SINGAPORE—An international program aimed at improving the sustainability of the natural rubber industry is creating a new way to consider complaints.
The Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber describes the effort as "the natural rubber industry's first ever grievance mechanism" that provides a way to address concerns about members.
"The mechanism makes it possible for third parties to address issues with GPSNR members through an unbiased yet amicable process," GPSNR Platform Director Stefano Savi said in a statement. "The focus of the process always will be on finding solutions that work for everyone and provide both complainants and respondents with a transparent platform for resolution and accountability.''
GPSNR, a voluntary organization, seeks to improve the socioeconomic and environmental performance of the natural rubber industry. Both GPSNR members and those outside the organization can use the grievance process to address concerns about potential violation of GPSNR requirements or principles.
"The mechanism seeks to provide transparency and predictability in the process and requires resolutions to be reached in a timely manner," the group said.
The panel, comprising volunteer members and external experts, seeks to expedite resolutions for what are deemed "high risk cases"—those that involve the environment or communities. The panel, after reviewing the complaint, will determine what corrective actions need to be taken.
The organization said the new grievance program aims to find solutions through a comprehensive process.
GPSNR, based in Singapore, includes members throughout the natural rubber industry, including producers, processors, tire makers, vehicle manufacturers and environmental groups.
GPSNR members account for nearly 50 percent of the global natural rubber volume. The group is an outgrowth of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development's Tire Industry Project.