Natural rubber production presents significant opportunities for enhancing both environmental and social outcomes. While the expansion of rubber plantations can impact tropical forests, sustainable practices can mitigate these effects by protecting biodiversity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, promoting dignified working conditions and upholding workers' rights on rubber plantations are critical to fostering an ethical and sustainable industry.

The Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR) addresses these challenges by uniting natural rubber producers, traders, tire manufacturers, NGOs, academic institutions, and other industry stakeholders. BKT's membership in GPSNR underscores its commitment to aligning the natural rubber supply chain with the organisation’s guidelines.

As a GPSNR member, Balkrishna Industries Limited (BKT) – a Mumbai-based manufacturer in the Off-Highway tire market – gains access to a platform that standardises sustainability reporting and digital platforms for compliance with the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), set to take effect in December 2024.

"The principles on which GPSNR bases its roots align with our ESG policy. This path will enable us to develop and align our digital tracking initiative for the sustainable sourcing of natural rubber in accordance with internationally accepted principles. Simultaneously, GPSNR membership allows us to sustain and expand our sustainability initiatives, aiming to accelerate both structural and quality changes in our natural rubber supply chain over the next five years," commented Mr. Rajiv Poddar, Joint Managing Director of BKT.

In support of its mission, BKT collaborates closely with several Indian government agencies, including the Rubber Board and the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association of India, as well as some of the world’s leading players in the natural rubber industry.

"Being a member of GPSNR also means we have direct contact with suppliers of premium natural rubber across the world, which is crucial for a company like ours that has always focused on high quality standards," concluded Mr Rajiv Poddar. "This is both a strategic and conscious choice that supports our growth ambitions and allows us to pursue ever higher levels in sustainable production."

By joining GPSNR, BKT further confirms its adherence to core principles in sustainable forestry, water resource management, protection of rights and territories, human and labour rights, equality, traceability, transparency, anti-corruption, and training and education.

To learn more, visit BKT's website.