MILAN—Pirelli & C. S.p.A. has adopted a 12-point sustainable natural rubber supply-chain policy that it considers essential for the preservation of forests and long-lasting development for local communities and economies.
The new policy covers the entire supply chain, from producers/farmers to Pirelli, including dealers, processing plants, trading companies and manufacturers. The policy extends to tier 2 suppliers as well, Pirelli said.
"Pirelli is committed to promote, develop and implement a sustainable and responsible procurement and use of natural rubber throughout its entire value chain," the company said.
"In addition to engage with its contractors, Pirelli fosters and supports forms of valuable active cooperation at industrial sector level and among stakeholders playing a material role in the natural rubber value chain, in the conviction a shared effort can grant a stronger and faster move towards sustainable development of the global natural rubber supply chain."
Pirelli prefaced its statements by acknowledging that global demand for NR is expected to rise, necessitating policies such as this one.
The 12 pillars of the policy are:
- Protecting human rights and promoting decent working conditions
- Protecting ecosystems, flora and fauna
- No deforestation, no peat, no burn
- Preserving resources
- Ethics as the base
- Traceability and risk mapping
- Governance
- Cooperation and constructive dialogue as key levers
- Internationally recognized forms of certification
- Policy implementation
- Communication on progress
- Complaint procedure
Global Witness, an environmental watchdog group, applauded Pirelli's decision to adopt a sustainable NR policy.
Pirelli is the second of the major global tire makers to adopt a sustainable NR sourcing policy, after Michelin in 2016.
Earlier this year, General Motors Co. disclosed it is collaborating with rubber and tire suppliers to establish a plan to source more natural rubber through environmentally sound and sustainable production.