How can you implement fair trade principles in manufacturing?

1 Know your supply chain

One of the first steps to implementing fair trade principles is to know your supply chain, from the raw materials to the final product. You need to identify the sources, processes, and impacts of your inputs and outputs, and ensure that they meet the standards and criteria of fair trade certification bodies, such as Fairtrade International or the World Fair Trade Organization. You can also use tools such as the Fair Trade Accountability Watch or the Ethical Fashion Report to monitor and evaluate your suppliers and partners.

2 Adopt a code of conduct

Another step is to adopt a code of conduct that reflects your commitment to fair trade principles and values. A code of conduct is a document that outlines the expectations and responsibilities of your business and its stakeholders, such as employees, customers, suppliers, and communities. It should cover aspects such as labor rights, health and safety, environmental management, anti-corruption, and transparency. You can use existing frameworks, such as the UN Global Compact or the Ethical Trading Initiative, to guide your code of conduct development and implementation.

3 Engage with your stakeholders

A third step is to engage with your stakeholders, both internally and externally, to communicate and collaborate on fair trade issues and initiatives. You need to involve your employees, customers, suppliers, and communities in your decision-making, feedback, and improvement processes, and create a culture of trust and accountability. You can also join networks and platforms, such as the Fair Trade Advocacy Office or the Fair Trade Federation, to share best practices, learn from others, and advocate for fair trade policies and regulations.

4 Measure and report your impact

A fourth step is to measure and report your impact, both positive and negative, on your social, environmental, and economic performance. You need to establish clear goals, indicators, and methods to track and evaluate your progress and challenges, and to identify areas for improvement. You can also use external verification and certification schemes, such as the Fair Trade Certified or the Fair for Life labels, to demonstrate your compliance and credibility. You should also disclose your results and actions to your stakeholders and the public, using channels such as annual reports, websites, or social media.

5 Innovate and improve

A fifth step is to innovate and improve your products, processes, and practices, to increase your efficiency, quality, and value, and to reduce your risks, costs, and waste. You need to embrace a continuous learning and improvement mindset, and seek new opportunities and solutions to address the needs and expectations of your stakeholders and the market. You can also leverage technology, such as digital platforms, blockchain, or artificial intelligence, to enhance your traceability, transparency, and accountability.

6 Support the fair trade movement

A sixth step is to support the fair trade movement, both locally and globally, to raise awareness and demand for fair trade products and practices, and to contribute to the social and environmental causes that fair trade advocates for. You can participate in events and campaigns, such as the World Fair Trade Day or the Fair Trade Month, to showcase your products and stories, and to educate and inspire others. You can also donate or invest in projects and organizations, such as the Fair Trade Foundation or the Fair Trade USA, that support fair trade producers and communities.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?