IOM will work with the Fair Labor Association (FLA) and brands Adidas, Puma and New Balance to carry out a joint mapping study of the natural rubber supply chain in Viet Nam. The exercise, focusing on rubber supply to the sporting goods industry, will look into the sector’s various stages of production, processing and labour conditions offered to workers, many of whom are internal migrants. 

Natural rubber is used extensively to produce a wide range of products. According to the Vietnam Timber and Forest Product Association (VIFORES), Viet Nam is one of Asia’s leading rubber exporters, ranking third worldwide after Thailand and Indonesia. However, as other global leaders in the sector, Viet Nam can also face potential social and environmental impacts created by highly dynamic industries, as is the case of rubber. This includes habitat degradation, labour rights, child labour and unfair employment conditions, among other. For instance, in 2014, the Government of Viet Nam highlighted in its National Child Labour Survey that an estimated 10,224 child labourers were involved in the industry. 

This joint FLA-IOM research looks to understand the various tiers of the supply chain and possible labour rights risks, engaging with producers, buyers, and workers. The exercise will focus primarily on the upstream supply chain, where direct and low skill labour is mostly used. A secondary focus will be on downstream tiers with the collaboration of adidas, New Balance and Puma. The result of the study will provide international brands with insights into the natural rubber labour supply chain and working conditions that can inform their internal programs and possible risk-mitigation strategies. 

The research also seeks to help local natural rubber suppliers understand Viet Nam’s rubber labour supply chain , creating awareness on working conditions at plantations, as well as on what is expected of them in light of international labor standards. Recommendations from the research will support them to better manage and develop responsible production and sourcing practices.

Phuong Do, FLA Regional Manager for South East Asia, stated: “FLA is very pleased to partner with IOM and brands adidas, New Balance and Puma, companies that are actively sourcing rubber from Viet Nam. The project will work with the various tiers of the supply chain, from large rubber plantations and small-holder farms to final assembly units. It will look at the working conditions in high risk tiers and make recommendations to FLA affiliates on approaching their upstream labour supply chain.”
 
The project will begin in July 2019 with research and site visits together with brands to suppliers, natural rubber plantations and small holder farmers. It will be concluded by April 2020.