A1 Rubber continues to support the growing demand for durable and vibrant surfacing solutions across the region with Australian Opal EPDM.
A1 Rubber is proud to announce its premium Opal EPDM is now fully stocked in all its east-coast warehouses: Melbourne, Sydney, and Queensland.
This strategic move ensures easy and efficient distribution, providing customers with faster access to high-quality EPDM designed specifically for Australia’s extreme UV conditions.
High fade resistance
A1 Rubber’s Opal EPDM is specifically designed to withstand Australia’s harsh UV conditions.
Unlike most EPDMs, typically manufactured for Europe and North America, A1 Rubber’s Opal EPDM offers superior resistance to free radicals generated by the ozone depletion above the southern hemisphere. Standard EPDMs often fade or develop a frosted appearance, caused by calcium carbonate (chalk) rising to the surface.
While the colour may temporarily return when wet, it fades again once dry.
Lasting value
UV light intensity is measured worldwide in kilolangleys (kLys). While the Mediterranean climate averages 80kLys and extreme conditions like the Arizona desert reach about 120kLys, regions such as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and South America experience an average of 23 kLys. This significant UV exposure highlights the importance of selecting high-quality, suitable EPDM in Australia, where they cost nearly two or three times more than CSBR playgrounds, making durability and value crucial.
Natural is best
When using EPDM in Australia, selecting natural colours ensures the longest-lasting vibrancy. Artificial bright colours, particularly red and orange, tend to have the shortest lifespan. In brands other than Opal, this can also include shades like purple, bright green, and bright yellow.
The key distinction between EPDMs is their EP (ethylene polymer) content, which should be 20% or higher. Opal boasts a superior EP content of 34 per cent, while budget EPDMs may have only 15 per cent to 18 per cent, leading to colour degradation in as little as six months.Furthermore, the filler should be natural chalk (calcium carbonate, CaCO₃) to withstand extreme heat effectively. In contrast, cheaper options often use clay fillers which are less UV-resistant and can make the material hard underfoot over time.
Faster cure
In Australia, EPDM is primarily used in waterparks and splash parks because its lighter colours help maintain cooler surface temperatures, making it suitable for children and general barefoot use. The main consideration when choosing EPDM over the more durable and long-lasting CSBR is the balance between colour vibrancy, reduced surface temperature, and lifespan.
When selecting a binder, it is essential to note aromatic binders like Procure offer excellent viscosity and yellowing resistance, with discoloration typically fading within six to eight weeks. In comparison, aliphatic binders are more expensive, offer no additional longevity, and are harder to work with due to their thinner consistency and the need for a catalyst. Aliphatic binders also have a longer curing time, typically 48 hours, whereas Procure provides a faster three-hour green cure and a 24-hour full-touch cure.
Help with solutions
Visit A1 Rubber warehouses in Melbourne, Sydney, and Queensland to check out the Opal EPDM range up close. See for yourself why Opal EPDM is the go-to choice for Australian conditions, with its great quality and vibrant colours. The A1 Rubber team will be there to show you the A1 Rubber difference and help you find an ideal solution for your project.
To see more of A1 Rubber’s products, log on to a1rubber.com