MALAYSIA SHOWCASES SUSTAINABLE RUBBER INDUSTRY INITIATIVES AND INNOVATION AT COP31

 

ANTALYA, Türkiye, Nov 13 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's rubber products industry is highlighting its progress in sustainability, responsible production and natural rubber innovation at the 31st United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP31), taking place from 9 to 20 November 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye.

Through its participation at the Malaysia Pavilion, the Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) is showcasing initiatives that support rubber product manufacturers in strengthening their environmental performance, advancing decarbonisation efforts and enhancing their competitiveness in an increasingly sustainability-driven global market.

As part of the Plantation and Commodities Cluster Day on 11 November 2026, MRC led the Sustainable Agricommodity Value Chains focus area, highlighting initiatives that support sustainable rubber manufacturing alongside innovative applications of natural rubber.

The programme included opening remarks by Nazar Azly Zaberi, Principal Assistant Secretariat, FACT Dialogue Secretariat at the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK), and a presentation by MRC's Deputy Director of Sustainability, Suzanna Mohamed Dahan, titled Driving a Responsible Rubber Industry: Malaysia's Low-Carbon Transition Pathway.

Her presentation highlighted three key MRC sustainability and ESG initiatives: the Low Carbon Transition Roadmap for Malaysian Rubber and Rubber Product Manufacturers, Navigating ESG: A Practical Guide for Rubber Processors and Manufacturers in Malaysia, and the Sustainable Transition for Rubber Industry Development & ESG (STRIDE) Fund. These initiatives provide practical guidance, technical support and resources to help industry players manage greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, strengthen ESG practices and adopt more sustainable business practices.

Complementing its efforts to advance responsible production, MRC also showcased Malaysian natural rubber innovation through Crafting Nature: Interactive Workshop on the World's First Sustainable Natural Rubber Modelling Clay, organised in collaboration with MRC member’s company Armcrest Industries Sdn. Bhd. The workshop was introduced by MRC's Chief Sustainability and Information Officer, Mohammad Hafezh Abdul Rahman, followed by a hands-on demonstration led by Chai Main Jye of Armcrest. The session highlighted the versatility of natural rubber in creative and educational applications, as well as its potential for innovative product development.

Commenting on MRC's participation, Hafezh highlighted the importance of sustainability and innovation in supporting the Malaysian rubber products industry's long-term competitiveness. 

"Sustainability and responsible sourcing continue to shape global market expectations, and Malaysian rubber product manufacturers must remain responsive to these evolving requirements. Through our initiatives, we aim to provide practical support that helps industry players strengthen their environmental performance, enhance ESG practices and maintain their competitiveness in international markets.”

"Innovation also plays an important role in advancing sustainability, particularly through more responsible practices and innovative applications of natural rubber. Together, these efforts contribute to a more competitive and resilient industry," said Hafezh. 

MRC's participation at COP31 also provides opportunities for international engagement, knowledge exchange and potential collaboration in sustainable manufacturing and responsible sourcing. These efforts reinforce MRC's commitment to supporting the Malaysian rubber industry's sustainability progress while helping manufacturers meet evolving global market requirements and strengthen their competitiveness.

About MRC
The Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC), formerly known as the Malaysian Rubber Export Promotion Council, was incorporated on 14 April 2000 under the Companies Act 1965 as a company limited by guarantee under the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK). MRC is governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by KPK. MRC is tasked with undertaking market promotion of quality Malaysian rubber and rubber products in world markets. In getting more Malaysian rubber products to penetrate local and international markets successfully, MRC also provides various commercialisation supports to the industry. MRC has overseas offices in the US and India serving as hubs for information on Malaysian rubber and rubber products. These offices support Malaysian companies in expanding their business abroad, promote Malaysian rubber exports, monitor policy changes and regulations affecting rubber imports and usage, as well as facilitate joint ventures, and R&D collaborations. 

SOURCE: Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC)

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