Production / Story of Ebonite.

Charles Goodyear mixed caoutchouc, sulfur and linseed-oil in order to produce some waterproof shoe soles for his children. While the compound was in the oven Goodyear fell asleep and was awakened by an explosion. Due to an exotherme reaction he found his compound to be black and hard.

This was the discovery of a new material which is saltwater-, acid- and soap resistant, non-conductive, break-proof and which processes very well.

After some time and R&D he founded his tire company.

During the late 19th century and until the mid 20th century ebonite was used for various applications.

Among others it was used for lightswitches, plug sockets, battery boxes, bowlingballs, backrests, canes, batons, radio cabinets, wall paneling, chess pieces, piano keyboards,…… Due to the developement of cheap plastics the know how around ebonite was slowly forgotten.

We have re-discovered this beautiful natural material and since then commited to its developement and distribution.

Natural caoutchouc is the main ingredient of our ebonite. It is harvested from a caoutchouc tree.

The bark is cut very slightly in a spiral, so that it does not harm the tree itself. The liquid caoutchouc trickles out of the cuts into a collecting container. Afterwards it is washed extensively in a complicated process, rolled out into plates and dried.

We solely use the highest grade caoutchouc, Crepe No 1.