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I don't know if anyone saw this but here you go...

BMW joins global sustainable NR platform

European Rubber Journal

MUNICH—German car maker BMW A.G. has joined

the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber, a coa-
lition of stakeholders from across the natural rubber val-
ue-chain, including many major tire makers.

The move is a “rather logical approach,” considering the
amount of rubber used in the automotive industry, the
Munich-based company said.
“BMW needs around 24,000 (metric) tons of rubber a
year for tires alone,” the company said, noting this decision
links to its efforts to combat climate change.
In a statement about joining the sustainability effort,
BMW said in most cases natural rubber cultivation takes
place in monocultures in Southeast Asia, across an area

spanning nearly 20 million acres of land, with more than 80

percent grown on small farms, making it difficult to moni-
tor social and environmental growing conditions.

“We have to avoid the production environment for natural
rubber becoming like that for palm oil, which can lead to
difficult, non-transparent social and ecological conditions
in the regions concerned,” said Vanessa Buchberger, who is
responsible for sustainable purchasing at BMW.
Although BMW only purchases NR indirectly through its

tire maker suppliers, it said “transparency and sustainabili-
ty throughout the value chain are part of the company’s

philosophy.”

Launched in March at a gathering of stakeholders in Sing-
apore, the GPSNR aims to address issues such as conditions

for rubber farmers, deforestation and land-grabbing, while
working to ensure responsible sourcing of natural rubber.

All GPSNR founding members have committed to im-
prove social and environmental conditions for cultivation

and urge their business partners toward more sustainabil-
ity, BMW said.

BMW joins Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Co. as
vehicle makers to join the GPSNR and pledge to adhere to
its principles.
Tire company members are: Apollo Tyres Ltd.; Bridgestone
Corp.; Continental A.G.; Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.; Goodyear;

Hankook Tire Co. Ltd.; Kumho Tire Co. Inc.; Michelin; Noki-
an Tyres P.L.C.; Pirelli & C. S.p.A.; Sumitomo Rubber Indus-
tries Ltd.; Toyo Tire Corp.; and Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd.

https://s3-prod.rubbernews.com/s3fs-public/2019-07/RPN%2007-29-19%20Web%20Edition.pdf