In 2020, five years ago, the family-owned company Schwalbe became the first tyre manufacturer to join the Fair Rubber Association. Through its membership, Schwalbe has been actively committed to improving the living conditions of the people who harvest the raw material for their bicycle tyres.
Much has grown since 2020: the number of members in the supported cooperatives has risen from 277 to over 4,500, and the proportion of fair trade natural rubber is now around one third. Schwalbe intends to continue on this path in the long term, aiming for a 100% Fair Rubber share by 2035.
“The reality for many rubber tappers is characterised by uncertain incomes, fluctuating world market prices and little appreciation for their work. Together with the Fair Rubber Association, we are creating structures that enable greater stability, open up new perspectives and highlight the importance of their work. Fair conditions and environmentally friendly cultivation practices have a particularly significant impact on people’s quality of life and on the protection of natural ecosystems,” explains Felix Jahn, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Schwalbe.
The certified natural rubber used by Schwalbe comes mainly from so-called jungle plantations in Indonesia. This cultivation method preserves the structure of the rainforest and differs significantly from monocultures, which often contribute to the destruction of sensitive ecosystems. By working with cooperatives, Schwalbe contributes to a more socially just and environmentally friendly supply chain.
In 2025, Schwalbe was awarded the German government’s CSR prize in the ‘Good Business Practices’ category for its commitment.
An interview with Felix Jahn, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Schwalbe, can be found here.