Green Supply Chain Management of Sustainable Rubber Industry

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the supply chain of the natural rubber and rubberwood industry in Thailand across three levels: upstream, midstream, and downstream, and to propose guidelines for transitioning toward Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM).

The results indicate that the upstream stage generates greenhouse gas emissions of up to 6.4 tCO₂e from cultivation and approximately 35.90 kgCO₂e from chemical use. In the midstream stage, high energy consumption results in emissions of about 80.92 tCO₂e, with fuel and water usage averaging 0.033 and 0.028 gha/ton, respectively. In the downstream stage, emissions from electricity use and transportation are approximately 51.82 and 1.08 kgCO₂e, respectively. The GSCM approach can significantly reduce these impacts, for example, organic fertilizers can reduce emissions by 30–50%, biological inputs by 5–20%, and clean energy can reduce carbon emissions by approximately 0.9 kg CO₂/kWh.

Furthermore, integrating circular economy concepts, developing value-added products such as biofuels and recycled products, and promoting the role of consumers as “carbon stewards” contribute to the long-term sustainability of the rubber industry. The adoption of standards such as FSC and EUDR also enhances competitiveness in global markets, despite challenges related to costs and business adaptation.