ANTALYA, Türkiye — Malaysia is highlighting its progress in sustainable rubber production, environmental responsibility and natural rubber innovation at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), held here from Nov 9 to 20, 2026.
Through its participation at the Malaysia Pavilion, the Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) is showcasing initiatives to help rubber product manufacturers improve their environmental performance, accelerate decarbonisation and strengthen their competitiveness in an increasingly sustainability-driven global market.
As part of the Plantation and Commodities Cluster Day on Nov 11, MRC led the Sustainable Agricommodity Value Chains focus area, highlighting efforts to promote sustainable rubber manufacturing and innovative applications of natural rubber.
The programme featured opening remarks by Nazar Azly Zaberi, Principal Assistant Secretariat of the FACT Dialogue Secretariat at the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK), followed by a presentation titled Driving a Responsible Rubber Industry: Malaysia’s Low-Carbon Transition Pathway by MRC Deputy Director of Sustainability Suzanna Mohamed Dahan.
Her presentation outlined three key MRC sustainability and environmental, social and governance (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.
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The initiatives provide practical guidance, technical assistance and resources to help industry players manage greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen ESG practices and adopt more sustainable business operations.
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 its member company, Armcrest Industries Sdn Bhd.
The workshop was introduced by MRC Chief Sustainability and Information Officer Mohammad Hafezh Abdul Rahman, followed by a hands-on demonstration conducted by Chai Main Jye of Armcrest.
The session demonstrated the versatility of natural rubber in creative and educational applications, highlighting its potential for innovative product development.
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Commenting on MRC’s participation, Hafezh said sustainability and innovation were crucial to maintaining the long-term competitiveness of Malaysia’s rubber products industry.
“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,” he said.
MRC’s participation at COP31 also provides opportunities for international engagement, knowledge exchange and potential collaboration in sustainable manufacturing and responsible sourcing.
These efforts underscore MRC’s commitment to advancing sustainability across Malaysia’s rubber industry while helping manufacturers respond to evolving global market requirements and strengthen their position in international markets.
—Bernama
