Michelin renews WWF France commitment

Michelin Group and WWF France have extended their partnership for responsibly sourced natural rubber and sustainable mobility by four years.

The first phase of collaboration began in 2015, which was related to the definition of sustainable natural rubber, the development of procurement practices and the promotion of good practices among the key players on the market and in the international bodies. Thanks to this partnership, Michelin Group has been able to publish its sustainable natural rubber policy and several major players have followed the example of the Group in making commitments to zero deforestation.

WWF France and Michelin Group have also developed together a pilot project in Indonesia. Installed in zones that have sustained damaged, and which have priority status for the WWF on account of their rich biodiversity and the proximity of the Bukit Tigapuluh park, this project aims to preserve and restore the forest while developing responsible rubber plantations, to benefit both the local communities and the ecosystems.

The field project has made major progress, particularly with the creation of a consultation and inclusion programme for the local communities, the construction of villages, the shrinking of illegal deforestation practices in the territory, and the protection of nearly 10,000 additional hectares for the elephant population, despite a local context that presents many social and environmental challenges.

The renewal of the current partnership between Michelin and WWF France will enable the continuation of this project, to strike a balance between local economic development, benefits for the local communities and preservation of the forests and of biodiversity.