Continental AG "is extending its commitment to sustainability in the natural rubber supply chain" as it works toward its goal of achieving 100% sustainable supply chains by the year 2050.
The tire manufacturer and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development have agreed to significantly expand their joint venture "to ensure full traceability of the natural rubber supply chain" in Borneo, according to Continental officials.
"The project has been expanded from the original group of 450 small farmers to 4,000 by 2024. The project objective remains the same: small farmers in the natural rubber sector are trained to grow high-quality raw materials in compliance with clearly defined sustainability criteria. By improving the quality of the raw material, the income of the farmers will be increased."
"The valuable experience we are gaining in this project allows us to progressively increase the transparency of our natural rubber supply chains,” says Claus Petschick, head of sustainability of Continental's tires business area.
“Education and digitalization are important contributors to making our supply chains more sustainable. Together with our partners, we are demonstrating in Borneo that this can succeed in the natural rubber sector. I am pleased that we are now significantly expanding this successful project.”
