This study presents a detailed comparison of three emergent voluntary frameworks on sustainable natural rubber, which seek to influence investors and buyers in the Mekong countries and beyond towards better practices for a more sustainable industry. These varying sets of private standards, notably developed by industry representative organisations in China and Vietnam, aim to improve the social and environmental performance of outward investments by the two countries, particularly in Laos and Cambodia. More recently, they have been joined by the Global Platform on Sustainable Natural Rubber, which has developed its own sustainability principles. The study provides a grounded, clear-eyed perspective on their key areas of potential and limitations, based on interviews with industry, government and civil society actors involved in their design and initial use.

• English