Yokohama Rubber joins Project Tree initiative to advance NR sustainability

Hiratsuka, Japan – Yokohama Rubber Co. (YRC) has joined Project Tree, an initiative founded by Itochu Corp. to promote the sustainability of natural rubber (NR).

In a 24 Sept statement, YRC said Project Tree aims to realise transparency in the NR supply chain through a blockchain-based traceability system.

The initiative, it said, “enables identification of natural rubber sourcing areas” and provides support for NR farmers, including incentives from companies using their NR and agricultural training programs.

YRC said it is using NR procured through the Project Tree framework and began supplying tires supported by the project for commercial vehicles operated by FamilyMart as of 25 Sept.