(Ecofin Agency) - Faithful to its slogan “A better way forward”, French tire maker Michelin has committed to buy only zero deforestation rubber. The world’s number one of the tire industry innovates in the sector by adopting this policy, which includes provisions such as the respect of secondary forests and peatlands with a High Carbon Stock (HCS), RFI reveals.

Though Michelin’s decision might be favorable to companies like Barito Pacific (with which it has a joint-venture that supplies it in Indonesian natural rubber), it could lead the firm to severing the commercial ties it has with others such as Socfin who does not have the same sustainability criteria at its plantations. Due to pressure on Michelin by Greepeace, Socfin could in effect have its relationship with Michelin ended as it respects only High Conservation Value plots.

Established in 2889, Michelin at April 2015 had a capitalization of €18.79 billion.

Aaron Akinocho