Rubber tires — a dirty business | DW Documentary

Summary

This investigative report delves into the tire industry, revealing the origins and production conditions of tires in Southeast Asia. Highlighting Thailand as a major rubber producer, it uncovers poor working conditions, low wages, and the use of toxic chemicals on plantations. The script also examines the tire industry's sustainability claims, the challenges faced by retreading companies, and the reluctance of major tire manufacturers to discuss their supply chains, raising questions about corporate responsibility and environmental impact.

Takeaways

• 🚗 Summertime in Germany sees a preference for driving to holiday destinations, highlighting the importance of road safety and tire quality.
• 🔢 Over 50 million tires are sold annually in Germany, representing a multi-billion dollar industry.
• 🌏 Tire production is a global affair, with origins ranging from China and Japan to the Czech Republic.
• 🧐 The script raises concerns about the sustainability and conditions of tire production, prompting an investigation into the industry.
• 🌱 Thailand is the world's largest producer of natural rubber, with over 4 million tons harvested yearly, and Bangkok as its trade center.
• 🔍 Journalist V's extensive writings on the rubber industry reveal the significant role of the tire industry in Thailand.
• 😔 Workers on rubber plantations face harsh conditions, including low wages and lack of protective gear when using toxic chemicals.
• 💼 The rubber trade is controlled by brokers who dictate prices, leaving little room for negotiation and fair compensation for farmers.
• 🏭 The script describes the operations of rubber processing factories, some of which supply to well-known tire manufacturers, yet remain anonymous.
• 🌳 Rubber plantations are expanding at the expense of local communities and environments, as seen in Cambodia where indigenous lands are being taken over.
• 🔄 While the tire industry is booming, there is a lack of responsibility taken by manufacturers for the sustainability of their supply chains, as well as a missed opportunity for tire recycling and retreading.

Q & A

What is the importance of tires in terms of road safety?

Tires are of paramount importance for road safety as they are crucial for a vehicle's grip, stability, and overall performance on the road.

How many tires are sold in Germany each year?

More than 50 million tires are sold in Germany each year.

What is the significance of the tire industry in Thailand?

Thailand is the world's biggest producer of natural rubber, and the tire industry plays a significant role in its economy, with rubber being harvested and tires being produced for global markets.

What challenges does the rubber plantation owner face in the script?

The rubber plantation owner faces a drop in the price per kilo due to a market glut, which affects his income and the working conditions of his workers.

What are the living conditions of the Cambodian workers on the rubber plantation?

The Cambodian workers live in decrepit huts, work long hours for low wages, and sometimes go without food during the rainy season when they can't work and don't get paid.

Why are the workers on the rubber plantation using paraquat, a toxic herbicide?

The workers use paraquat to kill the grass, preventing snakes from hiding in it and potentially biting them. However, they are not aware of the severe health risks associated with the chemical.

What is the role of brokers in the rubber trade in Thailand?

Brokers control the trade in the area, dictating the price of rubber, and the plantation owners have no right to negotiate. They also supply rubber to well-known firms, often anonymously.

How does the rubber industry impact the indigenous communities in Cambodia?

The rubber industry has led to the loss of fertile fields and land for indigenous communities, who have seen their lands bought by international companies, resulting in displacement and hardship.

What is the position of tire manufacturers on the use of retread tires for private cars?

Tire manufacturers like Goodyear offer retread tires for commercial vehicles and aircraft but not for private cars, which make up the majority of vehicles, citing various reasons such as performance and safety specifications.

What are the environmental and financial benefits of using retread tires?

Retread tires are more environmentally friendly as they require significantly less natural rubber compared to new tires. They also offer financial savings to consumers and help in reducing waste.

What is the stance of the German Rubber Manufacturers Association (WDK) on sustainability and social responsibility?

The WDK and its members recognize their social responsibility and have a code of conduct that includes values of integrity and fairness. They aim to promote sustainably produced natural rubber but acknowledge the challenges in influencing conditions at every level of the supply chain.