Expandable Garden Hose
Drip Irrigation System Kit
Hard Garden Hose
Multiple Accessories
Natural latex hoses and synthetic latex hoses have significant differences in terms of raw materials, physical and chemical properties, environment and human protection, cost. The following is a specific comparison from AI friends and Jane:
Natural Latex Hose: Natural latex is from rubber trees, whose mainly consists of rubber hydrocarbons, proteins, water, etc. It is milky white or light yellow in color and has natural antibacterial properties and low allergenic characteristics.
Synthetic Latex Hose: Synthetic latex relies on fossil fuels and is from chemical synthesis (such as styrene-butadiene latex), whose main component is petroleum-based copolymer, and preservatives or stabilizers may be added. Its color is relatively greasy and reflective.
Natural Latex Hose: Better performances in wear resistance, strength, excellent elasticity, tear resistance, weather resistance, service life but high risk of sensitization (with latex protein).
Synthetic Latex Hose: Very low risk of sensitization (no latex protein). Easy to deform or crack after long-term use because of weaker elasticity. It is susceptible to the influence of ozone and ultraviolet rays and ages relatively quickly.
Natural Latex Hose: Rubber trees absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and are renewable and bio-based materials. It can be decomposed by microorganisms in the natural environment, and the degradation cycle is about several months to several years (much faster than the hundreds of years of synthetic latex). For the recycling, natural latex can be recycled through desulfurization.
Synthetic Latex Hose: Toxic substances such as sulfuration accelerators and heavy metal stabilizers are often used in production, which may pollute the air and water. And nitrosamines (strong carcinogens) may be produced during the vulcanization process, especially when the residual chemicals in the product exceed the standard, they may enter the human body through skin contact or breathing. As a thermosetting material, its natural degradation will take hundreds of years. Incineration may release persistent pollutants such as dioxins, while landfill occupies land and pollutes groundwater.
Natural Latex Hose: Prices are affected by climate (such as rainfall in Southeast Asia), planting area, and geopolitics (such as export policies in Southeast Asia). It is 1.8-2.8 US dollars per kilogram (average price in Southeast Asia) in 2024, the raw material utilization rate is 70% to 80% (optimized by centrifugal separation technology). And there exists extra costs caused by some processing techniques such as vulcanization, adding stabilizers and anti-aging agent to extend the shelf life.
Synthetic Latex Hose: Prices are strongly correlated with oil prices. In 2024, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) is priced at 1.3 to 2.2 US dollars per kilogram, and polyurethane (PU) is $2.8 - $4.5 per kilogram.
All in all, natural latex hose is much better quality than synthetic latex hose, although natural latex is more expensive. There exists other materials (such as TPE) with low cost than natural latex and better quality than synthetic latex. But if you are affordable, it is advised to choose natural latex hose.
