SIPH’s main activity is the production and marketing of natural rubber.
SIPH’s rubber plantations are all in West Africa.
Natural rubber remains indispensable for the tyre industry.
The natural rubber industry
The raw material latex comes from rubber trees which live for around 40 years and start producing latex once they have matured, which takes around 7 years.
Rubber trees are tapped to harvest the latex. This technical operation, which requires a certain know-how, takes place throughout the year and is not seasonal.
Production is spread over the year with around 40% in the first half and 60 % in the second half of the year due to winter lay up time which reduces production.
At the end of their useful life, the rubber trees are cut down and replanted. Research developments mean that this replanting can be carried out with much higher performing planting material.
SIPH is unique in combining raw material from its own plantations with that bought from independent planters. This combination means that SIPH’s output can be increased significantly. It also means that the company is actively involved in the development of the local economy and social life.
