LONDON—The European Union is introducing anti-deforestation regulations to force all stakeholders in the rubber and tire value chain to clarify whether or not any of the natural rubber being supplied, traded or used is linked to deforestation.
As such, the European law is "positive," as it encourages buyers to take and cascade responsibilities across the entire complex value chain, according to Paris-based sustainability consultancy Ksapa, in written comments to European Rubber Journal.
Potential problems, however, lie in imposing due diligence measures across the supply chain, noted Ksapa, which among other activities, leads a project with Michelin to enhance the wellbeing and productivity of 6,000 small rubber plantation owners in Sri Lanka.