Off-highway tyre manufacturer BKT is making a major move towards greater sustainability by adopting greener principles. The firm has joined the 'Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber' (GPSNR). According to BKT, this will help in promoting long-term sustainable practices, culminating in environmentally conscious production in line with the principles defined by GPSNR.
Natural rubber production holds opportunities for improvement in environmental and social terms. The expansion of rubber plantations is likely to influence tropical forests, but using sustainable practices can help protect biodiversity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Similarly, ensuring dignified working conditions and respecting workers' rights on rubber plantations can help promote an ethical and sustainable industry.
To address these challenges and promote sustainable solutions, the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR) brings together natural rubber producers, traders, tyre manufacturers, non-governmental organisations, academic institutions and other industry partners.
Through its membership of GPSNR, BKT is strengthening its commitment to aligning the natural rubber supply chain with the organisation's guidelines. As a member of GPSNR, the company has access to a platform that aims to standardise manufacturers’ sustainability reporting and digital platforms for compliance with the requirements of the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) that will come into effect as of December 2024.
"The principles on which GPSNR bases its roots are in line with our ESG policy. This path will allow us to develop and align our digital tracking initiative for the sustainable sourcing of natural rubber in accordance with internationally accepted principles. At the same time, the GPSNR membership allows us to sustain and expand our sustainability initiatives aiming at accelerating both structural and quality changes in our natural rubber supply chain over the next five years"- commented Rajiv Poddar, joint managing director of BKT.
To support its mission, BKT is cooperating closely with a number of Indian government agencies, including the Rubber Board and Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association of India, and with some of the world's leading players in the natural rubber industry.
"Being a member of GPSNR also means that we have a 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," said Poddar. "This is a both 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 compliance with core principles in the areas of sustainable forestry, water resource management, protection of rights and territories, human and labor rights, equality, traceability, transparency and anti-corruption, and training and education.
