NGO to explore sustainable rubber in webinar

GENEVA—The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification is creating a new campaign to support rubber sustainability efforts in Southeast Asia.

The Geneva-based alliance of national forest certification systems will hold a global webinar to explain the program on July 7.

"The inclusive campaign 'PEFC Is Here' celebrates the role that millions of smallholders play in the creation of more than 40,000 kinds of essential goods such as tires, shoes and the billions of syringes vital to delivering COVID-19 vaccines worldwide," the non-profit group said.

The third-party certification program has been involved in the rubber tree wood industry, which produces 63 million metric tons per year. With the new effort, PEFC will now become involved in "pushing for more sustainable natural rubber production," the non-government organization said.

"Natural rubber touches our lives in so many ways, but it is often overlooked by those of us who use it. Our Supporting Sustainable Rubber campaign is all about shining a light on the product, and making the connection between sustainable natural rubber production, forest health, and smallholder livelihoods," PEFC International CEO Ben Gunneberg said in a statement.

Registration for the webinar, scheduled for 10 a.m. Geneva time and 4 a.m. eastern daylight time in the U.S., is available here.