The Eco-Friendly Benefits of FKM Rubber Straps in Berlo Watches

Why Berlo Watches Use FKM Rubber Straps: A Sustainable Choice That Balances Durability and Ethics

At Berlo, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. From our ethical use of cactus leather to our commitment to planting trees with every watch sold, we strive to create a product that not only looks beautiful but also leaves a positive impact on the planet. However, we understand that the decision to use FKM (Fluoroelastomer) rubber for our watch straps, despite our dedication to natural materials, may raise some questions.

Here’s the thing: sustainability doesn’t always mean exclusively using natural materials. It means making choices that combine the best of both worlds—sustainable sourcing, durability, and practicality. Let’s dive into why FKM rubber was selected as part of our commitment to producing high-quality, long-lasting, and environmentally responsible products.

What Is FKM Rubber?

FKM rubber, often referred to as fluoroelastomer, is a synthetic material known for its excellent durability, resistance to heat, chemicals, and weathering. It’s widely used in industries where high-performance materials are essential, such as aerospace, automotive, and watches. For Berlo, FKM rubber offers an ideal combination of strength and flexibility—two critical attributes for creating a long-lasting and comfortable watch strap.

Sustainability Beyond Natural Materials

At first glance, using a synthetic material like FKM rubber might seem at odds with our commitment to natural, sustainable materials like cactus leather. However, we’ve carefully considered how FKM rubber fits into our broader sustainability strategy.

1. Longevity and Durability
   One of the greatest sustainability challenges is product waste. At Berlo, we’re focused on creating watches that last for years, not just a season. FKM rubber is incredibly durable, meaning our watch straps stand up to daily wear and tear, ensuring that the strap doesn’t need to be replaced frequently. This contributes to a longer product lifespan and less waste—key factors in reducing our environmental footprint.

2. Recyclability
   While FKM rubber is a synthetic material, it is highly resistant to environmental degradation, meaning it can last longer than many other materials, including natural ones. FKM rubber is also recyclable in certain facilities, which supports our goal of promoting circularity. By choosing FKM rubber, we are ensuring that when the time comes for the watch to be retired, it can be recycled, minimizing its impact on the environment.

3. Comfort and Performance
   FKM rubber is not only durable but also highly comfortable. It’s hypoallergenic, resistant to sweat, and offers superior flexibility, making it an excellent choice for a watch strap that can be worn every day, no matter the weather or activity. Comfort is an essential part of Berlo’s design philosophy—our watches are meant to enhance your lifestyle, not just serve as accessories.

4. Ethical Considerations
   While FKM rubber is synthetic, it’s made using fewer resources than other synthetic materials, like plastics, and it’s free from harmful chemicals like PVC. By incorporating this high-performance material, we’re making an ethical decision to prioritize the comfort and durability of our products without compromising on sustainability.

The Bottom Line: Sustainability Means Balance

At Berlo, we believe that sustainability is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s about making the right decisions for both the environment and the people who wear our products. By integrating FKM rubber straps into our watches, we’re providing our customers with a sustainable choice that is long-lasting, comfortable, and ultimately better for the planet than products that may need to be replaced frequently or end up in landfills.

In the end, sustainability isn’t about choosing between natural and synthetic materials—it's about using the right material for the job, considering its overall environmental impact, and ensuring that every part of our process contributes to a more sustainable future.