The rubber industry can be said to be essential for manufacturing processes across multiple sectors—automotive, industrial, and consumer goods. Rubber continues to play an essential role in global trade. Today, industry trends indicate an increasing demand for synthetic rubber, a surge in electric vehicle (EV) production, supply chain volatility, and heightened interest in sustainable materials. While natural rubber remains a dominant player in the market, synthetic rubber is gaining ground due to both its versatility and localized production capabilities. Unlike natural rubber, which is predominantly sourced from Southeast Asia, synthetic rubber can be manufactured domestically on most continents. The divorce from a single geographic point of origin is crucial against the back of global supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical instability, climate-related events, and labor shortages. Historically, external shocks have influenced the development and adoption of synthetic rubber. During World War II, for instance, the United States faced a shortage of natural rubber due to restricted access to Southeast Asian supply lines, prompting a large-scale effort to develop synthetic alternatives. Similar challenges continue to shape the industry today, with natural disasters such as wildfires in Liberia, India, and Thailand further exacerbating supply constraints. Because rubber trees take approximately seven years to mature, damage to plantations can lead to prolonged supply chain instability. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the vulnerability of global supply networks, and the rubber industry was no exception. Labor shortages, raw material scarcity, and logistical challenges caused significant price fluctuations and production slowdowns. As a result, manufacturers and suppliers are increasingly turning to synthetic rubber, which offers a more stable and predictable supply. Additionally, synthetic rubber formulations are customizable, allowing manufacturers to engineer materials with enhanced abrasion resistance, thermal stability, and chemical resilience. These properties make synthetic rubber an attractive alternative in industries requiring high-performance materials.