Fairtrade Warehouse – Fairtrade Products Policy

Products Policy


In a nutshell (three paragraphs actually) 

 

Fairtrade Warehouse is an organization that is committed to promoting ethical and sustainable products. As a 'single layer' organization, we treat all our team members equally and encourage an open and honest culture. We believe in the benefits of diversity in the workplace and strive to encourage it within our organization. 

We are committed to promoting healthy and green eating and we avoid stocking products that contain harmful food additives. All our ethical products are carefully sourced, and we seek out fair trade labelled variants whenever possible. Our aim is to balance running a successful business with the environmental impact of our actions. Therefore, we continue to explore the viability of 'green' innovations and new ways of operating, such as reducing energy use and employing environmentally friendly delivery vehicles. 

At Fairtrade Warehouse, we believe in recycling as many assets as possible. We ensure that items are reused and repaired as long as it is practical and efficient. When reusing and repairing are no longer an option, we pass on, sell, or recycle as appropriate. 

 

Some of what we bang on about... 

 

Fair Trade:

We support products made with fair trade principles in place. The manufacturers and designers ensure that workers, from harvesting materials to manufacture, are paid fairly and not exploited in 'sweatshop' or equivalent conditions. 

 

Sustainability:

We promote fabrics or processes that are sustainable. For example, some of our designers' organic silk carries the SBV mark (Sustainable Biodegradable Product) as it is 100% biodegradable and is finished in accordance with Skal criteria. Elements may also be sourced from sustainable FSC managed forests. 

 

Carbon Offset:

We support companies that are actively reducing carbon emissions in their manufacturing process. We limit the carbon footprint of our products through their carbon travel miles or offsetting their carbon emissions by investing in carbon reduction projects, credits, or tree planting. 

 

Communities:

We support companies that invest in the development of local communities where the product is manufactured. This could be by assisting in education, building infrastructure, demanding adequate health and safety standards, as well as paying fair prices. 

 

Non-toxic:

We support the use of natural, vegetable, or Azo-free dyes and processes in the manufacture or natural adhesives. 

 

Organic:

We promote items made from organic materials that are free from non-natural pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. 

 

Recycled:

We promote items that are 100% or partially made from recycled or vintage materials. 

 

Made in the UK:

We support products made in the UK, reducing carbon miles within the manufacturing process, and supporting UK workers and factories that operate under European health, safety, minimum wage, and employment laws. 

 

Wildlife:

We support wildlife conservation projects and products that do not exploit and harm wildlife. 

 

SKAL organic certification: 

The SKAL organic certification is a Dutch organic certification body that guarantees that no pesticides and fertilisers have been used in the production of organic cotton. In addition, it also ensures that the working conditions of farmers meet ethical standards. This certification is a guarantee that the cotton has been grown without the use of harmful chemicals and that the farmers who produced it have been treated fairly. 

 

Fairtrade Certified: 

The Fairtrade Certification is a globally recognized symbol that is used to identify products that meet internationally recognized standards for fair trade practices. The Fairtrade Foundation established this certification in 1992 to help raise awareness and deepen understanding of fair trade practices. The cotton farmers who produce Fairtrade Certified cotton have been treated fairly and receive a minimum price for their crops, plus a further premium that can be used for community development. However, it does not guarantee that the manufacture of the garments is fairtrade. 

 

IFAT The International Fair Trade Association: 

The International Fair Trade Association (IFAT) only allows 100% Fair Trade organizations who are members of their association to use their symbol. This symbol guarantees that the cotton production and manufacturing process adheres to fair trade practices. IFAT's mission is to improve the livelihoods and well-being of disadvantaged producers by linking and promoting fair trade organizations. 

 

Soil Association: 

The Soil Association is the UK's leading organic organization. The Soil Association symbol can be found on over 70% of Britain's organic produce, and it guarantees that the cotton has been grown or produced to the highest standards of organic integrity. Soil Association Certification Ltd enforces these standards through certification and regular inspections of producers, processors, and suppliers. 

 

Agrocel: 

Agrocel cotton is produced by Agrocel Industries Limited in conjunction with Vericott Ltd and Traidcraft Exchange. They have defined and branded the cotton fibre Agrocel® Pure & Fair Indian Organic Cotton. Agrocel coordinates organic fibre cultivation with a select group of local farmers and ensures that it adheres to international organic standards. 

 

Oeko-Tex: 

The Oeko-Tex certification ensures that textile products of all types do not pose any risks to human health. This certification tests for harmful substances according to Oeko-Tex Standard 100. It is a uniform, scientifically founded evaluation standard for the human ecological safety of textiles tested for safety for skin-friendly clothing and other textiles. 

 

EU Eco-label: 

The EU Eco-label scheme has established a set of environmental and performance criteria to judge products. The scheme takes into account all aspects of a product's life, from production and use to eventual disposal. The products with the EU Eco-label inflict less damage upon the environment than other products of the same type. 

 

FSC certified: 

The FSC certification identifies products that are sourced from sustainably managed forests. This certification ensures that the production of these products does not harm the environment or affect local communities negatively.