Rubber Value Chain

Slavery in Rubber: Out of Sight. Out of Mind.

Modern slavery—including forced labour, child labour, and human trafficking—persists within the global rubber industry, particularly in the cultivation and processing stages. The sector's complexity and opacity, especially in sourcing natural rubber from smallholder farms in Southeast Asia and West Africa, contribute to the vulnerability of workers to exploitation.

Overview of the Rubber Supply Chain

The rubber supply chain encompasses several key stages:

Cultivation: Natural rubber is primarily harvested from smallholder plantations in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and parts of Africa.

Collection and Processing: Latex is collected and processed into intermediate products such as ribbed smoked sheets or block rubber.

Export and Manufacturing: Processed rubber is exported to manufacturing hubs where it is used to produce tires, gloves, and various industrial products.

Retail: Finished rubber products are distributed globally for consumer and industrial use.

Common retail products made from rubber include:

Automotive: Car tires, windshield wipers, belts, and hoses.

Footwear: Shoe soles and rain boots.

Healthcare: Medical gloves, catheters, and tubing.

Household Items: Mats, door seals, and kitchen utensils.

Industrial Goods: Conveyor belts, gaskets, and vibration dampers.

Nature of Modern Slavery in the Rubber Chain

Modern slavery in the rubber industry manifests in several forms:

Forced Labour: Workers may be compelled to work under threat, coercion, or debt bondage, particularly in plantation settings.

Child Labour: Children are often involved in hazardous tasks such as tapping rubber trees and handling chemicals, especially in family-run smallholdings.

Human Trafficking: Migrants seeking employment in rubber-producing regions may fall victim to trafficking, leading to exploitative labour conditions.

These issues are exacerbated by factors such as poverty, lack of education, and inadequate enforcement of labour laws.

Geographic Focus

Regions with notable concerns regarding modern slavery in the rubber supply chain include:

Southeast Asia: Countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam are major producers of natural rubber, where reports have highlighted instances of forced and child labour.

West Africa: Nations such as Liberia and Côte d'Ivoire have been identified with risks of child labour and poor working conditions in rubber plantations.

South America: Historical accounts from countries like Peru detail the exploitation of indigenous populations during the rubber boom, with lingering effects on labour practices.

Evidence from Reports

Investigations and studies have shed light on the prevalence of modern slavery in the rubber industry:

The Global Slavery Index identifies the rubber sector as high-risk for forced and child labour, particularly in regions with weak labour protections.

Reports have documented cases where workers, including children, are subjected to long hours, minimal pay, and unsafe working conditions.

Historical analyses reveal that during the early 20th century, indigenous communities in the Amazon were subjected to slavery-like conditions to meet rubber demand.

Industry and Regulatory Response

Efforts to combat modern slavery in the rubber supply chain include:

Certification Programs: Initiatives like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification aim to promote ethical sourcing of rubber.

Corporate Commitments: Some companies have pledged to eliminate forced and child labour from their supply chains, implementing due diligence and auditing processes.

Legislation: Laws such as the UK Modern Slavery Act and similar statutes in other countries require businesses to report on steps taken to prevent slavery in their operations.

Despite these measures, challenges remain in ensuring compliance and enforcement across all levels of the supply chain.

Challenges in Addressing the Issue

Several obstacles hinder the eradication of modern slavery in the rubber industry:

Supply Chain Complexity: The involvement of numerous smallholders and intermediaries makes traceability difficult.

Economic Pressures: Fluctuating rubber prices can lead to cost-cutting measures that compromise labour standards.

Limited Enforcement: Inadequate labour inspections and enforcement mechanisms allow exploitative practices to persist.

Lack of Awareness: Consumers and some companies may be unaware of the labour conditions associated with rubber products.

Recommendations and Pathways Forward

To mitigate modern slavery in the rubber value chain, the following actions are recommended:

Enhance Transparency: Implement robust business, product and labour traceability systems to monitor labour practices throughout the supply chain.

Strengthen Regulations: Governments should enforce labour laws and support international standards to protect workers' rights.

Support Smallholders: Provide education and resources to small-scale producers to promote ethical labour practices.

Consumer Awareness: Increase public knowledge about the origins of rubber products to drive demand for ethically sourced goods.

Addressing modern slavery in the rubber industry requires a concerted effort from governments, businesses, and civil society to ensure ethical and sustainable practices.