The Société africaine de plantations d'hévéas (SAPH) has obtained the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for its rubber production, making it the first African producer to achieve this recognition. The certification, valid for five years, covers three industrial units in Cote d'Ivoire. This achievement demonstrates SAPH's commitment to sustainable practices and responsible production. The FSC certification is a significant milestone for SAPH and the Ivorian rubber industry.
The certification process involved a rigorous evaluation of SAPH's practices, including its management of plantations, protection of ecosystems, and respect for workers' rights and local communities. The FSC certification is not only a recognition of SAPH's efforts but also a responsibility to maintain high standards. According to Thierry Serres, SAPH's director general, the company is proud of this achievement and acknowledges that it is a first for the African rubber industry.
The FSC certification enables SAPH to market its natural rubber, wood, and by-products as "FSC 100%," guaranteeing that the raw materials come from certified sources. This certification also provides a verified traceability system, allowing customers to track the origin of the products. The recognition is expected to open up new commercial opportunities for SAPH and improve the competitiveness of Ivorian natural rubber in the international market.
The certification comes at a time when sustainability and traceability are becoming increasingly important in international trade. Industries such as tire manufacturing, equipment, and consumer goods are paying close attention to the origin and production conditions of raw materials. SAPH's FSC certification is seen as a way to strengthen its position in these markets and access higher-value segments.
Annah Agasha, deputy regional director of the FSC for Africa, emphasizes the significance of this certification, particularly in the context of Cote d'Ivoire's new national FSC forest management standard and the upcoming European Union's Deforestation Regulation. This achievement demonstrates that economic performance, environmental protection, and access to international markets can be reconciled.
The certification could also have a positive impact on small-scale farmers in Cote d'Ivoire, as SAPH plans to extend the FSC certification to rubber production from village plantations. This move could benefit thousands of small-scale farmers who are supported by SAPH. As a leader in the Ivorian rubber industry for 70 years, SAPH aims to further integrate its activities into international sustainability standards.
The company, listed on the Regional Stock Exchange (BRVM), sees this certification as a new tool for development and valorization of national production. The next step is to translate this international recognition into concrete commercial benefits for SAPH and Ivorian producers.
Key points
- SAPH is the first African producer to obtain FSC certification for its rubber production.
- The certification covers three industrial units in Cote d'Ivoire and is valid for five years.
- The recognition is expected to improve the competitiveness of Ivorian natural rubber in the international market.
