GPSNR launches assurance system for sustainable natural rubber

Singapore — The Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR) has launched its long-anticipated ‘assurance system’, a move that it says will enhance sustainability within the natural rubber (NR) supply chain.

In a 30 July statement GPSNR said the system was developed through "years of collaboration" among GPSNR members, including smallholder farmers, producers, traders, tire makers, car makers, and civil society groups.

The system seeks to address persistent risks including deforestation, biodiversity loss, exploitative labour conditions, and human rights abuses.

This marks a major step toward greater transparency, accountability, and improved environmental and social performance in the NR supply chain, according to GPSNR.

Under the framework, companies must align their sustainability commitments with GPSNR’s policy, identify and assess social and environmental risks in their sourcing, undergo independent third-party verification, and report publicly on progress using credible claims.

The “risk-based approach” tailors the level of oversight to the specific sustainability risks a company or sourcing region faces.

This ensures that higher-risk operations receive more scrutiny while supporting more efficient resource use across the industry.

GPSNR said it provides "a suite of tools and guidance" to support members in meeting the new requirements.

Describing the development as a "pivotal moment" for the NR industry GPSNR CEO Stefano Savi said “with our organisational design finalised and both shared investment and risk-based assurance in place, we’re ready to move into implementation."

The assurance system is intended to strengthen industry credibility as global demand grows for sustainable and ethically sourced raw materials.

GPSNR said the framework provides "practical, credible path forward," to help NR bring about positive environmental and social change.