Some saps and many juices from trees (such as gums, resins, and latexes), are important additives in consumer products. The juices are found in plants, paints and varnishes, foods, water colors and inks, printing materials for textiles, soaps and other toiletries. Chicle gum, a latex, is derived from the sapodilla tree. Although chewing gum is now manufactured from many other gums (generally synthetics), chicle still serves as a first-rate base for many everyday products. Balata, another type of latex, is generally used for golf ball covers because of its toughness, durability and elasticity.
The most famous latex product is rubber, which serves our needs in hundreds of ways each day. The rubber tree plantations of Malaysia and several other nations of Southeast Asia have enabled rubber to become the fourth largest agricultural export from the Third World. Due to growing demand for natural rubber, there is a good chance severe shortfalls will occur in the near future. Efforts are being made to find alternative sources. The leading consumer of natural rubber is the United States, accounting for almost one-quarter of the world's total consumption.
