SBR, Styrene Butadiene Rubber, stands out as a synthetic polymer developed to address the growing demand for rubber that cannot be solely met by natural rubber. The needs for both natural and synthetic rubber continue to rise in tandem with increasing human living standards. According to the International Rubber Study Group (IRSG), as highlighted in the Eco-Project study of 2005, there is an anticipated shortage in the supply of natural rubber in the next two decades.

NBR, also known as nitrile butadiene rubber, NBR, Buna-N, and acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, is a synthetic rubber derived from acrylonitrile (ACN) and butadiene. Trade names include Perbunan, Nipol, Krynac and Europrene. This rubber is unusual in being resistant to oil, fuel, and other chemicals.

Rubber, also called latex, Amazonian rubber, caucho, or caoutchouc, as initially produced, consists of polymers of the organic compound isoprene, with minor impurities of other organic compounds. Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Cambodia are four of the leading rubber producers. Types of polyisoprene that are used as natural rubbers are classified as elastomers.