GPSNR looks to increase smallholder inclusion

Singapore – The Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR) is looking to increase the role of smallholders in its activities, putting to vote a resolution to create new membership category specifically for smallholders in its upcoming general assembly.

If approved, the resolution will see an additional three seats on the executive committee of the platform, comprising elected representatives from 28 smallholder members who joined GPSNR earlier this year.

“Smallholders produce about 85% of global natural rubber and their inclusivity has been a priority of GPSNR since its formation,” said GPSNR director Stefano Savi in a 14 Sept statement.

To be held online on 23 Sept, the GPSNR second general assembly will bring together 80 members from various sectors of the NR industry, including processors and traders, tire makers, car makers and civil society. 

This year’s assembly will also include the 28 smallholders who joined the initiative this year. 

The assembly will also study another proposed resolution which calls for the endorsement of a policy framework for NR production and sourcing for GPSNR member companies.

The proposed framework builds upon the platform’s existing set of 12 principles of sustainable NR, listing specific components for member companies to integrate into their company policies.

The proposed policy covers commitments regarding human rights, supply chain traceability and producing and sourcing in line with ‘high carbon stock approach’ (HCSA).

If approved, the policy framework will be applicable to all GPSNR member companies, who according to the statement, make up almost 50% of global NR market volume.