Natural rubber is a raw material obtained from the sap of rubber trees, mainly the Hevea basiliensis variety. It is highly elastic and durable. Owing to its unique physical and chemical properties, it is widely used to make various products such as tyres, gloves and other rubber-based products.

Applications. 

• Tyres
• Bearings and connectors 

Risks.

• Environmental impacts on water and soil from land use, deforestation and chemical use; associated loss of biodiversity 
• Violation of human rights through forced or child labour
• Violation of workers’ rights, e.g. inadequate remuneration of smallholder farmers and plantation workers
• Endangering the rights of local communities and indigenous peoples

Preventive measures.

• FSC-certified tyres
• Implementation of the Living Rubber field project

Active involvement in initiatives.

• Global Platform for Sustainable Rubber (GPSNR):  Founding member of the GPSNR and collaboration in working groups on the continued development of sustainability standards

Overarching policies and commitments.