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Ribbed Smoked Sheets (RSS) are coagulated rubber sheets processed from fresh field latex sourced from well managed rubber plantations adopting modern processing methods. The grades available are shown in the table. The higher grades RSS 1x to RSS 3 are mainly used for manufacture of products for medical, pharmaceutical and engineering. The lower grades of RSS 4 and 5 are generally used for the manufacture of automobile tyres, re-treading materials and all other general products. RSS 3 and RSS 4 are the preferred raw material for radial tyres. Quality of Ribbed Smoked Sheets is ascertained as laid down in Green Book Standards.

In India, RSS grades are packed as 50kg bales in polythene cover and as 110kg crates as per the requirements of the buyer. Ribbed Smoked Sheets are graded according to the standards as per IS – 15361-2003 by visual comparison method. Normally this is done by observation of sheets held against light, when the obvious defects become apparent.

Cluster groups formed among rubber farmers in India, popularly known as “Rubber Producers Societies (RPS) are involved in the production of high quality grades in their group processing centres for domestic and world markets. High grade sheets are produced in individual farms as well.

Domestically produced RSS rubber grades are in good demand for tyres and other product manufacture indicating their quality and market acceptability.