FSC is launching a position statement for the “responsible sourcing of natural rubber.” The statement aims to encourage companies to source natural rubber sustainably and express their preference for sourcing FSC-certified natural rubber – when available. All companies and brands are welcome to sign the statement. Various internationally recognized clothing and footwear brands have already signed it.
Rubber is used in many items of our daily lives: shoes, tyres, footballs, condoms and even in medical equipment – such as catheters and gloves. When it is not managed responsibly, rubber can have serious, negative impacts on the environment and on local communities’ and workers’ livelihoods.
As a result, FSC has developed a position statement for all companies that wish to source sustainable natural rubber, thereby contributing to better social and environmental management of natural rubber plantations worldwide. FSC encourages more companies to join us in making the same commitment. The list of companies that have already signed the statement includes: Allbirds, Clarks, Hunter, H&M, Inditex, Patagonia, Timberland, The North Face, Vans, VF Corporation, Viking as well as the furniture and homeware company Ikea, and the department store chain El Corte Inglés.
FSC is actively promoting natural rubber as a renewable material, and is also a founding member of the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber.
Please download and read the position statement
Source: FSC International