Nexen enhances supply chain sustainability, joins GPSNR

Seoul – Korean tire manufacturer Nexen Tire has joined the natural rubber value-chain, the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR), as part of an effort to increase the sustainability of its supply chain.

“We are exerting our full efforts to increase the quality of life for the members of the value chain through management of sustainable supply chain and resources,” said Nexen in its first sustainability report, published in September.

The company said it joined GPSNR in 2020 as part of its work towards a “responsible supply chain management.”  

The concept, Nexen said, involves raising awareness among suppliers, identifying human rights and business risks across the supply chain, inspecting sites and carrying out due diligence. 

The process will also involves the establishment of “improvement plans” as the results of surveys are shared with suppliers. 

In addition to the natural rubber supply chain, the initiative also covers the procurement of “conflict minerals,” according to Nexen.

Such materials include tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold, which are mainly produced by the democratic republic of Congo or neighbouring countries where conflicts occur.

In conflict regions, Nexen said, human rights abuses issues such as child or forced labour, as well as the militarisation of mining could take place.

To address that, Nexen has established a conflict minerals policy to ensure that such materials are not included in its supply chain.

Here, the tire maker said it would “closely monitor" its supplier's supply chain of tin, conduct on-site audits and "take timely measures.” 

“Based on our 78 years’ experience, we are committed to implementing CSR activities and creating social value through continuously innovating and challenging ourselves,” said Travis Kang, global CEO of Nexen Tire.