Yokohama Rubber Joins Blockchain-Based Project Tree Initiative

Targeting full rubber traceability ahead of stringent deforestation regulations, Yokohama Rubber aligns with Itochu Corp.’s sustainable sourcing framework.

Yokohama Rubber has officially joined Project Tree, a sustainability program established by Itochu Corp. that uses blockchain technology to verify natural rubber origin across the supply chain. Demonstrating early adoption, Yokohama began delivering commercial vehicle tires sourced through the Project Tree network to FamilyMart. The initiative links rubber procurement back to specific harvesting sites while funding agricultural training and financial incentives for smallholder rubber farmers in key growing regions.

For commercial fleet directors, tire wholesalers, and corporate procurement executives, supply chain verification provides critical compliance documentation as global ESG tracking requirements expand.

According to Yokohama Rubber leadership, joining Project Tree complements its FSC Chain of Custody certifications and RubberWay mapping, directly supporting compliance ahead of the upcoming European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).