a team of scientists believe they have come up with a solution, as our science correspondent richard westcott. the world pulls on 150 billion pairs of protective latex gloves every year. most are synthetic and end up in landfill for decades. it's a huge environmental problem and covid's making it worse, which is why scientists at cra nfield university in bedfordshire are developing a new type of natural latex that's better for the planet. this is synthetic latex, made from petroleum, it biodegrades in about 100 years. this is natural latex from rubber trees, still hangs around for a couple of years. this is the new kind of rubber latex they're developing in this lab and they say it could biodegrade in a matter of weeks. it's a version of natural latex but without the allergens so people won't be allergic to them. they'll also be much quicker to make, but the biggest benefit could be to our carbon footprint. there is a fantastic opportunity, richard. if we go into natural latex which is produced by rubber trees, from carbon dioxide, water and sun energy, we will be able to have a real impact o

team of scientists believe they have come up with a solution, as our science correspondent, richard westcottes every year. most are synthetic and end up in landfill for decades. it's a huge environmental problem and covid's making it worse, which is why scientists at cra nfield university in bedfordshire are developing a new type of natural latex that's better for the planet. this is synthetic latex, made from petroleum — it biodegrades in about 100 years. this is natural latex from rubber trees, still hangs around for a couple of years. this is the new kind of rubber latex they're developing in this lab, and they say it could biodegrade in a matter of weeks. it's a version of natural latex, but without the allergens so people won't be allergic to them. they'll also be much quicker to make, but the biggest benefit could be to our carbon footprint. there is a fantastic opportunity, richard. if we go into natural latex, which is produced by rubber trees, from carbon dioxide, water and sun energy, we will be able to have a real impact on the environment. approximately 50% of the excessive carbo

a team of scientists believe they have come up with a solution, as our science correspondent richard westcotts making it worse, which is why scientists at the university in bedfordshire are developing a new type of natural latex that's better for the planet. this is synthetic latex, made from petroleum, it biodegrade in about 100 years. this is natural latex from rubber trees, still hangs around for a couple of yea rs. still hangs around for a couple of years. this is the new kind of rubber latex they're developing in this lab and they say it could biodegrade in a matter of weeks. it isa biodegrade in a matter of weeks. it is a version of natural latex but without the allergens so people won't be allergic to them. they will also be much quicker to make, but the biggest benefit could be to our carbon footprint. there is a fantastic opportunity. if we go into natural latex which is produced by rubber trees from carbon dioxide, water & energy, we will be able to have a real impact on the environment. approximately 50% of the excessive carbon, atmospheric carbon, could be turned into rubber glove