23 Dec 2024
Bicycle tire maker notes benefits of scheme for growing rubber trees with other crops in Indonesia
Reichshof, Germany – German bicycle tire manufacturer Schwalbe has reported ‘positive results’ from an agroforestry project launched in Java, Indonesia nine months ago.
Carried out in collaboration with Fair Rubber e.V. and local farmers from the Yayasan Adil Makmur Sejahter Cikulur cooperative, the project is scientifically supported by the Indonesian Rubber Research Institute.
The initiative involves the planting of 7,500 rubber trees in ‘test plantations’ along with other crops such as aubergine and bananas, according to Schwalbe's 16 Dec release.
The plantations are designed to be “close to nature” and are based on the vegetation of natural forests, the bicycle tire manufacturer explained.
This it said, creates a diverse, species-rich environment that comes remarkably close to the conditions of an original forest and thus represents a clear positive alternative to conventional monoculture systems.”
The approach, continued Schwalbe, can help protect rubber trees from parasitic leaf diseases and crop failures, while preserving the natural ecosystem and helping farmers.
Furthermore, the process creates “long-term stable sources of income for the local community, while at the same time strengthening soil health and the resilience of the environment.”
Schwalbe is now stepping its commitment to the Fair Rubber initiative, through which it pays a premium of €0.50/kg directly to certified small farmers and rubber tappers.
This premium corresponds to over a quarter of the current world market price and directly supports the livelihoods of local communities, it stated.
According to the tire maker, 'fair rubber' represented around one third of the natural rubber used in its production processes in 2024.
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