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# FAIR RUBBER

## Sitemaps
- [XML Sitemap](https://fairrubber.org/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [Die Fair Rubber Prämie wirkt: Tausende Zapfer:innen in Indonesien profitieren](https://fairrubber.org/die-fair-rubber-pramie-wirkt-tausende-zapferinnen-in-indonesien-profitieren/): In Indonesien wird ein Großteil des Naturkautschuks auf sehr kleinen Landflächen angebaut. Die Besitzer:innen sind, ebenso wie andere Zapfer:innen, häufig auf weitere Jobs angewiesen, um den Lebensunterhalt für sich und ihre Familien zu sichern. Unser Lieferpartner Yayasan Adil Makmur in Indonesien vereint 4.429 aktive Kautschukzapfer:innen in der Region Lebak (Banten), etwa 2–3 Autostunden von Jakarta entfernt. Insgesamt bewirtschaften sie 3.069 Hektar Land. Als Gruppe haben sie besseren Zugang zu Ressourcen und profitieren beispielsweise durch die Zusammenarbeit mit Fair Rubber.
- [The Fair Rubber premium is making a difference: Thousands of rubber tappers in Indonesia are benefiting](https://fairrubber.org/the-fair-rubber-premium-is-making-a-difference-thousands-of-rubber-tappers-in-indonesia-are-benefiting/): In Indonesia, most natural rubber is grown on very small plots of land. The landowners, and other tappers, often rely on additional jobs to support themselves and their families. Our supplier partner Yayasan Adil Makmur in Indonesia brings together 4,429 active rubber tappers in the Lebak (Banten) region, about a 2- to 3-hour drive from Jakarta. In total, they farm 3,069 hectares of land. As a group, they have better access to resources and benefit, for example, from their collaboration with Fair Rubber.
- [Fünf Jahre Fair Rubber und Schwalbe](https://fairrubber.org/funf-jahre-fair-rubber-und-schwalbe/): Im Jahr 2020, vor fünf Jahren, ist das Familienunternehmen Schwalbe als erster Reifenhersteller dem Fair Rubber e.V. beigetreten. Durch die Mitgliedschaft setzt Schwalbe sich seitdem aktiv für verbesserte Lebensbedingungen der Menschen ein, die den Rohstoff für die Fahrradreifen gewinnen.
- [Five years of Fair Rubber and Schwalbe](https://fairrubber.org/five-years-of-fair-rubber-and-schwalbe/): 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.
- [Fair Rubber Standard Version 3.3: Neues Abholzungskriterium tritt in Kraft](https://fairrubber.org/fair-rubber-standard-version-3-3-neues-abholzungskriterium-tritt-in-kraft/): Der Fair Rubber e.V. freut sich bekannt zu geben, dass die Version 3.3 des Fair Rubber-Standards ab Januar 2025 in Kraft ist. Eine wichtige Neuerung in dieser Version ist die Einführung eines entscheidenden Kriteriums zur Entwaldung, das in einem umfassenden Konsultationsprozess entwickelt wurde.
- [Fair Rubber Standard Version 3.3: New Deforestation Criterion Now Effective](https://fairrubber.org/fair-rubber-standard-version-3-3-new-deforestation-criterion-now-effective/): The Fair Rubber Association is pleased to announce that Version 3.3 of the Fair Rubber Standard is now effective as of January 2025. A key update in this version is the introduction of a critical criterion on deforestation, developed through an inclusive consultation process. 
- [Bleiben Sie auf dem Laufenden:Folgen Sie uns auf LinkedIn](https://fairrubber.org/bleiben-sie-auf-dem-laufendenfolgen-sie-uns-auf-linkedin/): Sind Sie auf der Suche nach den neuesten Informationen über unsere Projekte, Mitglieder, Lieferanten und Trends in der Kautschukindustrie? Folgen Sie uns auf LinkedIn, um über unsere laufenden Initiativen, Branchennachrichten und die nachhaltigen Praktiken, die die Zukunft der Kautschukproduktion bestimmen, informiert zu bleiben.
- [Stay Updated: Follow Us on LinkedIn](https://fairrubber.org/stay-updated-follow-us-on-linkedin/): Looking for the latest updates on our projects, members, suppliers, and trends in the rubber industry? Follow us on LinkedIn to stay informed about our ongoing initiatives, industry news, and the sustainable practices shaping the future of rubber production.
- [Nachhaltigkeit in Aktion: Acht Monate Wachstum der Kautschukbäume im Agroforstsystem](https://fairrubber.org/nachhaltigkeit-in-aktion-acht-monate-wachstum-der-kautschukbaume-im-agroforstsystem/): Es gibt gute Nachrichten von unserer Fair Rubber Kooperative Yayasan Adil Makmur in Indonesien: Vor nur acht Monaten haben die Mitglieder der Kooperative 7.500 Gummibaumsetzlinge gepflanzt - und die Ergebnisse sind beeindruckend.
- [Sustainability in Action: Eight Months of Rubber Tree Growth with our Fair Rubber Supplier Partner in Indonesia](https://fairrubber.org/sustainability-in-action-eight-months-of-rubber-tree-growth-with-our-fair-rubber-supplier-partner-in-indonesia/): We are excited to share an important update from our project in Lebak Bante which highlights the positive impact of agroforestry and sustainable practices in the rubber sector. Just eight months ago, we partnered with our Fair Rubber supplier to plant 7,500 rubber tree seedlings – and the results have been impressive.
- [Flip-flops from Norway?!](https://fairrubber.org/flip-flops-from-norway/): Nina Granerød, one of the founders behind the Scandinavian flip-flop brand Sleepers, reports in our interview how the idea for a sustainable flip-flop from Norway came about. Since 2019, Sleepers are on the market with the Fair Rubber logo, and more than 100 000 pairs have been sold globally.
- [Flip-Flops aus Norwegen?!](https://fairrubber.org/flip-flops-aus-norwegen/): Nina Granerød, eine der Gründerinnen der skandinavischen Flip-FlopMarke Sleepers, berichtet in unserem Interview, wie die Idee für einen nachhaltigen Flip-Flop aus Norwegen entstanden ist. Seit 2019 sind die Sleepers mit dem Fair Rubber-Logo auf dem Markt und wurden weltweit bereits mehr als 100.000 Paar verkauft.
- [EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) – Implications on the Rubber Sector](https://fairrubber.org/eu-deforestation-regulation-eudr-implications-on-the-rubber-sector/): The European Union has just adopted the Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), thereby leaping towards deforestation-free supply chains for EU manufacturers and traders and tackling this large driver of climate change and biodiversity loss. As tropical deforestation is mainly caused by the expansion of agricultural land, the regulation will strive to effectively ban rubber and rubber derivatives linked to deforestation or the degradation of woodland from entering the EU market. In order to achieve this, the regulation introduces a three-step due diligence mechanism, which will also apply to soy, cattle, palm oil, wood, cocoa, coffee and their respective derivatives. EU importers, manufacturers, and exporters will have an 18-month period until the December 31, 2024 to comply with the new regulation, small and medium-sized companies until June 30, 2025.
- [EU-Entwaldungsverordnung (EUDR) – Auswirkungen auf den Kautschuksektor](https://fairrubber.org/eu-entwaldungsverordnung-eudr-auswirkungen-auf-den-kautschuksektor/): Die Europäische Union hat kürzlich die Entwaldungsverordnung (EUDR) verabschiedet und damit einen Schritt in Richtung entwaldungsfreier Lieferketten für EU-Unternehmen und -Händlern getan, um diesen großen Treiber des Klimawandels und des Verlusts der biologischen Vielfalt zu bekämpfen. Die Abholzung von Tropenwäldern wird hauptsächlich durch die Ausdehnung landwirtschaftlicher Flächen verursacht. So soll mit der Verordnung erreicht werden, dass Kautschuk und Kautschukderivate, die mit der Abholzung oder der Schädigung von Wäldern in Verbindung stehen, nicht auf den EU-Markt gelangen. Um dies zu erreichen, führt die Verordnung einen dreistufigen Sorgfaltsprüfungsmechanismus ein, der auch für Soja, Rinder, Palmöl, Holz, Kakao, Kaffee und ihre jeweiligen Derivate gelten wird. EU-Importeure, -Hersteller und -Exporteure haben 18 Monate Zeit bis zum 31. Dezember 2024, um die neue Verordnung zu erfüllen, kleine und mittlere Unternehmen bis zum 3.0 Juni 2025.
- [Did you know that rubber trees have sweet spots?](https://fairrubber.org/did-you-know-that-rubber-trees-have-sweet-spots/): Natural rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis) are, of course, best known for the production of latex milk, which is turned into anything from bottle teats to airplane tires.
- [Wussten Sie, dass Gummibäume einmal im Jahr ‚süße Stellen‘ haben?](https://fairrubber.org/wussten-sie-dass-gummibaume-einmal-im-jahr-suse-stellen-haben/): Der echte Gummibaum (Hevea brasiliensis) ist natürlich vor allem für die Produktion von Latex-Milch bekannt. Herstellen kann man daraus eine Vielzahl von Dingen, von Babysaugern bis zu Reifen für Flugzeuge. Am Ende der produktiven Phase eines Gummibaums, nach etwa 35 Jahren, wird der Baum gefällt und aus dem Holz werden Frühstücksbrettchen aber auch Möbel und andere Gebrauchsgegenstände hergestellt.
- [When leaf death comes with the wind](https://fairrubber.org/when-leaf-death-comes-with-the-wind/): A fungus threatens global rubber production
- [Der Blatt-Tod kommt mit dem Wind](https://fairrubber.org/der-blatt-tod-kommt-mit-dem-wind/): Ein Pilz bedroht die globale Naturkautschukproduktion
- [Fair Rubber: 1.5 Mio. Euro an Fair Trade-Prämie seit 2012](https://fairrubber.org/fair-rubber-1-5-mio-euro-an-fair-trade-pramie-seit-2012/): Unternehmen, die dem Fair Rubber Verein beitreten, zahlen einen nach Unternehmensumsatz gestaffelten jährlichen Mitgliedsbeitrag und eine Fair Trade-Prämie pro abgenommenen Kilogramm Kautschuk.
- [Neues Vorstandsmitglied des Fair Rubber Vereins](https://fairrubber.org/neues-vorstandsmitglied-des-fair-rubber-vereins/): Auf der letzten Mitgliederversammlung des Fair Rubber Vereins im Frühjahr 2022 haben die Mitglieder den Vorsitzenden David Löw Beer für zwei weitere Jahre im Amt bestätigt. Mit Felix Jahn, CSR-Beauftragter beim Fahrradreifenhersteller Schwalbe, wurde zudem ein neues Mitglied in den Vorstand gewählt, der auch den Posten des zweiten Vorsitzenden übernommen hat. Der bisherige zweite Vorsitzende Duncan Jepson von der NGO Liberty ist kürzlich auf eigenen Wunsch aus dem Vorstand ausgeschieden. David Croft von Reckitt ist turnusgemäß weiter im Vorstand aktiv. Eine Nachfolgerin oder ein Nachfolger für Duncan wird aktuell gesucht.
- [Fair Rubber-Produkte bei Amazon](https://fairrubber.org/fair-rubber-produkte-bei-amazon/): Der Online-Händler Amazon hat Fair Rubber als vertrauenswürdiges Siegel für nachhaltigen Kautschuk anerkannt: Kund*innen können Produkte mit dem Fair Rubber-Logo nun einfacher über das Climate Pledge Friendly-Programm von Amazon auf dem Online-Marktplatz finden. Nun ist auch die Suche nach Fair Rubber-Artikeln in einzelnen Produktkategorien möglich. Alternativ können sich Käufer*innen eine Übersicht aller mit Fair Rubber-Label versehenen Produkte anzeigen lassen. Aktuell sind es rund 800 – von Gummihandschuhen über Kondome bis zur Kokos-Latexmatratze.
- [Besuch bei Partnern in Thailand: Gelebte Solidarität](https://fairrubber.org/besuch-bei-partnern-in-thailand-gelebte-solidaritat/): Thailand ist der größte Gummiproduzent der Welt. Fair Rubber e.V. hat dort zwei kleinere Lieferantenpartner, denen in der Region Surat Thani zu Beginn des Jahres 2022 ein dritter folgte. Im Mai reiste erstmals nach Rücknahme der Coronabeschränkungen eine Delegation des Vereins in die Region, um sich mit Gummizapfer*innen und Kleinbäuerinnen und -bauern des neu gegründeten Verein „Surat Thani Sustainable Rubber Association“ (SRA) über aktuelle Entwicklungen im Fair Rubber-Programm auszutauschen. Zentrales Ereignis während des Besuchs war die Mitgliederversammlung, an der rund 100 Personen teilnahmen. Auf dem Programm standen eine Erweiterung des Vorstands, Entscheidungen über die Verteilung der Fair Rubber-Prämienzahlungen und die Diskussion eines Fair Rubber-Entwicklungsplans.
- [1.5 million euros in fair trade premium for farmers and tappers](https://fairrubber.org/1-5-million-euros-in-fair-trade-premium-for-farmers-and-tappers/): Companies that join the Fair Rubber Association pay an annual membership fee based on company sales and a fair trade premium per kilogram of rubber purchased.
- [New board member of the Fair Rubber Association](https://fairrubber.org/new-board-member-of-the-fair-rubber-association/): At the last General Meeting of the Fair Rubber Association at the end of April 2022, members confirmed Chairman David Löw Beer in office for another two years. Felix Jahn, CSR officer at bicycle tire manufacturer Schwalbe, was also elected as a new member of the board. He has also taken over the position of second chair. The previous second chair Duncan Jepson from the NGO Liberty recently resigned from the board at his own request. David Croft of Reckitt continues to serve on the board by rotation. A successor to Duncan is currently being sought.
- [Fair Rubber products on Amazon](https://fairrubber.org/fair-rubber-products-on-amazon/): Online retailer Amazon has recognized Fair Rubber as a trusted seal for sustainable rubber: Customers can now find products with the Fair Rubber logo more easily through Amazon's Climate Pledge Friendly program on the online marketplace. It is now also possible to search for Fair Rubber items in individual product categories. Alternatively, shoppers can get an overview of all Fair Rubber-labeled products. There are currently around 800 - from rubber gloves and condoms to coconut latex mattresses.
- [Visit to partners in Thailand: Solidarity in action](https://fairrubber.org/visit-to-partners-in-thailand-solidarity-in-action/): Thailand is the largest rubber producer in the world. Fair Rubber e.V. has two smaller supplier partners there, followed by a third in the Surat Thani region at the beginning of 2022. In May, for the first time after the withdrawal of the Corona restrictions, a delegation of the Fair Rubber Association traveled to the region to exchange information with rubber tappers and small farmers of the newly founded Surat Thani Sustainable Rubber Association (SRA) about current developments in the Fair Rubber program. The central event during the visit was the general meeting, which was attended by around 100 people. The agenda included an expansion of the board of directors, decisions on the distribution of Fair Rubber premium payments and the discussion of a Fair Rubber development plan.
- [Miracles may take a bit longer …](https://fairrubber.org/miracles-may-take-a-bit-longer/): The first time we were asked whether we could help source a yoga mat made with Fairly Traded natural rubber was in October 2009 – the Fair Rubber Association did not even exist then. The request was to help establish a supply chain for a yoga mat containing some natural rubber, but the challenge was to have a mat that does not contain ANY synthetic rubber. And that is the real issue: There a quite a number of yoga mats on the market, which claim that their mats are made with natural rubber – but they don’t disclose that they also contain synthetic rubber, i.e. plastic, i.e. fossil fuel: Only rubber experts can smell/test that difference. But finally, after ‘only’ 12 years of trying, after numerous visits to potential mat makers in a number of countries – a double miracle has happened: Two of our members now offer yoga mats with natural rubber only …
- [Climate Change: It Hurts!](https://fairrubber.org/climate-change-it-hurts/): It hurts, when one of our longest standing supplier partners loses a key Fair Trade customer – but that’s business. We worked hard set up a contact to a new Fair Trade buyer to help fill the gap.
- [Blowing in the wind: Dandelions –The Rubber of the Future?](https://fairrubber.org/blowing-in-the-wind-dandelions-the-rubber-of-the-future/): Ever so often we get an excited inquiry: Have we heard about rubber being produced from dandelions? Russian dandelions (or, to be more precise: Kazakh dandelions - Taraxacum koksaghyz)? Our answer always is the same: To begin with, this is an old hat. Thomas Edison, a great friend of Henry Ford’s, tried out this – and hundreds of other ‘latex sap’ producing plants almost 100 years ago in an attempt to help the automobile pioneer to become independent of the rubber producers. At the time, production was concentrated mainly in the British Empire (with some in then French occupied Indochina). The first World War had made it abundantly clear: ‘Modern’ wars needed wheels (not horses), and having reliable sources of rubber even in times of conflict had become paramount.
- [Stefan Hörmann, Chief Operations Officer](https://fairrubber.org/stefan-hormann-chief-operations-officer/): Since June 2021 Stefan Hörmann is Chief Operations Officer of the Fair Rubber Association and thus succeeds Martin Kunz. Stefan holds a master’s degree in political and administrative science. He is also deputy director of the environmental foundation Global Nature Fund (GNF). He is in charge of the Bonn office of GNF and is unit head of their programme ‘Business and Biodiversity’. He has long-term experience in the collaboration with the private sector, supporting companies in their attempts to establish and improve sustainable supply chains. He gathered international experience e.g. when he was project manager for the global network ‘Living Lakes’ as well as at work stays in the Middle East and the Caribbean. At Fair Rubber, Stefan is the point of contact for issues concerning members, licensees and those interested in the certification system. The close exchange with Fair Rubber’s sup­plier partners in Thailand, southern India, Sri Lanka and Indonesia is of particular importance to him.
- [Abschied – ein paar persönliche Gedanken](https://fairrubber.org/abschied-ein-paar-personliche-gedanken/): Mein erster Versuch, einen Erzeuger von Naturkautschuk zu finden, der willenswar, ein paar 100 kg Naturkautschuk unter ‚Fair Trade’ Bedingungen für dieFußbälle, die ich damals verkauft habe, zu liefern, liegt 15 Jahre zurück. Am Endedes Jahres 2020 bezogen die Mitglieder/Lizenznehmer des Fair Rubber e.V. (deraus meinen ersten Bemühungen entstanden war), 270 Tonnen DRC (Dry RubberContent – Gummi-Trockenmasse) und bezahlten die entsprechende Fair TradePrämie für dieses Volumen an Lieferantenpartner in Indonesien, Sri Lanka,Indien, Thailand ... Ein Auditbericht einer dieser Gruppen enthielt Angaben zueiner weiteren Steigerung: Die Gruppe von 277 Zapfern (laut Satzung könnenhier nur aktive Zapfer Mitglied werden,) hat beschlossen, weitere 100 ihrerKollegInnen aufzunehmen. Obwohl das Fair Rubber e.V. Mitglied, das von dieserGruppe kauft, für das zweithöchste (und regelmäßige) Fair TradeHandelsvolumen verantwortlich ist, bekommen 377 Zapfer nunmehr nur nochein kleines Zusatzeinkommen von ca. EUR 15/Monat (EUR 180 im Jahr). Das istdie konkrete Wirkung unsere Fair Trade Prämie von EUR 0,50/kg DRC vor Ort –ein Betrag, der offensichtlich der Bezeichnung ‚gerechte Verteilung’ in keinerWeise gerecht wird – aber trotzdem besser für die Betroffenen ist als Papiere mithehren Versprechungen. Wenn Sie diese Zeilen lesen, bin ich nicht mehrGeschäftsführer des Fair Rubber e.V. – ich habe doppelte Staatsbürgerschaft -und beide Staaten haben mir mitgeteilt, dass ich das Rentenalter erreicht habe-ein Wink mit dem Zaunpfahl. Aber: Sind EUR 15/Monat Zusatzverdienst füreinen Zapfer ein ‚Er-folg’, auf dem man ‚ruhen’ kann? Verglichen mit derSituation vor 15 Jahren – und der Lage, in der sich die absolute Mehrheit vonNaturkautschuk-ProduzentInnen weiterhin befindet – können wir wohl einwenig stolz darauf sein, dass der Faire Handel mit Naturkautschuk von kgauf hunderte von Tonnen angewachsen ist. Und ich bin froh, dass ich dieVerantwortung an meinen Nachfolger zu einem Zeitpunkt übergeben kann, andem die Zahl der Anfragen von Firmen, die sich am fairen Gummi-Handelbeteiligen wollen, ständig zunimmt: eine Kosmetikfirma, ein Bauzulieferer, ...Trotzdem ist klar, dass der Fair Rubber e.V. die globale ungerechte Verteilungder Nutzen aus dem Naturkautschuk-Handel nie wird ausgleichen kön-nen. Aberwir haben den Beweis angetreten, daß Fair Trade Prämien Zahlungen, die vieleInsider als ‚unrealistisch hoch’ bezeichnen, möglich sind und Tausenden vonbenachteiligten Produzenten in bescheidenem Umfang helfen. Ich wünschemeinem Nachfolger, dass der Zuwachs anhält – und dass womöglich inabsehbarer Zeit sogar ein Autoreifenhersteller als Mitglied dazu kommt. Der FairRubber e.V. steht am Anfang – und ich werde (als Berater) hoffentlich bei diesemDurchbruch noch mit dabei sein. mk
- [Kriterien für Fair gehandelten Naturkautschuk aktualisiert](https://fairrubber.org/kriterien-fur-fair-gehandelten-naturkautschuk-aktualisiert/): 2018 hat der Fair Rubber e.V. erstmals ein eigenständiges Set an Kriterien fürNaturkautschuk veröffentlich. Nachdem diese Standards drei Jahre lang in Auditsvon einer unabhängigen Auditfirma in der Praxis angewandt wurden, und zwarin allen Ländern, in denen der Fair Rubber e.V. Lieferantenpartner hat, war einekleine Revision notwendig: Die eigentlichen Kriterien und Parameter haben sichbewährt, was überarbeitet wurde sind die ‚Anwendungsbestimmungen’ undAnweisungen für die Kontrolleure. Das aktualisierte Kriterienpapier ‚Fair RubberStandards 3.2.’ kann demnächst von unserer (ebenfalls neu aufgesetzten)Internetseite www.fairrubber.org heruntergeladen werden. In demZusammenhang ist zu betonen, dass alle Auditkosten aus Beiträgen, dieMitglieder und Lizenznehmer des Fair Rubber e.V. bezahlen, beglichen werden:Der Fair Rubber e.V. hat und wird nie von einem Lieferantenpartner dasBezahlen eines Audits fordern.
- [Eine gerechte Verteilung der Wertschöpfung?](https://fairrubber.org/eine-gerechte-verteilung-der-wertschopfung/): Die Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber, eine Industrievereinigungder Auto- und Reifenindustrie, hat vor kurzem ein Dokument mit dem TitelGPSNR Desired State’ veröffentlicht. Dort heißt es: „Die globale Plattform fürnachhaltigen Naturkautschuk setzt sich für die Schaffung einer nachhaltigenglobalen Naturkautschuk-Wertschöpfungskette ein, indem sie hohe Standards inden folgenden Bereichen gewährleistet: Umwelt, Soziales, Wirtschaft.“ Es folgen zujedem dieser Bereiche Spiegelstriche, z.B.: „gerechte Verteilung derWertschöpfung“. Zur Erklärung heißt es: „Gerechte Verteilung der Wertschöpfungvon Naturkautschuk innerhalb und zwischen den begünstigten Gemeinschaften auflokaler, regionaler und globaler Ebene“, und weiter: „... existenzsichernde Löhne,die von allen an der Wertschöpfungskette Beteiligten verdient werden.“ Dernächste Spiegelstrich, ‚Haushalte, die vom Naturkautschuk abhängen’ wird wiefolgt erklärt: „Sichere und verläßliche Einkommen durch Lieferflexibilität ohnenennenswerte Ertragslücken.“
- [FAIRkehrsfähig:Der erste Fair gehandelte Reifen weltweit!](https://fairrubber.org/fairkehrsfahigder-erste-fair-gehandelte-reifen-weltweit/): Schwalbe, Weltmarktführer im Marktsegment Premium-Fahrradreifen, istMitglied im Fair Rubber e.V. und hat nun den ersten Fair gehandelte Reifenweltweit auf den Markt gebracht. Der ‚Marathon E-plus’ für E-bikes, und ‚Pick-Up’, der Reifen speziell für Cargobikes: bis zu 300 kg sind kein Problem fürdiesen Spezialreifen. Der ursprüngliche Einführungstermin fiel Covid zum Opfer.Dank Schwalbe bekommen die 377 Gummizapfer in Indonesien trotzdem seitnunmehr über einem Jahr jeden Monat eine Fair Trade Prämienzahlung. Und umder Nachfrage gerecht zu werden, arbeiten Schwalbe und der Fair Rubber e.V. aneiner Ausweitung des Fair Trade Reifen-Angebots - das Volumen an Fairgehandeltem Naturkautschuk soll um ein vielfaches erhöht werden und die Zahlder beteiligten Zapfer wird dementsprechend wachsen.
- [FAIR Well – On A More Personal Note](https://fairrubber.org/fair-well-on-a-more-personal-note/): 15 years ago I went on my first trip to try and find a rubber producer willing to supply a few 100 kg of rubber under ‘Fair Trade’ conditions for the foot/soccer balls I was trying to sell at the time. At the end of 2020, the members of the Fair Rubber Association (FRA), which grew out of this effort, had traded 270,000 kg of DRC (Dry Rubber Content) and paid the corresponding amount in Fair Trade premiums to supplier partners from Indonesia to Sri Lanka. The audit of one of these suppliers reported on another incidence of increase: The original number of 277 tappers (only those who actually tap are allowed as members of that particular group – no absentee land owners) had voted to allow 100 more of their colleagues to join. However, even though the FRA member who buys from this group, is the most regular buyer amongst all our members, and overall the 2nd biggest by volume, each of those (now) 377 tappers at present gets an extrain come of ca. EUR 15 per month only – EUR 180 per year. This is what our Fair Trade premium of EUR 0.50/kg DRC ‘translates’ into on the ground – an amount which is far removed from an ‘equitable distribution’ or a ‘living wage’.Nevertheless: Better than lofty goals that never translate into any actual benefits.At the time you read this newsletter, I will no longer be the Executive Secretary of the FRA. I hold dual nationality, but I have reached retirement age in both countries and I can take a hint. But is EUR 15/month extra pay for rubber tappers an achievement to retire on? Compared to the situation 15 years ago –and with the situation most primary producers still live in – I guess we can take some pride in the fact that Fair Trade in natural rubber has grown from zero kgs then to hundreds of tons p.a. today. And I am happy to be able to hand over to my successor at a time, when we get more inquires from companies interested in joining than ever – from cosmetics to construction to sporting goods firms. Even so it is obvious that the Fair Rubber Association can never be the answer to the un-equal distribution of benefits in the global trade in natural rubber. But what comforts me is that the FRA has demonstrated beyond doubt that the FRA’s level of Fair Trade premiums, which has been called to be ‘unrealistically high’, is actually possible – and is already helping 100s if not 1.000s of disadvantaged producers and their families. Hopefully, my successor will continue to see growth in the numbers of companies who realize that all it takes is their will, and the outlook is good: A growing number of new inquiries have come in in the last few months, including one for a Fairly Traded car tyre! I will remain around to help and hopefully see it happen. mk
- [Fair Trade Standards for Natural Rubber Updated](https://fairrubber.org/fair-trade-standards-for-natural-rubber-updated/): The FRA introduced its first stand alone criteria document in 2018 (before that it had relied on other related criteria sets). After three years of experience in all countries where we have supplier partners, the criteria document has been revised: No basics needed to be changed – but the explanations of which regulations apply to what type of setting etc. have been updated. The new version (Fair Rubber Standards 3.2) can soon be downloaded from our (newly formatted) website www.fairrubber.org We would also like to remind all customers of products with the Fair Rubber Association logo that the fees paid by the users of the logo pay for all 3rd party audits: We never charge supplier partners for our audit requirements. We are also happy to report that two new supplier partners could join our scheme as there was demand for (some) of their production: A group of small farmers in Kerala in South India, and another plantation in Sri Lanka. For more information visit our website.
- [An Equitable Distribution of Value?](https://fairrubber.org/an-equitable-distribution-of-value/): The Global Platform for Sustain-able Natural Rubber, originally founded in October 2018, has recently published a document with the title ‘GPSNR Desired State’: “The Global Platform for Sustain-able Natural Rubber (GPSNR) is committed to creating a sustain-able global natural rubber value chain by ensuring high standards in the following areas: Environmental, Social, Economic.”The document then lists some bullet points for each of these three areas,including this one: “Value Chain Equity” and next to it under the header “What does it mean?” it explains: “Equitable distribution of value from natural rubber within and among beneficiary communities at the local, regional and global levels.”And further on: “… living wages earned by all members of the value chain“. Next to the bullet point ‘Rubber-based Households’ follows this explanation: “Secure and stable incomes from supply flexibility with no significant gaps in yield.”Apart from the fact that it has taken the GPSNR 2.5 years to get to this statement– what does ‘equitable distribution of value’ actually mean? What is a secure and table income, a living wage’ – in terms of dollars and cents? And more importantly: What steps are to be taken to achieve this? The Fair Rubber Association has never spent much time on trying to define a living wage – there are plenty of official minimum wage lists and NGOs trying to define living wages.Instead we have focused on actually trying to address the imbalance of income:On one side rubber tappers and small farmers, whose income does not allow them to send their children to school, on the other the makers and buyers of cars,where the application of the FRA-level of Fair Trade premiums for four tyres would add exactly EUR 6 to the cost of a vehicle. The senior Vice President of one of the biggest tyre making companies once called the level of our Fair Trade premium ‘unrealistic’. Is it? Only the car makers can change that. They are the true tyre customers - they need to act on those well sounding words like ‘secure and stable income’. It is almost shameful to use such lofty words for EUR 6 extra per car– is that the reason why nothing real is happening?
- [Where the rubber hits the road:The World’s First Fairly Traded Tyre](https://fairrubber.org/where-the-rubber-hits-the-roadthe-worlds-first-fairly-traded-tyre/): Schwalbe, the world’s premier brand of bicycle tyres, has joined the Fair Rubber Association (FRA) and produces the world’s first Fairly Traded tyres: The‘Marathon E-plus’ for e-bikes. Second in line: “The tyre for cargo bikes ‘Pick-Up’easily gets any load of up to 300 kg rolling”. The launch fell victim to Covid, as the bicycle fair for which the introduction had been planned had to be cancelled, but despite this set-back the group of 377 tappers in Indonesia has been receiving a Fair Trade premium payment every month for more than a year now. And in order to meet increasing demand and an expansion of its Fair Trade range,Schwalbe is hard at work with the FRA to increase its current offer multiple times. As a result 100s more rubber tappers will receive a modest pay increase every month. Fair Trade is on a roll.
- [Fairly Traded Rubber: Babies – Or Not!](https://fairrubber.org/fairly-traded-rubber-babies-or-not/): Despite Covid travel restrictions it was possible to welcome a new supplier partner into the Fair Trade system of the Fair Rubber Association: 44 small rubber farmers in the Hat Yai region (Thailand), who supply to a local processor, registered their association as “KLONG POM PHATTHANA 95”. The group consists of men and women, aged from 32 to 71(!) years of age.The natural rubber which they supply, and for which they get a Fair Trade premium of EUR 0.50/kg DRC (Dry Rubber Content) is used in the products of two members of the Fair Rubber Association – in effect providing options for all families that want children – and those who don’t: One member produces pacifiers and tops for baby feeding bottles – the other is the world’s biggest condom manufacturer.Its latest Fairly Traded condom brand is Loovara intimate. Either way there is no more excuse not to LOVE Fairly Traded rubber!
- [Fair Rubber in Times of Covid](https://fairrubber.org/fair-rubber-in-times-of-covid/): You are not alone if you are fed up with all the devastating news surrounding the Covid pandemic and its impact. The Fair Rubber Association (FRA) and its work has not been spared either: Supply chains have shut down because factories had to close when workers became infected, travel became difficult to impossible for groups that wanted to meet, or for auditors to visit.And of course the shock to the economy hit the natural rubber sector hard, too: Because an estimated 70% of all natural rubber goes into tyres, its price is closely linked to that of synthetic rubber (i.e. rubber made from petroleum): If the oil price is low – using synthetic (where possible) instead of natural rubber makes economic sense. The slump in car sales, air travel etc. kept the price for oil low, and as a result the price for natural rubber is at or below the cost of production.However, car and tyre makers still seem to fail to understand that if they do not pay better prices now – there may not be enough natural rubber available in a few years. With prices as low as they are now, small rubber farmers and plantations are abandoning rubber in increasing numbers.Despite the dire economic situation, the FRA has seen a surprising uptick in support and interest from existing and new members: A bedding shop in Switzerland, who likes the work of the FRA so much that the owner became a supporting member reported that on the first day of reopening after the shut down in spring – the first item he sold was a natural rubber mattress from our founding member Prolana. At the other end of the size-scale we have just welcomed a Fortune 500 company (more information in the next newsletter).And the supplier partner base also keeps growing.Since FRA staff, too, could not travel, we are (re)telling the story of the use of Fair Trade premiums by some of our longest supplier partners on the next page: This is the difference that the payment of a small Fair Trade premium can have on the lives of 100s of primary rubber suppliers.Makers of cars and tyres still don’t get it: Small farmers and tappers deserve fair payment, too.
- [A Wedding and Some Funerals](https://fairrubber.org/a-wedding-and-some-funerals/): The decision on how to spend Fair Trade premium payments rests with the primary producers. In the case of plantations, a representative ‘joint body’ of plantation workers decides. And over the years, they have come up with some surprising decisions. Two examples show the breadth of usage – and their implications:Fifty-two year old S. V. Chitra is a supervisor on the New Ambadi Rubber Estate in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. When his younger daughter, Vasudevan, got married, the joint body gave him a Rs 40,000 (ca. EUR 470) interest free loan. No, this did not pay for the one thousand people who attended the wedding – thankfully it’s a tradition in Tamil Nadu that the wedding guests contribute enough money to cover the catering costs. The money was used to top up Vasudevan’s savings – she is a schoolteacher – and to buy gold jewellery.To go to the gold bazar of the nearest town and shop for golden necklaces and bangles may sound like a fun day out, but that is not the point. Gold jewellery is a solid financial investment (which is why the gold price goes up during the wedding season. Though Vasudevan became part of her husband’s family on her wedding day, the jewellery remained her’s and she can decide what to do with it. The official line is that (like her mother) she will probably pass some of it on to her daughters on their wedding days. But there is a subtext too: should Vasudevan’s marriage fail she will have a nest egg to start over. Even if her husband or her in-laws don’t like Vasudevan’s decision to keep her job for the time being, her nest egg gives her the freedom to do it nevertheless. And that’s how an interest free loan financed through a Fair Trade premium makes a difference: To S.V. Chitra because the wedding of his youngest daughter hasn’t plunged him into debt. And to Vasudevan who has the freedom to decide about her future.At Lalan’s Sapumalkande Group in Sri Lanka the joint body invested in the purchase of items that are hired out for all kinds of celebrations, from weddings to funerals: With an average of 50-300 people attending, hiring everything from commercial supplies is expensive (if too many people attend, feeding them is spread out over days in groups).The store put together by the joint body consists of three ‘towers’ of cooking vessels of eight pots each, sized from 8x16 to 17x34 inches. There are also pans, scoops, three tents etc. The implements were purchased following a tender focused on quality, not just on price – the successful supplier added a gas cooker as a bonus.There is also sound system, but this is only hired out manned by Dhammika. His day job is in the office, but he gets a bonus of SLR 750 (ca. EUR 3.40) per day for looking after the sound system. By comparison: The hire of one of the biggest pots costs SLR 50/day. Mostly transport can be arranged via plantation vehicles – which usually have business nearby in any case. Hiring from the joint body store means a tremendous saving for the plantation workers, the joint body charges just 25% of local alternatives (most renters provide their own cook).Often the reason for hirings are funerals – and for these there are also three white (the colour of mourning) banners mentioning Fair Rubber … Previously, people joined ‘funeral societies’, and paid SLR 100-200 month: While most deaths are sad affairs indeed – at least they are no longer cause for these plantation workers to take on unsustainable debt – or saving over a life time just to avoid financial ruin on top of the emotional pain.
- [Fair Gehandelter Naturkautschuk trotz COVID 19?](https://fairrubber.org/fair-gehandelter-naturkautschuk-trotz-covid-19/): Sie sind nicht allein, sollten Sie alle der schlimmen Nachrichten im Umfeld der Covid Pandemie überdrüssig sein. Natürlich betrifft das Virus auch die Arbeit des Fair Rubber e.V.: Lieferketten sind lahmgelegt, weil Arbeiterinnen und Zapfer erkrankt sind. Gruppen von Kleinbauern dürfen sich nicht treffen, Auditoren nicht reisen.Der wirtschaftliche Schock hat selbstverständlich auch den Gummi-Sektor betroffen: Schätzungsweise 70% allen Naturkautschuks werden zu Reifen verarbeitet. Da diese zum großen Teil auch aus Synthesegummi (Petroleum) gefertigt werden können, hängt der Kautschukpreis eng am Ölpreis: Ist Öl billig, wird noch mehr Synthese- statt Naturkautschuk verarbeitet. Durch Covid bedingte Einbrüche bei Autokäufen und Flugreisen sind mit verantwortlich dafür, dass der Preis für Naturkautschuk weiter unter den Produktionskosten liegt.Trotzdem scheinen die Hersteller von Autos und Reifen nicht begreifen zu wollen, dass es in ein paar Jahren nicht mehr genug Naturkautschuk geben könnte: Wegen der Niedrigstpreise wechseln Kautschukplantagen zunehmend auf andere Produkte, z.B. Palmöl, aus, Kleinbauern ziehen auf der Suche nach Arbeit in die Metropolen.Um so erfreulicher ist daher, dass der Fair Rubber Verein in den letzten Monaten wachsenden Zuspruch bekommen hat: Ein Laden für Bettwaren in der Schweiz verkaufte am ersten Tag nach dem Ende des Lockdowns eine Fair gehandelte Matratze von Prolana (der Ladeninhaber ist Fördermitglied im Verein). Und kürzlich konnte eine Firma, die zu den Fortune 500 gehört, als Mitglied aufgenommen werden (mehr darüber im nächsten Newsletter).Da auch die Mitarbeiter des Vereins nicht reisen können, berichten wir umseitig anhand zweier Beispiele, wofür bei zwei unserer ‚ältesten’ Lieferantenpartner Fair Trade Prämien verwendet wurden – zum Nutzen von hunderten von Plantagenarbeiterinnen und –arbeitern – und den umliegenden Dörfern.Auto- und Reifenhersteller scheinen noch immer nicht verstanden zu haben, dass auch Gummizapfer und Kleinbauern fair bezahlt werden müssen.
- [Fair gehandelter Gummi – mit Baby und ohne](https://fairrubber.org/fair-gehandelter-gummi-mit-baby-und-ohne/): Trotz Covid-bedingter Reisebeschränkungen konnte der Fair Rubber e.V. einen neuen Lieferantenpartner in sein Fair Trade Projekt aufnehmen: 44 Kleinbauern aus der Hat Yai Region (Thailand) haben ihre Vereinigung registriert. Die Gruppe besteht aus Frauen und Männern im Alter von 32 bis 71(!) Jahren. Wie alle anderen Lieferantenpartner auch bekommen sie eine Fair Trade Prämie von EUR 0,50/kg DRC (Dry Rubber Content – Gummitrockenmasse). Der von ihnen gelieferte Naturkautschuk wird in Erzeugnissen von zwei Mitgliedern des Fair Rubber Vereins genutzt. Mit deren Angebot sind alle Optionen der Familienplanung abgedeckt: Ein Mitglied produziert Schnuller für Babies. Das andere Mitglied ist der Welt größter Kondomhersteller. Das neueste Produkt von dort ist die Marke Loovara intimate. So oder so: zur Liebe gehört Fair gehandelter Gummi!
- [Eine Hochzeit – und mehrere Beerdigungen](https://fairrubber.org/eine-hochzeit-und-mehrere-beerdigungen/): Bei Lieferantenpartnern des Fair Rubber Vereins, die Plantagen sind, entscheidet der sog. ‚joint body’ (ein repräsentatives, von der Plantagenbelegschaft gewähltes Gremium) darüber, wofür Fair Trade Prämien ausgegeben werden. Und über die Jahre sind einige überraschende Entscheidungen gefällt worden. Hierfür zwei Beispiele:S.V. Chitra ist Vorarbeiter auf der Gummiplantage New Ambadi im südindischen Staat Tamil Nadu. Als seine jüngere Tochter Vasudevan heiratete, bewilligte der ‚joint body‘ einen zinslosen Kredit von Rs 40.000 (ca. Euro 480). Das Geld wurde nicht für die Bewirtung der etwa eintausend Hochzeitsgäste gebraucht (glücklicherweise ist es in Tamil Nadu üblich, dass die Gäste ein Geldgeschenk machen, das die Kosten für Essen und Getränke abdeckt). Der Kredit diente dazu, für Vasudevans Goldschmuck zu kaufen.In den Goldbasar der nahegelegenen Stadt zu fahren um Goldketten und Armreifen zu kaufen klingt wunderbar, aber darum geht es nicht, Schmuckkauf ist vor allem eine finanzielle Investition. Obwohl Vasudevan am Hochzeitstag Mitglied der Familie ihres Mannes wurde, gehört ihr Schmuck weiterhin nur ihr, sie verfügt darüber. Der Tradition folgend wird sie am Hochzeitstag ihrer Tochter einige Stücke schenken, so wie ihre Mutter das bei ihr getan hat. Dieses Arrangement beinhaltet eine unausgesprochene Botschaft: Sollte Vasudevan sich mit ihrem Mann überwerfen und sich scheiden lassen, dann könnte sie ihren Schmuck verkaufen und hätte genug Geld, um ein neues Leben zu beginnen.Auf diese Weise verändert ein zinsfreies Darlehen, das über eine Fair Trade Prämie finanziert wurde, das Leben einer indischen Familie: Das von S.V. Chitra, der sich für die Heirat seiner jüngsten Tochter nicht verschulden musste. Und das von Vasudevan, der es die Freiheit gibt, über ihre Zukunft selbst zu entscheiden.Bei der Sapumalkande-Plantagengruppe von Lalan in Sri Lanka hat der ‚joint body‘ Geld investiert für Gegenstände, die anlässlich von Festen und Feiern ausgeliehen werden können. Von Hochzeiten bis Beerdigungen ist im Schnitt mit 50-300 Gästen zu rechnen – und wenn alles, was für eine Feier nötig ist, von einem kommerziellen Verleih geholt werden muss, ist das teuer. Der ‚Festverleih’, den der ‚joint body‘ aufgebaut hat, besteht aus drei ‚Kochtopftürmen’ mit je acht Gefäßen, von 20x40 cm bis 43x86 cm. Außerdem gibt es Pfannen, Schöpfer - und drei Festzelte. Vor dem Kauf führte der ‚joint body‘ eine Ausschreibung durch, die mehr Wert auf Qualität als auf einen günstigen Preis legte.Und dann kann auch noch eine Lautsprecher- und Musikanlage ausgeliehen werden – allerdings nur mit Betreuung durch Dhammika. Normal arbeitet Dhammika im Büro der Plantage, für einen Tag Aufsicht über die Anlage bekommt er ein Taschengeld in Höhe von SLR 750 (ca. EUR 3,40; zum Vergleich: Die Leihgebühr für den größten Topf beträgt EUR 0,50/Tag). Durch den Verleih über den ‘joint body‘ sparen die Nutzer im Vergleich zu kommerziellen Anbietern rund ¾ der Kosten.Häufig ist eine Beerdigung der Anlass für den Verleih. Früher mussten sich Hinterbliebene verschulden, um die Trauerfeier zu finanzieren, oder sie waren Mitglieder in ‚Beerdigungs-Sparvereinen’, die einen monatlichen Beitrag von SLR 100-200 nehmen.Natürlich sind Todesfälle ein trauriger Anlass – aber zumindest kommt für die Plantagenbelegschaft zur emotionalen Belastung nicht noch eine Verschuldung dazu.
- [Von 0 auf 277 in 6](https://fairrubber.org/von-0-auf-277-in-6/): Indonesien ist der zweitgrößte Gummiproduzent der Welt. Allerdings hatte der Fair Rubber e.V. bis dato dort keine Lieferantenpartner. Auf Bitten eines neuen Mitglieds reiste eine Delegation des Vereins nach Indonesien, um Gummizapfern und Kleinbauern eine Beteiligung am Fairen Handel zu ermöglichen. Nur sechs Monate später haben 277 Gummizapfer aus sechs Dörfern im Westen der Insel Java eine Nichtregierungsorganisation (NRO) namens „Kelom-pok Tukang Sadap Karet Adil Makmur Sejahtera“ gegründet (übersetzt: Die Faire und Wohlhabende Gruppe von Gummizapfern). Sie ist nun Lieferpartner des Fair Rubber e.V. und seiner Mitgliedsfirma. Sobald die Tinte der letzten Vertragsunterschrift getrocknet ist, wird die Gruppe jeden Monat eine Fair Trade Prämie überwiesen bekommen: Ein konstanter Käufer, mit signifikantem Gummi-bedarf, ist letztlich die einzige Möglichkeit, eine Lieferkette in Zeiten von Weltmarkt–Niedrigstpreisen nachhaltig abzusichern. Und um sicherzustellen, dass die Prämie nur die erreicht, die sie am nötigsten brauchen, dürfen nur aktive Gummizapfer der neuen NRO beitreten (d.h. Kleinbauern, die selbst zapfen, oder landlose Zapfer). Aber auch kleine Fair Trade Zahlungen helfen: Unsere Kleinbauernvereinigung in Sri Lanka bekam bislang nur EUR 1.000 an Fair Trade Prämienzahlungen – wir finden leider nicht mehr Käufer für ihre Produkte. Die Gruppe hat es aber geschafft, die Prämie als Hilfe an 238 SchülerInnen und Studierende zu verteilen, von Klasse 1 bis zur Universität.
- [The Next Consumer Generation](https://fairrubber.org/the-next-consumer-generation/): Babies and toddlers will soon have the chance to grow up using Fairly Traded rubber products from the word ‘go’ : By autumn this year we expect that baby teats and baby bottle tops, and possibly also teething aids, will become available courtesy a new member of the Fair Rubber Association.
- [COVID19, Natural Rubber, and Fair Trade](https://fairrubber.org/covid19-natural-rubber-and-fair-trade/): It is somewhat unusual for the Fair Rubber Association to get a call from the Financial Times (FT). What was even more unusual was the question: What happens to rubber farmers and tappers when tyre companies and other rubber processing factories shut down? The answer is clear: They lose all income. No buyer, no sale, no pay. The Economist reported on April 4th, 2020: “About a tenth of the Thai population lives on less than USD 2.85 a day. (…) Thailand’s most severe drought in decades has cut production of sugar, rice and rubber.” Thailand is the world’s biggest producer of natural rubber. In addition to the problem outlined, Thailand (like most rubber producing countries) imposed a shut down in response to COVID19 similar to those in the ‘industrial world. Unlike in most ‘industrial countries’ the go­vernments in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand cannot afford relief packages for workers and industries. Shut downs affect Fair Trade supply chains, too: Even buyers like the members of the Fair Rubber Association, who are willing to pay a Fair price, cannot do so if a factory is shut down: The Economist also reported that the world’s biggest condom manufacturer was shut down (despite projections that an increase in births is now projected). The company referred to is an FRA member. The FRA’s work regarding a group of small farmers in Thailand was also affected, they had been hoping to be signed up as a Fair Trade producer supplier: Our Thai colleague reached their home town – but then the meeting had to be cancelled on short notice because of COVID rules. One rubber trader and friend of the FRA described the industry situation as follows: “But increasingly all we are doing is managing delays (…) as customers all over Europe shut down operations. (...) There will be many old companies which will not survive the financial and cash-flow stresses of this, despite government support. We are lucky that so far rubber has been in wintering, but as we start to come out of it during May and the supply pressure builds I can’t imagine what will happen to the price.“ A colleague of his commented somewhat cynically: “The good news about current prices is that there won’t be any deforestation to speak of. The bad news about current prices is that there won’t be many rubber tapper/smallholders left to tap the remaining trees.  trees will be cut (…,) land will be reallocated, and global consumption of rubber will continue to rise – as it always does. Then we will have high prices again, which will ignite a new wave of deforestation. Repeat. The only way to break this calamitous cycle is by changing the pricing model for this important raw material.” Which is exactly what the FRA has been advocating for years, and what is more: this is what its members have actively been implementing by paying a Fair Trade premium of EUR 0.50/kg DRC (Dry Rubber Content). Rarely has there been a situation in the rubber world in which there has been such a tremendous need for FAIR trade.
- [Size Matters](https://fairrubber.org/size-matters/): The Fair Rubber Association is sometimes asked, why the share of Fairly Traded rubber is so small. There are a number of key reasons. One is, that natural rub-ber can, to some extent, be substituted for by synthetic rubber (which is made from petroleum). And if petroleum is cheap – as it is nowadays, why use natural rubber if you can avoid it. The second key reason is that 70% of all natural rubber goes into tyres for cars: The tyre makers blame the car makers for not willing to pay more, the car makers blame the tyre makers for not investing in sustainability. Another 20% of rubber produced goes into conveyor belts (think fulfilment centres, airport belts, agricultural machinery): While almost ubiquitous and often a key component, rubber simply is not ‘visible’, it is just one of many components, and out of sight By contrast, Fair Trade as a concept relies on consumers having a choice between product A (Fairly Traded) and product B (conventional). As far as rubber is concerned, this condition is mostly limited to so called ‘dipped’ items (condoms, household gloves, …) or small consumer products (hot water bottles). But maybe with the current crisis there will be a rethink in line with the opinion by the two rubber traders quoted on page one?
- [COVID19, Naturkautschuk, und Fairer Handel](https://fairrubber.org/covid19-naturkautschuk-und-fairer-handel/): Es ist ungewöhnlich wenn die Financial Times beim Fair Rubber e.V. anruft. Noch ungewöhnlicher war die Frage der Journalistin: Was passiert mit den Gummizapfern und Kleinbauern, wenn Reifenhersteller und andere Gummi verarbeitende Betriebe zumachen müssen? Die Antwort ist kurz und eindeutig: Sie haben ‚null’ Einkommen. Kein Käufer, keine Einnahme. Der Economist vom 4.4.2020 berichtete: „Fast ein Zehntel der Bevölkerung Thailands hat weniger als USD 2,85/Tag zum Leben. (...) Die schlimmste Dürre in den letzten zig Jahren hat die Produktion von Zucker, Reis, und Gummi reduziert.“ Thailand ist weltweit der größte Produzent von Naturkautschuk. Erschwerend zu der Dürre kommt hinzu, dass auch Thailand (wie viele Industrieländer) per Dekret das öffentliche Leben wegen des Coronavirus lahm gelegt hat. Aber im Gegensatz zu den ‚reichen Ländern’ haben die Regierungen von Indien, Sri Lanka, Indonesien, Malaysia, und Thailand kein Geld für finanzielle Notfallhilfe. Die Schließungen in den gummiproduzierenden Ländern betreffen auch Fair Trade Lieferketten: Mitglieder des Fair Rubber Vereins, die ja willens sind einen Fairen Preis zu bezahlen, sind machtlos, wenn ein Lieferant den Betrieb zeitweilig stillegen muss. Der Economist berichtete, dass selbst der weltgrößte Kondomhersteller seine Werke schließen musste (obwohl schon jetzt ein Bevölkerungswachstum wegen der CO-VID19-Schließungen absehbar ist). Die betroffene Firma ist Mitglied im Fair Rubber e.V. Die Arbeit des Vereins wurde auch im Zusammenhang mit einer Gruppe von Kleinbauern in Thailand beeinträchtigt, die kurz davor war, als Lieferantenpartner anerkannt zu werden. Unser thailändischer Kollege kam zwar bis zur nächsten Stadt – aber das Treffen wurde kurzfristig wegen der COVID-Regelungen abgesagt. Ein Gummihändler (und Freund des Vereins) beschrieb die Gesamtlage in der Gummibranche wie folgt: „Mehr und mehr verwalten wir nur noch Verzögerungen (...) Viele alteingesessene Firmen werden den finanziellen Druck und Liquiditätsengpass nicht überleben, trotz Regierungshilfen. Bislang hatten wir Glück, dass die Gummibäume in der Winterpause waren, aber wenn die jetzt im Mai zu Ende ist, und sich ein Lieferdruck aufbaut, kann ich mir nicht vorstellen, was mit dem Preis passieren wird.“ Einer seiner Kollegen kommentierte fast zynisch: „Das Gute an den aktuellen Preisen ist, daß es keine nennenswerten Abholzungen geben wir. Die schlechte Nachricht in Bezug auf die aktuellen Preise ist, daß kaum Zapfer und Kleinbauern übrig sei werden, um die verbleibenden Bäume zu zapfen. bäume werden gefällt wer-den, (...) Land wird anders ge-nutzt werden, die globale Nachfrage nach Gummi wird weiter wachsen – wie sie es immer getan hat. Dann werden die Preise wieder hoch gehen, (...). Da capo. Die einzige Methode diesen Teufelskreis zu durchbrechen ist eine Änderung des Preismechanismus für diesen wichtigen Rohstoff.“ Und genau das propagiert der Fair Rubber e.V. seit Jahren, und, noch wichtiger: Die Mitglieder des Vereins zeigen durch das freiwillige Bezahlen einer Fair Trade Prämie wie ,so ein Mechanismus aussehen kann. Selten hat die Lage am Gummi-Weltmarkt so dramatisch nach Fairen Handelsbedingungen verlangt.
- [Größe zählt](https://fairrubber.org/grose-zahlt/): Wir werden beim Fair Rubber e.V. ab und an gefragt, warum der Anteil Fair gehandelter Produkte am Gummi-Weltmarkt so gering ist. Dafür gibt es einige Haupt-Ursachen. Zum einen kann natürlicher Kautschuk teilweise durch Synthesegummi (aus Petroleum) ersetzt werden. Und wenn Öl - wie aktuell – billig ist, kann natürlicher Kautschuk selbstverständlich preislich nicht konkurrieren. Noch wichtiger ist, dass ca. 70% allen Kautschuks für Autoreifen verwendet wird. Und hier sagen die Reifenhersteller, dass die Autofirmen nicht mehr zahlen möchten, und die Autohersteller werden den Reifenfirmen vor, dass sie nicht (mehr) in Nachhaltigkeit investieren. Weitere 20% des Kautschuks gehen in Förderbänder (Flughäfen, Verteilzentren usw.) und landwirtschaftliche Maschinen. Wiewohl fast ‚allgegenwärtig’, ist Gummi gleichzeitig fast ‚unsichtbar’, eines von vielen Komponenten ohne die ‚nichts geht’ – eine Tatsache, die den wenigsten bewußt ist. Der Faire Handel funktioniert aber nur, wenn KundInnen die Möglichkeit haben, sich bewusst für ein Fair gehandeltes Produkt (statt eines konventionellen Angebots) zu entscheiden. Diese Situation ist bei Gummiprodukten fast nur bei sog. ‚getauchten Produkten’ anzutreffen (Haushaltshandschuhe, Kondome ...) oder bei kleinen Konsumartikeln (Wärmflaschen). Ob die aktuelle Krise zu einer maßgeblichen Änderung der Lage führen wird?

## Pages
- [Legal Disclosure](https://fairrubber.org/legal-disclosure/): Fair Rubber e.V.
- [FAIR RUBBER FAQ](https://fairrubber.org/faq/): Fair Rubber campaigns for better working conditions as well as social and ecological improvements in rubber cultivation. The association comprises companies that use rubber, and civil society organisations committed to bringing about improvements in the rubber sector. Companies that purchase natural rubber and pay the Fair Rubber Premium may display the Fair Rubber label on their products, to indicate that a corresponding quantity of rubber has been sourced under Fair Rubber conditions. The label refers specifically to the rubber cultivation stage and does not certify other materials, components, or production stages of the product. The Fair Rubber Premium benefits the people who tap the rubber and meet the Fair Rubber Standard.
- [STANDARD](https://fairrubber.org/standard/): The Fair Rubber Standard is a cultivation standard for natural rubber. It sets out the requirements that plantations and groups of smallholders must meet in order to work with the Fair Rubber Association and receive the Fair Rubber Premium for their rubber. The standard is regularly revised. The current version (dated December 2024) comprises 82 individual criteria.
- [The Association](https://fairrubber.org/the-association/): The objectives of the Fair Rubber Association are
- [PREMIUM](https://fairrubber.org/premium/): Through the Fair Rubber Premium, the association aims to support smallholder farmers and tappers to improve conditions in natural rubber-growing regions.Working conditions for tappers are often poor, and world market prices for natural rubber are low. To improve the situation of local people, the Fair Rubber Premium has been introduced. It amounts to €0.50 per kilo of dry rubber content.
- [Resources](https://fairrubber.org/resources/):         § Constitution
- [WHAT IS FAIR RUBBER](https://fairrubber.org/): The Fair Rubber Association is committed to fair trade and the sustainable production of natural rubber.
- [Bicycle Tyres](https://fairrubber.org/products/bicycle-tyres-products/): From Schwalbe
- [Footwear](https://fairrubber.org/products/footwear-products/): from Waves
- [Kids](https://fairrubber.org/products/kids-products/): from MAM Baby
- [Fitness & Relaxation](https://fairrubber.org/products/fitness-relaxation-products/): From Fair Move
- [Gardening](https://fairrubber.org/products/gardening-products/): From Diversity Honeys
- [Condoms](https://fairrubber.org/products/condoms-products/): From Fair Squared
- [Home Textiles](https://fairrubber.org/products/home-textiles-products/): From Prolona
- [Bathroom](https://fairrubber.org/products/bathroom-products/): From FAIR ZONE
- [Household & Kitchen](https://fairrubber.org/products/household-kitchen-products/): from Fair Zone
- [About](https://fairrubber.org/about-2/): Fair Rubber e.V.Kaiser-Friedrich-Straße 1153113 Bonn, Deutschland
- [Joint body](https://fairrubber.org/joint-body/): Es gibt keine international verbindliche Definition für ‚ Fairen Handel’. Aber es gibt einige Punkte, die erfüllt sein sollten, wenn von‚ fair gehandelten’ Produkten die Rede ist.
- [Down under on top](https://fairrubber.org/about/down-under-on-top/): We have just passed on the first Fair Trade premium invoice for our member from ‘down under’, the ICB Group (from Australia), for household gloves sourced from a supplier partner in Sri Lanka: The invoice was the largest Fair Trade premium so far in the history of the Fair Rubber Association! Well done! 
- [A tale of two vehicles](https://fairrubber.org/about/a-tale-of-two-vehicles/): The moped of a Thai rubber tapper is parked after the owner has delivered his daily rubber harvest. If the makers of the car and tyre of the vehicle in the background would pay the Fair Trade premium set by the FRA – the price of that car would increase by approx. EUR 6. Chances of this happening are about as slim as are the chances of a rubber tapper ever being able to buy a car – any car.
- [Meet the middlemen](https://fairrubber.org/about/meet-the-middlemen/): Middlemen usually don’t have a good reputation, but on a recent visit to Thailand, where Fair Rubber Association (FRA) staff researched a new supply chain for Fairly Traded condoms, it became clear that middlemen provide important functions for small rubber farmers and tappers: After harvesting the rubber, they only have to travel a short distance to a local ‘collector’ (= middle-man). Meet Mr Chatree, the collector for some 40 small farmers and tappers. A tapper will on average deliver 35 litres on his moped. Chatree uses an old pickup truck to bring the latex of the group to the next level: A ‘super collector’ – who supplies it to the processors in tanker loads. Mr Chatree’s ‘other vehicle’ is a bicycle: He started competitive cycling at the age of 50, his proudest achievement so far is a 2nd place in a 92 mile race. Unfortunately he won’t be able to buy Fairly Traded bicycle tyres soon – but buyers in Europe can look forward to doing so: On the same trip, the FRA team also looked into a supply chain in Indonesia which will – hopefully soon – lead to Fairly Traded bicycle tyres becoming available, a ‘global 1st’! The middleman/collector for the tyre supply chain is Mr Otang – who collects rubber from some 200 tappers/farmers in the course of a week: These rubber harvesters are so poor that they normally would not even have a moped to transport their rubber to a collecting point. In his pick-up Mr Otang comes the side of the road near their fields to collect their rubber. What is common for tappers in both Thailand and Indonesia: The price they get is far too low to support themselves and their families through rubber tapping alone: Those who can - leave for the cities. Those who stay, have to try and find a second job in order to make ends meet. 
- [Words are cheap](https://fairrubber.org/about/words-are-cheap/): A lot of well known companies from car and tyre makers to shoe brands have recently signed a pledge to switch to Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified rubber - once it is available. These pledges come cheap to those who make them: There is no price premium for FSC certified rubber, the criteria are all about the environment. Those who have to fulfil them pay the price: During a recent trip to Thailand we met a company that does have FSC certification: They employ 12 full time staff to ensure compliance with FSC criteria for the 1,500 small farmers they buy from. Together with the cost of certification they said their input costs have increased by 30%. Their buyer pays no-thing extra to cover the extra costs – they simply put FSC as a requirement – otherwise they’d take their business elsewhere. The Fair Rubber Association is different, we put money behind our pledge. We, too,  promote environmental standards, they are part of the Fair Trade rubber criteria. But the Fair Rubber Association not only pays for the audits it requires, its members also pay a Fair Trade premium of EUR 0.50/kg DRC (Dry Rubber Content) of natural rubber: At present almost 50% above the market price. 
- [Basics of fair trade pricing](https://fairrubber.org/about/basics-of-fair-trade-pricing/): In October the price a tapper in Thailand received for a kg of DRC (Dry Rubber Content) was THB 33-34 – approx. EUR 1.00. In March it had been THB 47 (at the time approx. EUR 1.30).  A former president of the Thai Latex Association calculated that the price should be THB 60/kg in order to reach the Thai minimum wage. The Fair Trade premium per kg/DRC is EUR 0.50/kg = THB 16.79. In Indonesia the ex farm gate price in October was approx. EUR 0.72 for 1 kg of rubber. According to the general secretary of the Rubber Association of Indonesia a tapper earns on average at present EUR 3.90 per day  – while the legal minimum wage is EUR 7.57/day – almost double the current tapper wage. Tappers in Indonesia, when asked what a ‘fair price’ would be, came up with a more modest figure and a far simpler formula: The price for 1 kg of tapped rubber (‘wet’ rubber) should allow them to buy 1 kg of rice – at present IDR 8-9,000/kg.  If they are lucky, at present they get IDR 5,600 per kg ‘wet’ rubber.  A lot of well known companies from car and tyre makers to shoe brands have recently signed a pledge to switch to Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified rubber - once it is available.
- [Singapore-world-rubber-summit](https://fairrubber.org/about/singapore-world-rubber-summit/): At the recent World Rubber Summit in Singapore one of the world’s leading tyre manufacturers reported that they are trying to help 400 small farmers in one of their supply chains – using official governmental overseas aid – but without changing anything about the price they pay the farmers for the rubber. This company employs 65,000 workers worldwide.
- [Low-rubber-price](https://fairrubber.org/about/low-rubber-price/): The roots of the Fair Rubber Association (FRA) go back to 2006, but the Association itself is in its seventh year only. In marriages this is sometimes called the ‘cursed 7th year’ – but for the Fair Rubber Association it is mostly a case of coming of age:
- [Teaching-material](https://fairrubber.org/teaching-material/): With Fair Rubber, many people connect good working conditions in poor countries. But what exactly is different, if you buy products from Fair Trade? What does one as a consumer support, if one buys products from Fair Trade? Should Fair Trade be mandatory for all goods or would this make products too expensive? Students deal with these question in a short learning sequence at the example of the Fair Rubber Association. The teaching and learning sequence is designed for classes 10-12. It contains an introduction for teachers, a detailed lesson plan, an extensive coverage of Fair Rubber as well as its Fair Trade projects and finally a discussion about the question, whether Fair Trade should be mandatory. The material is based on standards from global learning. It is ready to be used and covers app. 2-3 lessons. Unfortunately, at this point only the German version of the teaching material is ready for publication. David Löw Beer has produced the material and appreciates any feedback.
- [Fair-trade-not-necessary](https://fairrubber.org/about/fair-trade-not-necessary/): The world market price for natural rubber has increased somewhat over the last months. Instead of ca. USD 1.50/ kg a year ago, it is now at ca. USD 2.50. That's good news for the producers.In response we were promptly confronted with the comment: 'We no longer see a need for a Fair Trade premium'. The remark came from a tyre company, which the Fair Rubber Association (FRA) had approached in an attempt to interest them in FairTrade.
- [Showering](https://fairrubber.org/success-stories/showering/): W J Christian sits on the floor in his workshop, a wooden hut littered with tools, spare parts, cables and scrap metal. Happy shrieks come from the enclosure right behind the shed where four boys are trying out the new showers – the new communal open-air bathroom which is an enormous improvement from taking a bath in a nearby stream. The showers are part of the Fair Trade water project and have been installed next to Mr Christian’s workshop for a reason: he is able to get there on his own. The 52 year old contracted polio when he was a baby and both his legs are atrophied, he can’t walk, but has to move on all fours. ‘The water project has given me so much more independence’ he says. Not only can he have a bath on his own, the villagers have installed one of the 12 communal taps right behind the house he is living in, which means he doesn’t have to ask his aunt or neighbours to fetch water for him. Not that anyone ever minded helping him out – W J Christian is known for his craftsmanship and ability to fix things – if he can’t repair it no one can. In 1995 it took him just six months built a motorised tricycle that is low enough for him to get on and off without help. Since then he not only drives to church on Sundays, he is also able to visit customers across the estate – whether you need handcrafted wooden window frames or your fan has to be rewired, Mr Christian is your man. But the bulk of his work is done in his workshop: more than 20 years ago a plantation manager asked him whether he were able to sharpen the cutting knives the tappers use – and that’s what he’s been doing ever since. It takes him about an hour to hone the chisel like tool, up to ten in a single day. He receives Rs 180 per knife and together with his other jobs he is able to make a living.
- [Kindergarten](https://fairrubber.org/success-stories/kindergarten/): Thanks to Fair Trade premiums, small kids on the Eila rubber plantations have more joy playing now. The Fair Trade comitee has money for the renovation of the nursery, the room of the playing group has been painted newly and colourful, new playing material has been bought and outside there are climbing scaffolds, swings and a seesaw.
- [Building-bridges](https://fairrubber.org/success-stories/building-bridges/): Twelve year old Sinusia has a good reason to smile: she will have a lot less walking now that the bridge, built with Fair Trade money, is ready. Sinusia lives with her parents and about one hundred other families in the isolated Govinna-section of the plantation.
- [Scholarship](https://fairrubber.org/success-stories/scholarship/): © Marianne Landzettel
- [Hurricane – solidarity](https://fairrubber.org/success-stories/hurricane-solidarity/): Hurricane Okhi struck on 29.11.2017. Our supplier partner New Ambadi in India lost ca. 12,000 rubber trees (out of a total of 180,000). This is problematic, as individual ‘bald’ patches on a plantation are impossible to fill in, i.e. it can take as long as 25 years before production losses can be addressed as part of the general replanting cycle.
- [Sport](https://fairrubber.org/success-stories/sport/): The team in Maha Oya has been going for 17 years but it needed a successful application to the Fair Trade committee to finally get a proper volleyball court. The players take the game very seriously, there are three teams and training starts at 4pm until 6.30pm, seven days a week. Thanks to the Fair Trade money the Sudaroly Sports Club doesn’t only have a full size court, properly secured by a fence, but also flood lights which make training in the evenings easier and a lot more fun.
- [Marriage](https://fairrubber.org/success-stories/marriage/): It’s a very special day for bride and groom, but getting there can be quite stressful, in particular for the bride’s family as they are the ones who usually will do most of the preparation and pay the bill. That’s why it was rather unusual for the New Ambadi Fair Trade committee to get an application for a wedding loan from the groom. They happily granted the request because of R. Vijayan’s exceptional circumstances and achievements. Vijayan grew up with his uncle and aunt, he was only a year old when his mother died, his father has been in psychiatric care for decades. Earning a living, being able to save a little money and planning for the future of the family he hopes to have – that’s been Vijayan’s aim for as long as he can remember. He’s bought a tiny plot of land which he has planted with rubber trees. In a few years he will be able to produce and sell some of his own rubber, supplementing the income he has from his job at New Ambadi. The wedding will be at the end of March, says Vijayan, standing in the freshly painted, spotlessly clean accommodation in New Ambadi he has just moved to. He’s met his future wife three times so far, the fourth will be on their wedding day. He hopes for two children, but that’s for the future. His bride knows how to sew and he’d be happy for her to run a small tailoring business from home. But what brings the biggest smile to Vijayan’s face is when he talks about coming home in future – when there will be someone to talk to over a shared meal.
- [Housing](https://fairrubber.org/success-stories/housing/): Without Gemini Upatissa the members of the Thurusavia small farmers cooperative would have no rubber sheets to sell. For fifteen years Mr Upatissa has been running the small factory in which the rubber milk collected by the small holders is processed into sheets. It’s the sheets that are sold to customers who then produce items as varied as soles for sneakers or valves for soccer balls. Mr Upatissa gets a basic salary of Rs. 3000 (less than EUR 20) per month and a cut of the profit from the sheets sold, but there are months in which less rubber milk can be collected and tapping is impossible during the monsoon.
- [Pension-scheme](https://fairrubber.org/success-stories/pension-scheme/): Mr. K. Babu (aged 61) was the first rubber tapper to retire after the new supplementary retirement scheme was introduced at the New Ambadi Plantation. He is happy with the additional pension payments, from which he has been benefiting since August 2010.
- [Electricity](https://fairrubber.org/success-stories/electricity/): Madhara Dulanjali is 10 years old, and lives on the Frocester Rubber Estate, which is part of the Horana plantations. Her great-grandparents, in fact, had lived and worked as rubber tappers on this estate. Her father (Vijararatnam) and mother (Kumari) both started working as tappers in 1995.
- [Healthcare](https://fairrubber.org/success-stories/healthcare/): Ms Saradha (aged 48) has been working for 25 years as a field worker in the nursery for rubber trees on the New Ambadi Estate. Her husband, Sardar Shiva, has mental health problems, which is why she has to provide for her family on her own. Her daughter, Sandhia, is 21 years of age and married, while her son Samil is doing well in his studies to become an electrical engineer.
- [Clean water](https://fairrubber.org/success-stories/clean-water/): Frocester Estate was the first supplier of fairly traded, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified natural rubber. There the joint body , where representatives of the workers and the management decide on the use of the Fair Trade premium payment, decided to use that extra income for 2007 to bring piped water to 64 housing units: clean drinking water for 227 people. The supply from the new well feeding the system is not enough to cover all needs, e.g. laundry still has to be done by hand in the nearby river. Nevertheless, this is the first time in the history of this kind of so-called 'labour lines' that clean drinking water has been available where the workers live.
- [Martin kunz](https://fairrubber.org/about/martin-kunz/): What does a 19-year-old who wants to do his community service abroad do when he is assigned a job in Calcutta in the house where Mother Teresa died?
- [Contact Persons](https://fairrubber.org/contact-persons/): If you would like to become a member of Fair Rubber or have any questions about the Fair Rubber system or products bearing the Fair Rubber logo, if you require further information or have any suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!
- [Supplier Partners](https://fairrubber.org/supplier-partners/): Fair Rubber works with a wide variety of supplier partners in six countries. These include both small and large plantations, as well as groups of smallholder farmers and tappers who have joined forces. Plantation management is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Fair Rubber standard. Smallholder farmers are responsible for this themselves. Fair Rubber premium payments go to Fair Rubber e.V.’s supplier partners. The people themselves decide how the premiums are used: Plantations have “joint bodies” made up of workers and management representatives who democratically decide on the allocation. For smallholder groups, this is done at their general assembly of members or the elected board. Fair Rubber currently works with the following suppliers:
- [Members](https://fairrubber.org/about/members/): Find out more about our members and licencees.
- [Participate](https://fairrubber.org/participate/): If you want to support Fair Rubber’s aims and would like to get involved in the association, you can join the Fair Rubber Association as an individual, a business or an organisation. The association comprises companies that use natural rubber , as well as civil society actors who campaign  for betterconditions in rubber cultivation. Members of the association benefit from webinars on current rubber-related topics, a trusting exchange with like-minded individuals and organisations, and direct contact with certified plantations and groups of smallholder farmers.
- [Success Stories](https://fairrubber.org/success-stories/): Since the founding of the Fair Rubber Association in 2012, members have paid the Fair Rubber Premium for about 10,600 tons of Dry Rubber Content (DRC). That means, smallholder groups as well as joint bodies of plantations working with Fair Rubber have received 5,300,000 EURO in premiums during this period (as of December 2025). 
- [About Rubber](https://fairrubber.org/about-rubber/): Natural rubber is produced by the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). In order to collect the latex milk from tree, an incision is made in the bark of the rubber tree – which is called ‘tapping’. Depending on the use, following the tapping stage the latex milk is processed in different ways. About 70 per cent of natural latex is used for tires. Other products made of natural rubber are e.g. mattresses, condoms, shoe soles, hot water bottles, balloons, rubber boots and seal rings. Natural rubber can be substituted by synthetic rubber for some applications. Synthetic rubber is made from petroleum (i.e. fossil fuel). In many products - such as car tires - natural as well as synthetic rubber is used. 
- [Fair Products](https://fairrubber.org/products/): Household & Kitchen Bathroom Footwear Condoms Gardening Fitness & Relaxation Bicycle Tyres Home Textiles Kids
- [Blogs](https://fairrubber.org/blog/)
- [About Us](https://fairrubber.org/about/): World market prices for natural rubber are low, working conditionsfor tappers are often poor, and cultivation frequently involves the use of pesticides. For these reasons, committed individuals associated with the Fair Trade movement founded the Fair Rubber Association in June 2012 – with its own cultivation standard and a premium for natural rubber.
- [Privacy Policy](https://fairrubber.org/privacy-policy/): This website uses Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google Ireland Limited. If the responsible body for the data processing that occurs via this website has their basis outside of the European Economic area and Switzerland, then the associated Google Analytics data processing is carried out by Google LLC. Google Ireland Limited and Google LLC. will hereinafter be referred to as “Google”.