Sustainable Rubber

We are committed to having 100% of our products made from sustainable materials by 2050.

About Natural Rubber Harvesting

Natural rubber is a renewable resource that provides livelihood opportunities for millions of people around the world. While a key ingredient in many products, 70% of the world’s natural rubber consumption is used in tire production. Globally, farming of rubber trees provides employment for more than 6 million people.

Supporting Local Liberian Farmers

Much of the investment Firestone Natural Rubber makes is to ensure the future of the country’s natural rubber industry. Efforts include supporting farmers through best-in-class training and techniques. Firestone Natural Rubber also provides ongoing farm advisory support, farm supplies and materials at cost, and other support to the Liberian rubber industry.

At an estimated cost of USD $2 million, Firestone Natural Rubber provided 5.6 million free natural rubber stumps (planting material) to 2,100 Liberian rubber farmers in an effort to help revitalize the country’s natural rubber industry devastated by the prolonged civil wars. This assistance has resulted in the replanting of an estimated 25,000 acres of rubber trees by private Liberian rubber farmers.

Global Commitment to Natural Rubber

Bridgestone takes a broad view of sustainable natural rubber, which includes addressing not only deforestation, but also labor rights, land use, water use, and water quality. In February 2018, the Bridgestone Group launched its Global Sustainable Procurement Policy that serves as a framework to also achieve our goal of products made of 100% sustainable materials by 2050. This policy extends beyond natural rubber and applies to all our procurement activities.

Bridgestone is also one of the founding members of the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber, an independent platform to lead improvements in the socio-economic and environmental performance of the natural rubber value chain.