Sustainable Rubber for GM

GM’s current goal is to become 100% sustainable for its rubber needs. In the name of this effort; GM has made a partnership with Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear, and Michelin in which they will collaborate to switch to all natural tires, solely harvested through transparent and traceable processes. General Motors buys approximately 49 million tires per year, so an initiative driven by them will undoubtedly have an actual effect on the situation.

GM has a lot of ground to cover, as their aim is to set the standard for ethical and sustainable rubber in accordance with labor rights for the rubber industry, wildlife conservation, and preserving the carbon stock- all whilst producing quality substance, and without raising the cost for any involved parties. This is quite a broad commitment. They intend to hold all members of the initiative accountable for maintaining the new standards, and hope to encourage other manufacturers to follow suit.

“Traceability and transparency are keys”, GM says, “to making sure the rubber doesn't lead to deforestation, and that it contributes to the economic and social development of the areas where it's harvested.”

The sustainable natural rubber plan is in its early stages, but we can expect to hear more announcements about this idea in the future. GM says it expects to have an industry sustainability roadmap by the end of the 2017.