Natural rubber: It’s a material we seldom consider, yet it has touched every aspect of modern society. It’s in our cars, our homes, our hospitals, our offices—you may even be wearing it on your feet at this very moment. Without it, our world would come to a halt, as in many applications, there is simply no substitute for natural rubber.
The Rubber Sector and Sustainable Forestry
PEFC’s FOR-TRADE initiatives in Southeast Asia, alongside the UN-REDD program, are advancing forestry certification systems in high-risk lower Mekong countries. The project aims to collect impact findings and document significant changes from these interventions.
The global natural rubber supply chain is unsustainable, particularly affecting forests. Unmanaged rubber plantation expansion from 2000-2018 led to the loss of 3-4.5 million hectares of tropical forest in the Mekong region, causing biodiversity declines, soil degradation, water runoff, and air pollution. With no meaningful substitute for natural rubber, sustainable management of rubber plantations is imperative.
Engaging rubber smallholders is essential for sustainability. PEFC has promoted group certification, reducing smallholder costs and involving stakeholders throughout the rubber value chain. Sustainable rubber production protects forests, biodiversity, and the environment.
PEFC’s Successes in Thailand, Vietnam, and Elsewhere in Southeast Asia
Thailand and Vietnam exemplify sustainable rubber production, offering models for Southeast Asia. The PEFC and Thailand Forestry Certification Council (TFCC) initiated a group certification project in Southern Thailand, helping the Klong Prang Cooperative achieve certification for smallholder-managed forests. This included rubber plantations covering over 2,470 acres, involving around 600 smallholders.
PEFC partnered with Vietnam Rubber Group (VRG) in Vietnam, leading to the certification of approximately 130,000 hectares of rubber plantations. By 2025, this aims to produce around 139,000 tonnes of sustainable natural rubber and nearly 1 million tonnes of certified rubberwood.
These initiatives enforce strict environmental, social, and economic standards, protecting biodiversity and reducing land conversion and pollution. Downstream, companies like Weber & Schaer in Europe have been inspired to pursue PEFC certification, committing to premiums for sustainable rubber suppliers.
These efforts provide a roadmap for other ASEAN countries to develop sustainability practices in the rubber industry, with PEFC’s FOR-TRADE program supporting this transformation.
The Future of the Rubber Sector in Southeast Asia
Thailand and Vietnam have advanced rubber sector certification, but regional efforts are needed for sustainable production and forest protection in Southeast Asia. The PEFC FOR-TRADE initiative promotes national forest certification systems in ASEAN countries through infrastructure, standards, and stakeholder collaboration. A conference in Vietnam showcased knowledge exchange and highlighted the importance of sustainable practices. The project aims to improve forest management, trade, and governance in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam with educational initiatives and infrastructure development, fostering significant changes in the region’s forestry sectors.
Creating a Sustainable Future for Rubber Together
Natural rubber is more than just a commodity; it’s a lifeline for modern living and a crucial element in battling climate change. The path to a sustainable future for rubber lies in responsible management and the collaborative spirit blooming in Southeast Asia. But transforming the rubber industry into a beacon of sustainability requires collective effort.
As a producer, supplier, or stakeholder, your role is pivotal. Obtaining PEFC chain of custody and forest management certification is a start. Partnering with organizations like PEFC to source certified rubber products and championing the benefits of sustainable rubber to your network fortifies the mission.
Your commitment fuels positive change, protects vulnerable forests, and empowers countless smallholders dedicated to rubber production. If you’re ready to be part of this transformation, simply fill out the form below. Together, we can redefine the rubber industry and carve out a sustainable legacy.
