Early adopters prove that sustainable rubber certification is achievable and sustainable

Geneva, Switzerland – Successful pilot projects to certify rubber producers large and small, and the supply chain companies that process rubber, set a new standard for environmental sustainability in the rubber industry. On September 22, PEFC will hold a webinar to help other rubber producers follow their lead.

Natural rubber represents a $300 billion supply chain. Most of this rubber is produced by independent smallholders in Southeast Asia, on the borders of some of the world’s most ecologically important forest areas. Sourcing this rubber sustainably helps protect these forests and is a necessary step towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals before 2030.

Sustainable forest management and chain of custody certification are relatively new for the rubber industry. But early adopters are already on the move.
PEFC, the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification, has piloted certification for both natural rubber and rubber wood across Southeast Asia. Working with growers of all sizes, PEFC has developed group certification solutions that allow smallholders to band together and prove their sustainable practices. These early adopters demonstrate that certification is entirely achievable. By getting certified, they both open up market access for their rubber, protect adjacent forests and improve their own livelihood. Lessons learned from these early adopters have value for the entire rubber sector. That is why, on September 22, PEFC will organize a webinar to share their stories. Anyone who grows, processes, manufactures or sells rubber products will get an insider’s view on how they, too, can achieve certification. Interested participants can register for free at: treee.es/firstmovers-web.

The online event, titled, “Get PEFC Certified:Learn from First Movers in the Rubber Sector,” will address common technical questions that come up during the certification process. Participants will learn from those who have come before and discover valuable collaboration opportunities. PEFC will lead a discussion on all types of certifications, including sustainable forest management certification for smallholders and other types of plantation owner, and chain of custody certification for companies in the rubber value chain. Participants will learn how to achieve certification, and how to build the B2B linkages that will make them successful. Event speakers will also discuss the benefits of certification, including improved management systems, proven risk mitigation, improved smallholder livelihoods and productivity, and expanded market access.

This webinar is part of the PEFC Supporting Sustainable Rubber campaign, telling the story of natural rubber and the people that produce it and making the connection between sustainable natural rubber production, forest health and smallholder livelihoods.