FSC India and the Centre for Responsible Business (CRB) were delighted to host the session “Future-Proofing India’s Natural Rubber Supply Chain; National Dialogue on Building an Alliance Towards Responsible Natural Rubber Supply Chain” at the 11th Annual Sustainability Conference, India and Sustainability Standards (ISS) 2024. Held on 14 November 2024 at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, the session brought together key stakeholders to explore the Indian natural rubber sector's pivotal role in addressing evolving global regulatory requirements, including the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
Panelists from diverse sectors shared insights on creating a multi-stakeholder approach to foster a responsible natural rubber value chain in India.
Key issues of the panel discussion were:
- Smallholder concerns : How can we secure interests of rubber smallholders in the light of fluctuating global rubber prices and imminent threat of climate change led productivity losses.
- Business commitments: What measures businesses can take to de-risk their supply chain from social and environmental risks associated with imported block rubber from south-east Asia and African nations.
- Governments role: Can Indian government follow the global north to develop strong regulations to ensure that imported rubber comes only from deforestation-free sources.
- Multi stakeholder platforms: How international muti & bilateral organisations working in NR sector can engage with businesses to facilitate in development of responsible value chain which ensures fair pricing, zero deforestation, and upholds workers rights.
Knowledge Report Launch: The knowledge report on Natural Rubber developed by FSC India was also launched during the event. The report highlights barriers, challenges and opportunities in Indian natural rubber sector. The report also propose a set of recommendations for policy makers and businesses to build a responsible NR value chain.
FSC India thanks moderator Rijit Sengupta -CRB, panelists Bani Bains - GPSNR, Dr Binoi Kurian - Rubber Board, Aadarsh Mohandas - Preferred by Nature, Sean Nyquist - FSC, Dr Sudha Srinivasan, Ph.D. , IIPM for participating in the session and sharing their valuable inputs.
We also thank Centre for Responsible Business for co-hosting the session and bringing rubber stakeholders on a common platform. We now look forward to build a natural rubber sustainability alliance to take this discussion forward. The charter was shared during the event.