Fairtrade cotton

The independently controlled Fairtrade label stands for the support of small farmers and workers in the producing countries. Textile factories that process Fairtrade cotton separately are required to comply with ILO core labour standards – an additional protection for textile workers.

Sustainable supply chain development also means sourcing responsibly on international markets. Since 2017, we have met Fairtrade’s criteria to use the Fairtrade Cotton label.  The seal shows that the cotton has been grown and traded according to the strict international Fairtrade standards. Cotton farmers benefit from long-term and better trade relations as well as environmental and climate protection. Where it says Fairtrade, it doesn’t just say fairness. It also guarantees that the cotton can be traced all the way back to the field. Every certified producer must adhere to a whole set of environmental and social standards.

6 good reasons for Fairtrade

The independently controlled Fairtrade label stands for the support of small farmers and workers in the producing countries. Textile factories that process Fairtrade cotton separately are required to comply with ILO core labour standards – an additional protection for textile workers.

By paying Fairtrade minimum prices, fluctuations on the world market are absorbed and the cotton farmers’ costs for sustainable production are covered.

The additional premium of 5 cents per kilogram of Fairtrade cotton is used by the cooperatives for community projects, for example, education, health or infrastructure projects

The ILO core labour standards, which prohibit exploitative child labour and forced labour, apply throughout the supply chain.

All processing stages are obliged to comply with ILO core labour standards. The cooperatives and organisations in which cotton producers join together are democratically run and thus strengthen their negotiating position.

Strong environmental standards are in place to protect workers’ health and safety, preserve nature and ban genetically modified seeds and hazardous chemicals. In addition to advice and training on sustainable agriculture, the cultivation of organic cotton is promoted.

Due to the strict specifications, 100% traceability back to the cotton field is possible.

Independent inspectors regularly check compliance with the Fairtrade standards.

 
For more information and background on the cotton’s journey, see →Fairtrade Germany.

Fairtrade options at Kettelhack

At Kettelhack, we offer our customers two different options to implement their Fairtrade commitment.

Sustainable supply chains
Further articles on the topic

Infographic
Development of water consumption in m3

The high level of water consumption in production brings with it a corresponding volume of waste water. Compliance with the limit values from the Waste Water Ordinance is ensured by the indirect discharge permit. The daily control of the mixing and equalisation basin by our employees, as well as through the regular inspections by the responsible monitoring authorities, give us the necessary security.