Fairtrade - Fairtrade is a global movement with a strong and active presence in the UK, represented by the Fairtrade Foundation, and works with producers of foods, tea, coffee and cotton that are making products that are certified by the Fairtrade Foundation.

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When you see the word Fairtrade it means that the product it refers to has met international fairtrade standards which are set by the international certification body Fairtrade Labelling Organisations International (FLO). When a product is Fairtrade certified, it will carry the Fairtrade Mark.

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Fair Trade - relies to a large part on trust - with the help and support of the WFTO (World Fairtrade Organisation) and the British Association for Fair Trade Shops (BAFTS) along with other fair trade organisations around the world.

What Fair Trade or Fairly Traded means is much more about grass roots, all our fair trade and ethical suppliers visit their producers at least once a year to ensure that there is no child labour involved; that women are afforded equal rights; that the workers are paid a fair wage; that they have access to health facilities and schooling for their children. These companies often provide further support for their producers, this can be by helping them provide the schooling and health benefits to buying tools and equipment for them to make fair trade gifts and homewares.

 

Where the Fairtrade Mark is governed by rigid certification of both producer and buyer/importer, the companies that we buy from are registered with BAFTS, which is a WFTO accredited organisation and relies on the buyer/importer to prove that they are working ethically and fairly with producers; registration and certification is carried out annually.

In short, Fair Trade is built on mutual trust and understanding and a genuine desire to help people help themselves.

 

Key Principles of Fair Trade:
• Trading practices are fair and not one-sided.
• Prices paid are fair and sufficient for producers and workers to earn more than enough to meet their day-to-day needs.
• Payments are often made in advance to ensure the supplier can fulfil orders.
• The payment of premiums for producers and workers to use for infrastructure projects.
• Producers and workers have a voice, whether organised into groups or involved in workplaces where there is freedom of association.
• Safe working conditions, non-discrimination and welfare of children.

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We work with the following Fair Trade suppliers:

Batik Indah

British Colour Standard

Green Pioneer

Java Art

Namaste

New Overseas Traders

Ngwenya Glass

Pachamama Jewellery

Paper High

Paper Mirchi

Shared Earth

Tilnar

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