Patagonia deepens commitment to fair trade
06/11/2017
It means 38% of the brand’s product line have now been awarded this distinction. Patagonia’s first fair trade certified clothing styles were released in its Autumn collection. These products were made at a single factory.
In Spring 2017, it unveiled what it said was the first full line of fair trade certified board shorts and bikinis. It now offers 480 fair trade styles, which are made in 14 different factories.
Patagonia has been working with the Fair Trade USA organisation for a number of years to ensure the workers that make its clothing are treated correctly. It says more than 26,000 workers have benefitted from the premiums it pays for fair trade products. These premiums have so far been spent on a day care centre, health programmes, market vouchers, water filters and other necessities.
“Most people recognise that their clothing is made out of certain materials, but it’s important to understand that it’s also made by hands. And the people who make our clothing deserve to be seen and recognised,” said Helena Barbour, vice president of sportswear at Patagonia. “Fair trade is one way to achieve that goal. It’s so much more than just paying premiums to workers. It positively affects workers lives, but also affects factories, brands and customers who get to make informed choices.”
Image courtesy of Patagonia.
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