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Around a year after the start of a pioneering project on the Indonesian island of Java, in which agriculture and forestry are combined, Schwalbe draws a positive interim conclusion.
The family-owned company is pleased with the great progress made by the 7,500 rubber trees whose seedlings were planted around nine months ago. These trees provide the most important raw material for bicycle tyres – natural rubber.
Schwalbe launched the agroforestry project together with Fair Rubber e.V. and local farmers from the Yayasan Adil Makmur Sejahter Cikulur cooperative, through which Schwalbe purchases fairly traded natural rubber.
It is not only rubber trees that are planted there, but also crops such as eggplants and bananas. This benefits people, nature and the climate.
The project is being scientifically supported by the Indonesian Rubber Research Institute (IRRI).
The innovative “test plantations” are designed to be close to nature and are based on the vegetation of natural forests. This 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.
This method protects the rubber trees from parasitic leaf diseases and crop failures and preserves the natural ecosystem. The combination of high biodiversity and sustainable cultivation creates a long-term stable sources of income for the local community, while at the same time strengthening soil health and the resilience of the environment.
Felix Jahn, head of CSR at Schwalbe, says: “We have launched a truly pioneering project in Java, and we are delighted with its success to date. Environmentally friendly cultivation methods help to reduce the risk of deforestation, preserve biodiversity and maintain the ecological functions of the forests through efficient use.”
Natural rubber and Fair Rubber
Schwalbe’s commitment to fairly traded natural rubber is also reflected in its product range: It now uses around one-third of fair rubber in its production in the year 2024.
At the same time, the company is working together with Fair Rubber e.V. to further expand the system. For every kilo of raw material, Schwalbe pays a premium of 0.50 euros 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.
