The green nature of natural rubber is widely accepted, yet it is probable that many remain unaware of the significant contribution which natural rubber makes to global ecology. On the other hand, it can be argued that the main market for natural rubber (truck tyres) is a major contributor to destruction of the environment. Clearly this a paradox. Although many small farmers are dependent upon the cultivation of Hevea and this contributes to the local creation of wealth, productivity levels are far too low to support an adequate standard of income given current natural rubber prices. Other paradoxes include the contrast between the biodegradability of thin latex films with the proven longevity of bulky engineering components and the intractable nature of tyre re cycling.