The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. recently held its seventh seminar in collaboration with the Surat Thani branch of the Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT) to assist Thai natural rubber farmers in enhancing the quality and productivity of their produce. This event, held in June 2024, is part of an ongoing initiative that began in 2020.
Seventy farm households from the Surat Thani area participated, along with employees from Yokohama Rubber, its Thai subsidiary Y.T. Rubber Co., Ltd., and RAOT. Over the course of five hours, participants learned about selecting and planting natural rubber seedlings, the benefits of applying fertiliser, and preventing foreign substances from contaminating natural rubber. One participant commented, “I was relying on my experience until now, but I was able to obtain knowledge at this seminar to improve the quality and productivity of my natural rubber. It was a very good experience.” Yokohama Rubber also provided each farmer with 250 kg of fertiliser free of charge, based on RAOT's expertise.
The seminar is part of the broader cooperation established by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in January 2020 between Yokohama Rubber and RAOT. This MOU aims to support Thai natural rubber farmers economically and improve supply chain transparency and soundness, aligning with Yokohama Rubber’s “Procurement Policy for Sustainable Natural Rubber”. The Surat Thani event is a tangible demonstration of this commitment.
Yokohama Rubber, a founding member of the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR), revised its Procurement Policy in September 2021 to strengthen its collaboration with GPSNR activities. The recent seminar underscores the company's commitment to supporting suppliers, including small-scale farmers, as outlined in its policy. The company will continue to implement and publicise initiatives in line with its policy's action guidelines.
Additionally, Yokohama Rubber is dedicated to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. Under its sustainability slogan, “Caring for the Future”, the company aims to address social issues through its business activities and promote the procurement of sustainable raw materials, including natural rubber.
Yokohama Rubber's continuous efforts reflect its dedication to creating shared value and supporting the communities involved in its supply chain. The company remains committed to further initiatives that promote sustainability and support for natural rubber farmers in Thailand and beyond.
