Rubber miracle continues: [2] Innovation across value chain

Behind the “2-ton club” record

After more than a century of taking root in the borderlands of Tay Ninh, Tay Ninh Rubber Joint Stock Company (Taniruco) has built a distinctive position in Vietnam’s rubber industry by maintaining a place for 20 consecutive years in the “2-Ton Productivity Club” of the Vietnam Rubber Group.

Behind this remarkable achievement lies a journey of technological innovation, scientific management, and worker creativity. Among the neatly aligned rubber plots, plantation productivity today no longer depends solely on experience or weather conditions. Each hectare is managed like a “living entity,” monitored through technical indicators to optimize production efficiency and ensure sustainable development.

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Rubber miracle continues: [1] Tapping 'white gold', safeguarding border

In recent years, Taniruco has promoted synchronized mechanization in plantation management. Deep tillage without soil inversion has been applied to preserve soil microorganisms, improve moisture retention, and support stable root development in the dry conditions of southeastern Vietnam. Pest control is also carried out rigorously, especially for dangerous diseases such as powdery mildew and Corynespora leaf fall.

Notably, nutrient management has shifted from estimation-based methods to precision farming. Before each fertilization cycle, soil and leaf samples are analyzed to determine the nutritional needs of each plantation block. As a result, fertilizers are applied in the right type, quantity, and timing, helping maintain stable productivity over the years.

While science and technology provide the foundation, workers are the force that turns technical processes into production results. In leading units such as Ben Lay Team and Ben Cui Team, each worker is considered a “field technician.” Every tapping cut is performed precisely to maximize latex yield while extending the productive lifespan of the trees.

Among them, To Trung Giang of Ben Cui Team stands out as a prime example. Since joining the profession in 2005, this “Golden Hands” award-winning worker has distinguished himself not only through technical skill but also through constant innovation.

From daily practical experience, he has developed multiple initiatives to reduce labor intensity and improve worker safety. One notable innovation is the use of rollers to install rain guards on tapping panels, reducing dangerous climbing during the rainy season. Other improvements in latex drainage systems and pump cleaning have also been effectively applied, bringing tangible benefits to the company.

In 2025, To Trung Giang received a Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister for outstanding contributions to production and technical innovation movements. This recognition reflects not only the achievements of one individual but also the dedication of workers building the Taniruco brand every day.

The vision of a smart factory

If plantation productivity forms a strong base, processing technology is the lever that helps the Taniruco brand expand further. Yet behind today’s stable production lines lies growing pressure for internal transformation to meet increasingly strict requirements in environmental protection, energy efficiency, and sustainable development.

“The challenge is not production difficulties but technological upgrading to adapt to modern management trends. As input costs rise and environmental standards tighten, the company must become smarter, more efficient, and more cost-effective. The core requirement is to optimize costs, save energy, reduce emissions, and increase added value throughout the production chain,” said Nguyen Huu Hiep, Head of Taniruco’s Industrial and Quality Management Department.

For many years, Taniruco has maintained a strong environmental shield through its ISO 14001 management system. Wastewater and emissions treatment systems are closely monitored to ensure production remains compatible with nearby residential areas amid urbanization. However, as some equipment has been used for many years, modernization has become an inevitable long-term direction for both the company and Vietnam Rubber Group.

Rather than waiting for large-scale projects, Taniruco has chosen to act through immediate practical improvements. The company is implementing ISO 50001 energy management to identify high-consumption areas and eliminate waste. A clear example is the reuse of treated wastewater in SVR 10 latex production, which lowers production costs while reducing pressure on water resources.

Looking further ahead, Taniruco is moving toward a smart factory model. Production data from plantations to factories has already been digitized. In the near future, AI technology will help control temperature and monitor product quality in real time.

Aspiration for a green growth model

As the global rubber industry faces increasingly strict requirements regarding environmental standards, traceability, and sustainable development, Taniruco is making a strong transition from traditional production thinking toward a green growth model based on technology and modern management.

Truong Ngoc Nhat Si, Deputy Head of the company’s Organization, Administration, and Labor-Wage Department, said that the company has comprehensively implemented lean production alongside digital transformation across every operational layer.

To date, previously disconnected data “islands” covering plantation management, labor, payroll, finance, and factory operations have all been integrated into a single digital platform, helping optimize resources and improve forecasting accuracy.

Taniruco’s management agility is also reflected in how it proactively addresses international trade barriers. Its successful implementation of traceability systems in compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is a strategic move. Once these regulations take effect, Taniruco’s digitized plantation data becomes a powerful competitive advantage.

Combined with sustainable forest management certification (FM) and chain-of-custody (CoC) certification under VFCS/PEFC standards, the company has effectively equipped itself with a powerful “green passport” to enter the world’s most demanding markets.

Rooted in the sun-drenched borderlands of Tay Ninh, Taniruco is not merely pursuing productivity. Through smart management and a commitment to sustainability, the company is building a transparent agricultural value chain, confidently mastering global rules and shaping its position as a future leader in green economic development.