Goodyear Announces New Policy for Procurement of Natural Rubber

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has announced a new policy that would make its procurement process more supportive of the environment and human rights in the areas from which it sources its natural rubber for the production of tires.
Commenting on the new policy, Maureen Thune, Goodyear vice president and chief procurement officer said that the company knows that its actions can make a difference when it comes to protecting the rights of people throughout the supply chain, including the small holders who grow natural rubber on their own land. The new policy is also meant to help protect the environment by promoting the use of land in an environment friendly and socially responsible manner.
The policy is outlines in the form of seven principles which will guide the company’s commitment to a long-term, sustainable supply chain and explains its expectations that the company’s suppliers and partners across the globe will adhere to the same principles. The seven principles are as follows:

• Human rights. Goodyear will focus on ensuring that while sourcing its supply of natural rubber, the rights of all involved in the supply chain would be protected and that there would be a positive working environment at all levels of the supply chain.
• Responsible land acquisition and use. The company will try to ensure that there would be no deforestation or land grabbing at any level .
• Traceability. Goodyear will work on the development of practices that would make it possible to trace natural rubber through the entire supply chain.
• Processing: The suppliers who process natural rubber and supply it to Goodyear are expected to make their product in a responsible and environmentally friendly manner.
• Growing and harvesting. Suppliers are encouraged to use best-known cultivation practices for existing planted and replanted natural rubber trees.
• Outreach. Goodyear will try to increase yields and improve the livelihoods of current smallholders. It will , encourage its direct suppliers and members of their supply chain to support their communities.
• Implementation and compliance. The company has committed to corruption-free and transparent implementation of the new policy.

As part of its effort to promote sustainability, in addition to the new policy, Goodyear will also take part in the Tire Industry Project, an initiative which involves the CEOs of leading 11 tire manufacturers who work with rubber producers, automakers and civic leaders to promote natural rubber sustainability.