What is 'fair trade'?
Some people ask us why our footballs don't have the Fairtrade mark. The answer is we'd love to be fully part of this amazing movement, and we're on our way to full certification.
This video explains where we are now. And where we hope to be in the near future.
The worker benefit
The Bola Gema Shop
Bala pays a 15% Fairtrade Premium with every invoice. At our Bola Gema factory the workers voted to use this to create a subsidised grocery store.
It's very real, tangible benefit to workers, families and the whole community.
The framework
Ten principles of Fair Trade
Fair Trade (two words!) deals with the production and manufacturing process. It is all about making sure that the way products are made adheres to a set of ethical principles. WFTO is the body overseeing the accreditation and regulation of large-scale Fair Trade organisations, measuring them against the 10 principles of Fair Trade.
Principle 01
Creating opportunities
Trade should help economically marginalised producers move towards greater security and independence.
Principle 01
Creating opportunities
Trade should help economically marginalised producers move towards greater security and independence.
Fair Trade seeks to reduce poverty through trade. It supports producers in building secure, sustainable livelihoods and greater ownership of their future.
Principle 02
Transparency and accountability
People throughout the trading relationship should have access to clear information and a genuine voice.
Principle 02
Transparency and accountability
People throughout the trading relationship should have access to clear information and a genuine voice.
Fair Trade organisations are accountable to their stakeholders, protect appropriate commercial confidentiality and involve employees and producers in decisions that affect them.
Principle 03
Fair trading practices
Trade should respect social, economic and environmental wellbeing rather than maximise profit at another person’s expense.
Principle 03
Fair trading practices
Trade should respect social, economic and environmental wellbeing rather than maximise profit at another person’s expense.
Relationships are based on trust, professionalism and agreed commitments. Buyers and suppliers work together fairly, including when problems or cancellations occur.
Principle 04
Payment of a fair price
Prices should be agreed through dialogue and provide fair pay while remaining sustainable for the market.
Principle 04
Payment of a fair price
Prices should be agreed through dialogue and provide fair pay while remaining sustainable for the market.
Fair payment recognises local circumstances, equal pay for equal work and the need for producers to build secure and sustainable livelihoods.
Principle 05
No child or forced labour
Production must reject forced labour and protect children’s safety, education, wellbeing and right to play.
Principle 05
No child or forced labour
Production must reject forced labour and protect children’s safety, education, wellbeing and right to play.
Fair Trade organisations follow national law and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Any involvement of children in learning a traditional skill must be disclosed, monitored and must not harm their education or wellbeing.
Principle 06
Equality and freedom of association
Everyone should have equal access to work, pay, training and influence without discrimination.
Principle 06
Equality and freedom of association
Everyone should have equal access to work, pay, training and influence without discrimination.
Fair Trade promotes gender equity, women’s economic empowerment and the right of workers to organise and participate in decisions affecting their working lives.
Principle 07
Good working conditions
Workplaces should be safe and healthy, with hours and conditions that meet national law and ILO conventions.
Principle 07
Good working conditions
Workplaces should be safe and healthy, with hours and conditions that meet national law and ILO conventions.
Fair Trade organisations continually raise awareness of health and safety and work with producer groups to improve workplace practice.
Principle 08
Capacity building
Trade should help people strengthen their skills, production capabilities and access to markets.
Principle 08
Capacity building
Trade should help people strengthen their skills, production capabilities and access to markets.
Fair Trade organisations invest in the knowledge and capabilities of employees, members and producers so that they can develop resilient enterprises and reach new markets.
Principle 09
Promoting Fair Trade
Organisations should explain where products come from and advocate honestly for greater justice in trade.
Principle 09
Promoting Fair Trade
Organisations should explain where products come from and advocate honestly for greater justice in trade.
Fair Trade organisations raise awareness, share information about producers and use honest advertising and marketing techniques.
Principle 10
Respect for the environment
Materials, production, packaging and transport should minimise environmental harm wherever possible.
Principle 10
Respect for the environment
Materials, production, packaging and transport should minimise environmental harm wherever possible.
Fair Trade prioritises sustainably managed and locally sourced materials, lower energy use, reduced waste, responsible packaging and lower-impact transport.
Based on the World Fair Trade Organization’s ten principles. Read the WFTO framework.
Choose a ball that plays fair
Performance on the pitch. Purpose throughout the supply chain.