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 of SAPH: Toupah, Bettié, and Rapides-Grah. This achievement demonstrates SAPH's commitment to sustainable practices and responsible production.
The FSC certification is a result of several years of efforts by SAPH to improve its agricultural and industrial practices. The company has implemented a robust system to ensure the sustainable management of its plantations, protect ecosystems, and respect the rights of workers and local communities. This certification is a significant milestone for SAPH and the Ivorian rubber industry.
The certification enables SAPH to market its natural rubber, wood, and by-products with the "FSC 100%" declaration, guaranteeing that the raw materials come from certified sources. This recognition is expected to open up new commercial opportunities for SAPH and improve the competitiveness of Ivorian natural rubber in the international market.
According to Thierry Serres, Director-General of SAPH, the company is proud of this achievement, but acknowledges that the real challenge lies ahead. The company aims to obtain better valorization of certified rubber from international buyers and make a positive impact on the environment and local communities.
The FSC certification is also seen as a signal for the entire African rubber industry, demonstrating that it is possible to balance economic performance, environmental protection, and access to international markets. Annah Agasha, Deputy Regional Director of FSC for Africa, emphasizes the significance of this certification in the context of the new FSC national standard for forest management in Côte d'Ivoire.
SAPH plans to use this experience to gradually extend the FSC certification to rubber produced by village planters, which could benefit thousands of small-scale farmers in Côte d'Ivoire. This move would further promote sustainable practices and improve the livelihoods of rural communities.
The certification is expected to have a positive impact on SAPH's business and the Ivorian economy, as it provides a new instrument for development and valorization of national production. The company, listed on the BRVM stock exchange, aims to capitalize on this recognition to drive growth and improve its competitiveness in the global market.
Key points
- SAPH is the first African producer to obtain FSC certification for sustainable rubber production.
- The certification covers three industrial units of SAPH and is valid for five years.
- The recognition is expected to open up new commercial opportunities for SAPH and improve the competitiveness of Ivorian natural rubber.
