How an Ivorian rubber plantation navigated EU sustainability requirements and FSC certification to supply German tire manufacturers.
Côte d'Ivoire
Germany
Company
Société Ivoirienne de Caoutchouc
Location
San Pedro, Côte d'Ivoire
Size
Large (500 employees)
Established
2009
Meeting German automotive industry's strict quality standards (TSR 20 specification) and EU sustainability/deforestation compliance.
Upgraded processing line for consistent TSR 20 grade. Installed lab for dirt content, PRI, and Mooney viscosity testing.
Began FSC certification process. Required social and environmental impact assessments of all plantation areas.
GPS-mapped all 3,000 hectares. Established due diligence system for deforestation-free verification.
Attended Tire Technology Expo in Hannover. Signed 5-year supply contract with Continental supplier.
3 manufacturers
German Clients
8,000 MT
Annual Volume
A+ rated
Sustainability Score
5-year
Contract Duration
Côte d'Ivoire is Africa's largest rubber producer (7th globally). Germany is Europe's largest tire manufacturer.
🚢 San Pedro → Hamburg (18 days)
Liberia has Africa's oldest rubber industry (Firestone plantation since 1926). Exports to USA tire market.
🚢 Monrovia → Charleston, USA
Cameroon exports natural rubber to Malaysian glove manufacturers. Growing demand post-COVID.
🚢 Douala → Port Klang, Malaysia
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