Michelin and Porsche are renewing their shared commitment to sustainable development and social impact within the natural rubber industry.
The Cascade* project, a pioneering initiative supporting smallholder rubber farmers, will now expand to reach 6,500 farmers in Indonesia over the next three years. This continued partnership aims to enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers by promoting sustainable agricultural, environmental, and social practices.

 Launched in 2020, the Cascade project focuses on improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the rubber industry through a comprehensive approach that includes access to better farming techniques,  and the promotion of sustainable practices. By working closely with local communities, the first phase of the project has already made significant strides in enhancing the resilience of over 1,000 rubber smallholders in the province of Jambi in Sumatra, Indonesia.

Today, the project aims to increase its impact with a further 5,500 rubber farmers benefiting from training in sustainable farming methods and income diversification through intercropping.

Key components of the capacity building project include pest control, efficient rubber tapping techniques, business literacy, health & safety at work, etc. all designed to help smallholders improve their livelihood while minimizing environmental impact.

“We are delighted to renew our partnership with Porsche, with whom we share a common ambition to support rubber smallholders,” said Pierre-Martin Huet, Senior Vice President Sustainable Development and Impact. “The scaling up of this project enables us to amplify our efforts for a more sustainable and equitable rubber industry, with direct benefits for the families and communities that depend on it.”

The Cascade project features a unique collaboration of the entire tire value chain, to address the key challenges facing smallholders, and to prove that positive change is possible for both local communities and the environment.

This initiative is also part of the Group’s global efforts to promote sustainable and ethical sourcing.

*Cascade acronym stands for Committed Actions for Smallholder CApacity Development