Sumitomo Rubber launches natural rubber transparency project in Indonesia

Kobe, Japan – Sumitomo Rubber Group has re-launched a natural rubber (NR) traceability project in Jambi Province, Indonesia which come to a halt due to the Covid pandemic.

The “traceability and transparency pilot project,” brings together the group’s NR procurement subsidiary Sumitomo Rubber Singapore, NR producer and distributor Halcyon Agri and Indonesia-based NR processor PT. Hok Tong.

Launched with initial support from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the pilot project will primarily investigate measures to improve the traceability and transparency of NR.

Furthermore, the initiative aims to improve living standards for rubber farmers.

As part of this, Sumitomo Rubber said it is working with Halcyon Agri to study farmers’ living conditions as well as the distribution channels that they use to bring their product to market.

The project will also involve offering farmers training programmes, free fertiliser and other forms of support.