As of 1989, Mavalle started to carry out activities to determine the viability of natural rubber farming and its industrial transformation in Colombia.
The support and counseling of the most important consulting firms in the industry (Harryson’s Fleming, Michelin, Apabor, Guatemalan and Brazilian experts) have allowed us to have one of the best rubber plantations in America.
After a nationwide diagnosis, the area of the Colombian highlands (municipalities of Puerto Lopez and Puerto Gaitan in the department of Meta) was selected as the ideal region for the establishment of our crops. Its unproductive savannah soils and the agro-climatological conditions of the region, make it an escape zone, in which the growing of natural rubber is not affected by one of its main and most destructive natural enemies, the Microcyclus ulei phytopathogenic fungus.
We began planting 442 hectares of rubber in 1992, which was concluded in 1997. During this period, we tested clones of American and Asian origin, in order to identify the materials that would be used in the planting of the more than 10,000 hectares that we have today, and that have a production potential of 20,000 tons of dry rubber per year, once they reach their maximum maturity.
At the same time, at Mavalle we have promoted the planting of natural rubber among the neighboring regions, thereby achieving a further 15,000 hectares in the area that are close to entering into production.
The natural rubber transformation process is highly rigorous, in which the raw material is adapted, homogenized and dried to meet the required international standards.
Our industrial process begins when the rubber clots arrive from the plantations. Once received, they are stored in the reception area or boxes, where a first visual inspection is carried out to detect contamination. Later, a sample is collected for the analysis of DRC (Dry Rubber Content), which is carried out in our laboratory.
Clots stay in the boxes for 20 to 30 days, being this the appropriate time for their maturation. Once this period is reached, the clots enter the TSR processing line. There they are cut and washed repeatedly, in order to reduce their size to 2 to 4 mm diameter granules and remove impurities and contaminants, such as tree leaves, wood chips, soil and sand. Once the pieces of clot have reached the desired dimensions, they are placed on a cart to be taken to the drying process in the oven.
When the granulated rubber blocks are dry, they are wrapped and packed in plastic bags, which are made of low density polyethylene, compatible with rubber at 109°C, for marketing. During this stage of the process, a final inspection is performed to discard white spots and/or contaminants, and product samples are taken for validation of their physical properties and their subsequent classification as TSR-10 or TSR-20.
Since we are pioneers and leaders in the natural rubber industry, we have a wide presence in the national market. We serve different industries such as the bands, footwear, plumbing, auto parts, electrical, mixers, and tires sectors, among others. Thanks to our experience of more than 30 years, we have become one of the main rubber suppliers in the country.
We have consolidated our position as the main exporter of TSR in Colombia. In 2017 we expanded into international markets, and since then, we have had a significant growth curve. We have developed homologation processes with the tire industry and other sectors in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru and the United States.
The different homologation processes we have, allow us to be in constant evolution and transformation, and as a result, today Mavalle complies with high quality standards in its different processes and products.
