%). Grading, packing, and making of centrifuged latex are as per specifications prescribed in IS 5430.

ISNR is processed natural rubber in block forms, adopting cost-effective and modern processing methods as per the technical parameters laid down by the International Standards Organization (ISO). In india, block rubber is marketed with ISI specification, IS 4588 and therefore termed as 'Indian Standard Natural Rubber' (ISNR). It is a state-of the- art marketable form of natural rubber, produced from latex and field coagulum. Since it is marketed in compact polythene wrapped bales, the contamination of rubber on storage, holding and transportation are successfully prevented. ISNR is marketed in six well defined ISI marked grades with uniformity and consistency in quality, to meet the requirements of global consumer. The standard sizes and compact packing enables mechanized handling and containerization, thereby making the transportation trouble free and economical.