WASHINGTON—Mighty Earth, an environmental group devoted to protecting rain forests and other endangered landscapes, is praising Bridgestone Corp. for the zero deforestation portion of its recently announced Global Sustainability Procurement Policy.
"With Bridgestone's announcement, deforestation-free rubber production is becoming the standard market expectation," said Kristen Urquiza, campaign director for Mighty Earth, in a Feb. 7 press release.
"Companies that want to sell rubber should know that engaging in deforestation means losing access to international markets," Urquiza said. "We're seeing a total revolution in the tire and rubber industries happen before our eyes."
Bridgestone announced its Global Sustainable Procurement Policy Feb. 6. The policy, which applies to all of the tire maker's purchased materials and services, has the goal of identifying and evaluating qualified suppliers, promoting best practices and serving as a communication and improvement tool for the tire industry.
Bridgestone is the third global tire maker to announce a zero deforestation policy, after Michelin and Pirelli, according to Mighty Earth.
Demand for natural rubber has caused rapid deforestation in Southeast Asia, especially in Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Myanmar, the organization said.