THE FAIR RUBBER ASSOCIATION

The objectives of the Fair Rubber Association are

• to improve the working and living conditions of the people who grow and tap natural rubber
• to reduce the negative impact of rubber cultivation on the environment.

World market prices for natural rubber are low, working conditions for 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.

Fair Rubber is a multi-stakeholder initiative: the association comprises 22 members – companies that use natural rubber, as well as organisations, associations and private individuals who campaign for better conditions in rubber cultivation. In addition, there are 8 licensees who use the Fair Rubber logo and pay the Fair Rubber premium in return, as well as 4 supporting members. A three-member executive board manages the organisation’s affairs; the most important decisions are taken by the annual general meeting.

Currently, 14 supplier partners in five countries – India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam – comply with Fair Rubber’s cultivation standard.