What is Fairtrade and why is it important?
When we see the Fairtrade label on products at the shop we know that it symbolises something good, something ethical. But do we understand what the Fairtrade certification means or why it is so important?
We often get some level of understanding from context clues and little pieces of information that businesses may share. For example, some products such as chocolate bars will not only have the Fairtrade logo printed on their packaging, but they may also display the following text 'Guarantees a better deal for Third World Producers’. This does give the consumer some insight into what Fairtrade means but on a very simplistic and basic level.
It can also get quite confusing with Fairtrade becoming a blanket term used by local artisans to describe an alternate method of commerce.
Let's delve a little deeper into this certification to better understand exactly what it represents.
Who are Fairtrade and what do they do?
Fairtrade are one of the most recognised and trusted sustainability labels in the world. It is a global organisation that is co-owned by more than 1.7 million farmers with the aim of transforming the way trade works.
The purpose of this certification is to establish fair and sustainable trade relationships between small-scale farmers in third world countries and the global buyers or distributors who may be purchasing from them. This is to, ultimately, better the lives of the people who grow and create the things that we love and use on a daily basis.
When a product or business meets the stringent standards outlined by
Fairtrade it will earn the certification. It is only applicable to small-scale farmer organisations for certain products such as coffee, cocoa, cotton and rice.
How does Fairtrade work?
The Fairtrade certification system is rigorous and independent to ensure that only those in full compliance with Fairtrade guidelines receive the certification.
Producers, traders and companies are audited by independent certifiers against Fairtrade's economic, social and environmental standards including that producers receive the Fairtrade Minimum Price and Premium.
It's extremely important that their licensing and certification bodies operate effectively and independently to uphold the integrity of the Fairtrade Mark and provide consumers with trust and reassurance in the products they are buying.
What are the Fairtrade guidelines?
Fairtrade has clear social, economic and environmental standards that must be met by the producers and business.
This includes:
· Decent working conditions and a ban on forced labour, child labour and discrimination
· Ensuring that fair prices are paid to the producers and companies are able to provide workers with a stable income that can improve their living conditions
· An extra sum of money is paid on top of the selling price to invest in business or community projects
· Access to advance credit ahead of harvest time
· Being able to plan more for the future with more security and stronger relationships with buyers
What is the importance of Fairtrade?
Fairtrade ensures that the lives of farmers, workers and communities in developing countries are improved and safe.
Without farmers being paid a fair wage they are unable to have a life outside of their work. Farming is one of the hardest labouring and time-consuming jobs out there and is a crucial part of global consumer production, without our farmers we would be lost!
Fairtrade ensures gender equality within farming communities. The empowerment of women in particular is promoted by an increased access to resources, education and leadership roles within cooperatives.
Fairtrade encourages consumers to make the ethical choice by purchasing products that support fair trade. This increases demand for ethically sourced products which as a result, helps to shift the market to more sustainable products and practices.
To summarise, Fairtrade isn’t just about product, it’s about people. Without the ethical support of the people who produce the products we use every day, we wouldn’t have them. As a result, Fairtrade benefits everyone in the supply chain.
What is Fairtrade Fortnight?
Fairtrade Fortnight is a period of promotion, celebration and awareness of Fairtrade. In 2025 Fairtrade Fortnight will take place between 22nd September to 5th October. The end goal for the Fortnight is to raise awareness of the Fairtrade foundation in the hopes to shape a sustainable future. During the two-week period schools, and businesses promote Fairtrade and any Fairtrade certified products they have to ensure to spread the message.
Why is Fairtrade Fortnight important?
Fairtrade Fortnight enables sufficient education on what Fairtrade really means and what the foundation does. This means that the importance of farmers, fair pay and safe working conditions is communicated to people in an educational, celebratory way to ensure that the message will not be forgotten. Schools often take the time to educate children on the matter so that we can instil the importance into the younger generations so that the future of farming can continue to grow brighter.
For more information on Fairtrade Fortnight, you can read our article on ‘The importance of Fairtrade Fortnight’.
Our Fairtrade Cotton Bags
Sustainability is very important to us and forms the core of our brand values.
From the materials that we source to the factories that we work with, we ensure that there is as little negative impact on the ecosystem as possible whilst adhering to ethical practices and standards.
One of the many certifications that we have acquired is the Fairtrade Mark as a result of our Arum Tote Bag being made from 100% Fairtrade cotton. This bag has led to the creation of 3 other bag styles!
This simple yet stylish eco-friendly collection is perfect for everyday use whether you're heading to work, looking for a gift pouch, or going shopping; our collection of Fairtrade products has something for everyone.
Our Fairtrade cotton bags can even be customised with your logo or bespoke artwork to create a branded tote bag that is certified by Fairtrade – showcasing your green credentials and helping you maintain your corporate social responsibilities.
