HYOGO, Japan—Toyo Tire Corp. has stepped up its natural rubber (NR) sustainability efforts with the establishment of an independent NR procurement policy.
In a July 30 statement, the Japanese tire maker said it had re-examined its natural rubber procurement policy, which was previously included in its CSR procurement guidelines.
The review led to establishing an independent policy, which incorporates GPSNR's (global platform for sustainable natural rubber) principles of sustainable natural rubber, it said.
"Natural rubber is the group's primary raw materials, and the group considers it an important management issue to ensure sustainability in the procurement process," Toyo said.
The move was hailed by GPSNR director Stefano Savi, who said Toyo "further institutionalized its commitment to a fair, equitable and sustainable natural rubber value chain."
"Since GPSNR finds 50% of the natural rubber demand represented in its membership, the adoption of the policy framework by the Toyo Tire Group and other member companies is a step ahead for the industry at large," he said. "We hope it encourages others to follow suit."
