Fairtrade or Fair Trade

The values of fair trade are vitally important not only for producers, farmers and craftspeople, but also for the very planet which we live on. Fair trade principles not only promote fair pay, safe working conditions, transparency and accountability and equal opportunities, but they also promote the idea of environmentally sustainable production. This is all crucial if societies are going to redevelop the economy so that it can offer opportunities for all, and if it is going to treat our planet well along the way. So far so good! But you might be wondering: why is it sometimes 'Fair Trade' and at other times 'Fairtrade'? Well, let us explain all.

Fairtrade Foundation

What is the difference between Fairtrade and Fair Trade? First, the single word 'Fairtrade' tells you that the product in question has been approved by the Fairtrade Foundation, who are an official organisation that licenses companies to use this certifiable marker. If you see 'Fairtrade', therefore, this will mean that the company follows the standards set out by the Fairtrade Foundation which have been put in place to ensure safe working conditions, fair pay, workers' rights and other standards which make certain that the product has been made in an ethical manner which rewards both consumer and producer. The 'Fairtrade' marker, then, is a certified stamp of approval from this non-profit organisation that everything is being done to meet these ethical standards.

Fair Trade - WFTO and BAFTS

Fair Trade - as opposed to the single word Fairtrade - still refers to the concept of trading fairly, but it is not associated with the Fairtrade Foundation. Therefore, if you see that something is 'Fair Trade' then it will not be an indication that this has been licensed through the Fairtrade Foundation. However, it will indicate that the company has been approved by either the World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO), or the British Association for Fair Trade Shops (BAFTS). These organisations promote similar values as those at the core of Fairtrade, with the emphasis being on ensuring the rights and welfare of workers and producers, especially in marginalized countries and communities. If a business says that it is Fair Trade, then it will have needed to sign up to the Ten Principles of Fair Trade as set out by the WFTO, principles which would chime very much with the goals and values of the Fairtrade Foundation.

Differences between Fairtrade and WFTO/BAFTS

With that said, Fair Trade (as promoted and certified by the WFTO and the BAFTS) has more of an emphasis on the core fundamentals of the production and manufacture process. The Fairtrade Foundation, while there is much crossover, have a marginally wider set of goals, so that they are not only interested in how products are made, but in what those products are made out of, and whether the farming, mining or harvesting of raw materials is done in an ethical and sustainable way. Fairtrade's goals might therefore be said to be focused on the wider landscapes and communities in which production occurs, as opposed to focusing mainly on the welfare of the producers themselves.

What about fairtrade, FairTrade, Fair trade etc.?

You may have noticed that we have been using the terms Fairtrade and Fair Trade with capital 'F's and 'T's. This is another important aspect to make a note of, as it is only the word Fairtrade (with a capital F) that is the official mark of the Fairtrade Foundation. Likewise, it is only the words 'Fair Trade' and not 'Fair trade' or 'fair trade' that shows that a business or product has been WFTO approved. Therefore, if you see variations such as 'fair trade', 'fairtrade', 'Fair trade' or 'FairTrade', then these terms will not be indicators of a business having been approved by any internationally recognised standards. This doesn't mean that the business in question won't be following their own ethical principles, but it might mean that you will have to ask them directly to check what their own guidelines are, as it won't be possible to be sure that they align with those of the WFTO or the Fairtrade Foundation.

Ethical shopping at Sunrise Direct

We hope that this has been informative and that it helps you to navigate the world of fair trade (Fairtrade and Fair Trade!) production more clearly. We are very passionate about building relationships with businesses who are doing what they can to ensure that the whole chain of production is operating under ethical, sustainable and fair conditions. This is why you will see that we always love working with companies such as Siesta Crafts who are a member of the British Association for Fair Trade Shops (BAFTS), and companies such as Gringo and Emma's Emporium who are adherents to the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) principles. We also have a selection of products from Shared Earth who are a member of the WFTO. It is important to shop in the way that you want the world to be, and these kinds of businesses promote the kind of community led approach that the world really needs right now!