According to PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification), a drive for greater commitment to sustainability in the production and supply chain of natural rubber (NR) and rubber wood is being mounted which will help the global industry “bounce back better” after the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Related: PEFC launches new campaign to certify rubber in shoes, tyres
“If this grows in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, it will have even more impact in the Asia Pacific region for many more years to come, “ it said, adding that despite the size of the industry and the complexity of the supply chain, NR resources are modest and largely concentrated in Southeast Asia. Additionally, 85% is produced by six million smallholders, tapping and tending rubber trees on independent plantations. Significantly, most of these plantations are in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia.
PEFC’s invites all who care about the health of forests around the world to come on board its global Supporting Sustainable Rubber campaign, which will be launched on 7 July where a panel of sustainability experts will highlight ways to join in the effort, whether from individuals, governments, media, CEOs, or farmers. The free webinar will be held on 7 July at 4pm-5pm Singapore time (or 10:00-11:00 CEST).
For more information, visit the PEFC international campaign URL https://www.pefc.org/news/supporting-sustainable-rubber-join-us-for-the-campaign-launch