FAQs About HEVEA and Natural Rubber
We LOVE natural rubber as it is made from the sap tapped of the Hevea Brasiliensis tree - which stores CO2 while growing and is a renewable resource - thus acting against global warming! Plus, at the end of its use, natural rubber can be composted as it biodegrades naturally and leaves zero waste for the planet.
This magic natural material is plant-based and Vegan, containing no toxins - making it it safe for you, your baby, your pet, and your home.
Finally, it is is soft and malleable, with a warm texture, making it ohh so comfortable to the touch. Yet is is robust and can be designed into a range of fabulous products that are more hygienic due to their one-piece design (like our pacifiers, teethers, etc).
So much to love!
For us at HEVEA, we've always had the mission to leave greener fingerprints on the planet and natural rubber has been the material at the center of our design process from the start. For environmental reasons, we find it superior to plastic and silicone because it is derived from a renewable resource – the sap of rubber trees – which can be harvested without harming the trees. Unlike plastic, which is derived from non-renewable fossil fuels, and silicone, which requires energy-intensive production processes,, natural rubber production has a lower environmental impact. Additionally, natural rubber is biodegradable, breaking down over time into non-toxic components, whereas plastic and silicone persist in the environment for hundreds to thousands of years, contributing to pollution and ecological harm.
Additionally, natural rubber is softer, more flexible, and has a warmer texture compared to plastic or silicone, and for instance, this make it a more comforting and soothing experience for babies and puppies during teething. Furthermore, natural rubber does not contain harmful chemicals or additives like BPA or phthalates, making it a safer choice for reducing potential health risks.
B Corps are for-profit commercial companies that use the power of business to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy. They meet high and verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. We are proudly B Corp since 2022!
We are proud to be Vegan Certified. The Vegan Trademark is an international vegan standard that helps consumers identify products that do not contain animal ingredients and are not tested on animals.
Yes, absolutely! We are proud of our strict testing standards on all HEVEA products - no matter the range and the use. We work with an independent research agency, SGS, one of the world’s leading company for testing and analysis. Rest assured that all HEVEA’s products are tested to prove that they meet EU standard EN1400, US regulations CPSIA and AUS regulation AS 2432-1991. Due to the proprietary nature of such certificates, they are not publicly available but shared directly with our retailers (such as Amazon) as part of their thorough approval process.
HEVEA’s products are all tested non-toxic. They are PVC Free, BPS Free, Phthalates Free, BPA Free, Lead Free. Our natural rubber is plant-based and Vegan. It biodegrades at the end of its use, leaving zero waste and no toxins behind for the planet as well!
Yes, natural rubber is a natural polymer rubber latex sap from the Hevea Brasiliensis tree. Protein is a naturally occurring element in latex which actually helps to preserve the rubber in a liquid state allowing us to work with it. During the production process much of the latex protein is leeched out, resulting in very low levels/no detective in the finished item.
No allergic reaction to any HEVEA product has yet been reported, and while it is rare, natural rubber latex may cause allergic reactions. Allergy symptoms include: Itching, skin redness, rash, runny nose, watery eyes. Stop usage if any symptoms occur. If you know of a pre-existing latex allergy, we do not recommend that you use our natural rubber products.
Our coloured products are dyed with FDA-approved natural plant and carbon pigments that are Vegan Certified and tested safe for both you and for the planet.
Since our products are made out of natural materials and colouring dyes, and contain no preservatives, they may change colour during their use (darken for instance) - this is totally natural and it is still ok to use a product that's colour is changing. Of note, leaving your products in direct sunlight will accelerate colour changes - store in a dark dry place.
HEVEA natural rubber products have been treated with vegetable oil. It is completely safe and harmless and safe to use from the start if a toy. You can however clean it with a damp cloth and mild soap if you wish to remove the oil prior to using. Note that for products such as pacifiers, nipples, and menstrual cups, these should always be sterilized before using. See packaging for instructions.
Yes! Our mission is to leave greener fingerprints on this planet - that is why we LOVE natural rubber as it is made from the sap tapped of the Hevea Brasiliensis tree - which stores CO2 while growing and is a renewable resource - thus acting against global warming! Plus, at the end of its use, natural rubber can be composted as it biodegrades naturally and leaves zero waste and zero toxins for the planet. Many of our natural rubber products are also made from upcycled rubber left over from off cuts in the manufacturing process - turning trash into new treasures!
What about our products that are not made from natural rubber? We do have a few offerings that are not made from natural rubber that naturally accompany our natural rubber product ranges - such as our Period Panties (that are made in cooperation with another B Corp and are PFAS-free) and our Biodegradable Dog Poop Bags (made from PLA + PBAT + Corn Startch and will biodegrade within 180 days!).
Natural rubber can sometimes have a faint smell reminiscent of vanilla, especially soon after our products are manufactured. It is primarily due to the presence of certain organic compounds within the rubber itself. One of the key compounds responsible for this aroma is called isoprene. Isoprene is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon that contributes to the distinctive scent of natural rubber. For the general population, though, the faint vanilla scent in natural rubber products is not a cause for concern regarding safety.
A sign that your HEVEA natural rubber product is at the end of its usable lifespan is if it shows tears or becomes sticky, flaky, becomes less flexible, or shows any sign of weakness or tearing. If you see any of these signs, it is time to dispose of and replace your HEVEA product. Our products are biodegradable. At the end of their use, you can compost or dispose of in a food waste bin.
Since our products are made out of natural materials and colouring dyes, they may change colour during their use (darken for instance) - this is natural and it is still ok to use a product that's colour is changing.
Our products are biodegradable - leaving zero waste for the planet! At the end of their use, you can compost or dispose of in a food waste bin.
Absolutely! We are small family-run company based in Dragør, Denmark. All of our products are designed here, and we are proud to be part of the long Danish tradition of designing aesthetic yet high functioning products for babies, pets, home, and personal hygienne.
Yes! We have some great information to teach you more about caring for and using HEVEA products!
Find Guides for pacifiers here, for our dog product range here, and for all other HEVEA products here.
Additionally, find some great video tutorials on your YouTube page here.