Fair Trade
Fair trade is an international certification and trading system that aims for sustainable production and trade through fair transactions with producers and consideration for labor and environmental standards.
Contents5 sections
Definition and Overview
Fair trade is not a term that indicates the type of fiber, weave structure, or dyeing method. It is a system that emphasizes fair transactions that allow raw material producers to receive proper compensation, as well as labor conditions and consideration for the environment. In the apparel field, it is mainly treated as an initiative for cotton.
As a certification system, fair trade is verified by a third party to ensure compliance with established standards. On the other hand, it is also used as a general term to refer to fair trade, so it is necessary to confirm separately whether certification exists and which body issued it.
Scope and Approach to Standards
The standards emphasize transaction conditions for producers, worker safety and prevention of discrimination, reduction of environmental impact, and transparency in organizational operations. However, the scope of application and verification methods vary depending on the system, raw material, and stage of transaction.
Fairtrade Cotton is a term for cotton-derived materials related to Fairtrade conditions. It does not by itself guarantee cotton quality grade, organic cultivation, chemical safety, or the use of recycled materials.
- Whether the scope covers the raw material stage only, or extends to fabric and finished products
- Whether the system is physical segregation management of the raw material or includes book-and-claim management
- Which certification labels may be used and the procedures required for those labels
- The product numbers, quantities, and validity period covered by the certification documents
Fabric Procurement and Product Development
When procuring fabric, confirm how far the Fairtrade scope extends continuously, whether to raw cotton, yarn, or fabric. Check not only the fabric specification sheet but also the certification documents provided by the supplier, shipping documents, and traceability information against the ordered product number.
In product manufacturing, consider yield loss that occurs during cutting and sewing, and manage the amount of raw material required for certification and the order quantity. If blending or additional processing is performed, confirm in advance with the certification program operator or the supplier the conditions under which the final product may display certification.
Notes on Labels and Certificates
Using the term Fairtrade or certification marks may require permission, labeling standards, and approval procedures depending on the system. It is important not to confuse explanations about the raw material with explanations that the entire product is within the certification scope.
Organic cotton is a concept related to cultivation methods, and its verification subject is different from that of Fairtrade. In addition, GOTS and OCS are certifications that handle the management of organic materials and are not substitutes for Fairtrade certification. Avoid expressions of environmental or human rights consideration that are not supported by source documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
If it is Fairtrade cotton, is it also organic cotton?
Not necessarily. Fairtrade mainly verifies transaction conditions and consideration for producers and workers, while organic mainly verifies cultivation methods. Some raw materials meet both requirements, but each certification document and scope must be confirmed separately.
If I use Fairtrade fabric, can I put a certification mark on the product?
Using the fabric alone does not necessarily allow the label to be used. Product labeling depends on conditions such as the certification scope, the raw material management method, quantity control, and contracts or approvals on the brand side. Confirm this with the supplier and the certification program operator at the planning stage, and retain approval records.
What is the difference between Fairtrade and GOTS?
Fairtrade is a system that emphasizes fair transactions and consideration for producers and workers. GOTS is a certification for organic fibers that covers environmental and social requirements, including processing steps. Because the purpose and scope differ, confirm the supporting evidence according to the claims you need to make.
