The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., along with its Singapore subsidiary Yokohama Rubber Singapore Pte. Ltd., hosted a “Suppliers’ Day” in Singapore this past July, marking a significant step in their commitment to sustainable natural rubber procurement. The event, aimed at fostering the exchange of information and raising awareness of supply chain issues, saw the participation of 61 representatives from 30 companies across eight countries: China, Guatemala, Indonesia, Côte d'Ivoire, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
This year’s “Suppliers’ Day” was particularly noteworthy as it was the first in-person event since 2018, making it a highly anticipated reunion for stakeholders in the natural rubber supply chain. Yokohama Rubber has a history of organizing such events, with previous ones held in 2016, 2018, and 2022, underscoring the company’s long-standing dedication to sustainable practices.
During the event, Yokohama Rubber highlighted its ongoing efforts to revise its “Procurement Policy for Sustainable Natural Rubber” as part of a “materiality” review, which focuses on addressing key sustainability issues. This policy revision is central to the company’s strategy of aligning with the Yokohama Rubber Group’s sustainable procurement initiatives. Stefano Savi, Director of the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR), delivered a congratulatory speech, emphasizing the importance of such gatherings and the role of GPSNR in promoting sustainable practices within the industry.
A highlight of the event was a video message from Yokohama Rubber’s Chairman & CEO, Masataka Yamaishi, and President & COO, Shinji Seimiya. They expressed their gratitude to the participants for their ongoing support and contributions. The event also featured an awards presentation, recognizing suppliers who have made significant contributions to sustainable natural rubber procurement, further strengthening the collaborative spirit among attendees.
As a founding member of GPSNR, Yokohama Rubber has been proactive in its sustainability efforts since formulating its “Procurement Policy for Sustainable Natural Rubber” in October 2018. The company continuously reviews and updates this policy to enhance its collaboration with GPSNR and ensure alignment with global sustainability standards.
The “Suppliers’ Day” serves as a tangible manifestation of Yokohama Rubber’s principle of "Communication with Suppliers," as outlined in their Procurement Policy. This principle is integral to the company's broader commitment to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting sustainable raw material procurement.
Under the guiding slogan “Caring for the Future,” Yokohama Rubber aims to create shared value by addressing social issues through its business activities. The company’s ongoing initiatives in sustainable procurement reflect its dedication to fostering a more sustainable and resilient supply chain for natural rubber, benefiting both the environment and the communities involved in its production.
For more information on Yokohama Rubber’s sustainability initiatives, visit their official website at www.yokohama-rubber.co.jp.
