Happy Birthday - 30 years of Fairtrade!

It’s 30 years since the first Fairtrade-certified products came onto the market. Since then they have become one of the world’s most recognised and trusted ethical labels. Although many people still associate the Fairtrade mark with food, in particular coffee, tea & chocolate, it is actually used to certify many other products including flowers, gold - and cotton! In fact, cotton makes up a large part of the certification as the most widely used fibre in the world.  

We believe Fairtrade is an important part of our values as a business and from the very start we have used only fully-certified Fairtrade (& organic) cotton in our underwear and loungewear. We are also a Living Wage Employer as we really believe in supporting and paying people fairly in our company and through our entire supply chain. 

What Exactly Does ‘Fairtrade’ Cotton Mean? 

Products with a Fairtrade certification have been produced in a way that is kind and considerate to the workers. The fashion industry is notorious for exactly the opposite - poor worker conditions and rights, as well as very low wages - and by using only Fairtrade cotton we are supporting the setting of a minimum price for the crop in order to cover the cost of sustainable production. Over and above this, a Fairtrade Premium is provided as an extra sum of money that producer organisations earn and democratically decide to invest in community or business projects of their choice. 

Why is it important? 

Just by choosing to buy a Fairtrade product, you are making a positive decision that can change the life of someone you’ve never even met. Wealth is transferred back to workers and farmers in developing countries who deserve a good income for their work. Supporting Fairtrade gives us all a chance to be a part of global trade justice and one of the largest movements for trade in the world. It also protects the producers as well as the production workers, ensuring a balance between good business and good conditions so the traditional heart of business is not lost. Overall Fairtrade is independent, pragmatic and flexible. 

Who Fairtrade has helped

Fairtrade has helped cooperatives such as Pratima Agro Organic in India. They grow organic cotton on small scale farms ranging from one to two hectares of land. Due to their small size, it can be difficult for the workers there to earn enough money to live on. Joining the Fairtrade Foundation provides them with a living safety net and allows the workers to group together with other farmers and learn about organic cotton growing. This has led to greater knowledge and cooperation and has also helped to improve the economic situation of local women, as well as allowing them to live a comfortable life.

“We also always have a good supply of food ourselves now, and sometimes even so much that we can sell some of it.” - Falame, Pratima Agro Organic.

Fairtrade, while not without its limitations, provides a solid foundation for improving ethical standards in the fashion industry. By adhering to Fairtrade principles, we can take meaningful steps toward more responsible production, ensuring better wages, safer working conditions, and sustainable practices. Although there is still much progress to be made, Fairtrade offers a practical framework that encourages ongoing improvement and accountability within the industry. 

At Y.O.U Underwear, we fully support Fairtrade as part of our drive for a fairer fashion industry that better supports both people and planet.

Like this and want to read more? Check these out: 

• Confused by all the jargon? Check out our Sustainable Fashion Glossary! 
  
  
•  Which other Sustainable Fashion certifications should you look for? 
  
  
• Browse our full range of Fairtrade women's undies.