Who we are
The World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) is the global community and verifier of enterprises that fully practise Fair Trade.
We are an association of visionary Small and Medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that believes that a new economy is possible: together, we stand as a collective of entrepreneurial activists and changemakers who are at the forefront of advocating for an equitable and sustainable world.
Fair Trade Enterprises are changing the way business is done on a global scale. Active throughout 84 countries, with more than 1 million livelihoods impacted from North to South, they are demonstrating a viable alternative to the current exploitative businesses by prioritising social and environmental sustainability, alongside with economic success.
From fashion to houseware, from food to beauty products, we are transforming the industry, by upscaling the number of Fair Trade Enterprise and phasing out the unsustainable business practices. As a global membership organisation, we are dedicated to supporting our members in achieving their goals and enabling them to increase their ethical markets. They do this by producing high-quality products, with respect for workers and the environment. As a movement, we are also amplifying our voice as Fair Trade entrepreneurs to change (international) policies to promote Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
Credits: Chako
Credits: Chako
With our Guarantee System, we ensure that businesses maintain the highest standards of sustainability, encompassing both environmental and social aspects.
Our aim is to gain a comprehensive understanding of how an enterprise operates, taking into account various factors such as production processes, supply chains, and stakeholder relationships. Our verification label represents the commitment of such enterprises, and the rigorous evaluation process they went through.
What sets us apart is our holistic approach that goes beyond assessing a single commodity. We thoroughly examine the entire business, seeking to understand the model employed by the enterprise. We strive to comprehend the underlying principles and values that guide the enterprise's operations. This allows us to assess not only the product itself but also the practices and methodologies employed throughout the entire value chain. A Guaranteed WFTO member is fully practising all the 10 Fair Trade Principles.
Our commitment to understanding the broader context in which a business operates enables us to address systemic issues and promote positive change. Through our rigorous evaluation process, we guide and encourage businesses to adopt sustainable practices that align with our required and highest standards in both environmental stewardship and social impact.
What we stand for
We believe that an alternative way of doing business is possible. And we don’t simply believe that: we are seeing purpose-driven entrepreneurs and activists doing it every day. Our organisation works to support Fair Trade Enterprises to change the economy, globally.
WFTO members are pioneers with a clear vision of what the economy should look like: one where profit-making does not come before the wellbeing of the people and the planet. They significantly differ from conventional profit-maximising models by embracing a triple bottom line that encompasses the well-being of people, the preservation of the planet, and the pursuit of sustainable profit.
It is our responsibility to build a new economy and advocate for one that prioritises justice on all levels. That’s why our aim is to support a profound transformation through the influential force of Fair Trade Enterprises.
OUR HOLISTIC APPROACH TO ACHIEVE JUSTICE
Addressing structural issues in the current economy requires a holistic understanding and approach to challenges. Systemic problems in supply chains necessitate multi-faceted solutions. Unfair wages, environmental degradation, lack of transparency and accountability, forced labour, and poor working conditions are all integral elements of today’s economy. To drive systemic change, businesses must embrace holistic strategies and acknowledge that there is an alternative to profit-centric models. That’s why we use our Fair Trade Principles as a comprehensive guide for sustainable business practices, paving the way for a more equitable and responsible economic landscape towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda.
BUSINESSES, NOT CHARITY
The Fair Trade business model challenges conventional commerce, transcending charity with a transformative approach. We aim for customers, buyers, and retailers to choose our products for their trust in our unwavering commitment to sustainability and exceptional quality. Our reputation as trusted entrepreneurs dedicated to excellence drives our desire to be the preferred choice in the marketplace.
A GLOBAL REVOLUTION / THINKING GLOBAL
Our 10 Fair Trade Principles extend beyond the Global South, providing a universal blueprint for ethical business practises. While the Global South faces unique challenges stemming from poverty and exploitation, our principles are applicable and vital in all regions. Fair Trade business models transcend borders, urging a transformative shift in the global and local economies. They inspire entrepreneurs, consumers, and policymakers to prioritise social and environmental responsibility, fostering a more just and sustainable approach to commerce on both global and local levels. We are verifying the businesses that choose to be part of this #BusinessRevolution.
A LOCAL REVOLUTION / ACTING LOCAL
Fair Trade Enterprises, and especially SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises), promote robust local economies by emphasising direct trade relationships and retaining a larger portion of revenue within communities. This not only restores trade power dynamics, but it also generates increased income for producers and enables investments in vital local services. Embracing North to North and South to South markets reduces dependence on import-export dynamics, less CO2-emissions and fostering resilient and sustainable local economies. By supporting Fair Trade Enterprises, individuals contribute to regional self-sufficiency, economic justice, and a better quality of life, laying the groundwork for fair economies globally.
PROFIT-MAKING VS PROFIT-MAXIMISING / AGAINST PROFIT “AT ALL COSTS”
Fair Trade Enterprises challenge the profit-maximisation mindset by demonstrating that ethical business practises can be commercially viable. WFTO members prioritise social and environmental impacts alongside financial success, emphasising the well-being of producers and the environment. By finding a balance between profitability and ethical responsibility, Fair Trade Enterprises show that long-term success is intertwined with sustainable practises and positive social outcomes, promoting a more equitable world.
Our Theory of Change
How our economy is set up at the moment is not working. Neither for the planet nor for the people. We believe that our current economic system is by its foundation extractivist, hindering equitable distribution of wealth, perpetuating social and economic inequality, and speeding environmental degradation at an alarming pace. Businesses nowadays keep prioritising short-term profit over long-term sustainability: they want to produce more and more to transfer to the shareholders, careless of who or what is paying the price for it.
Our solution
For new business practises to flourish, we need a dramatic change in the shape of businesses actors operating in the economy. We need business models, not only products, that are sustainable and future-proof.
Radical and visionary actors are crucial in replacing broken economic models. Fair Trade Enterprises are catalysing change by saying no to extractivism, exploitation and inequality. They believe in different, new economic models and work everyday to make it happen. And they do it by embracing alternative business models.
When Fair Trade Enterprises lead the way with their ethical and sustainable business models, they set an example for the transformation needed in the broader economy. Their commitment to fair wages, equitable practises, environmental stewardship, and community development showcases that businesses can thrive while prioritising social and environmental impact. By adopting similar principles and practises, businesses can contribute to different economic systems that protect the planet, and gives value to all the stakeholders involved.
Our solution
For new business practices to flourish, we need a dramatic change in the shape of businesses actors operating in the economy. We need business models, not only products, that are sustainable and future-proof.
Radical and visionary actors are crucial in replacing broken economic models. Fair Trade Enterprises are catalysing change by saying no to extractivism, exploitation and inequality. They believe in different, new economic models and work everyday to make it happen. And they do it by embracing alternative business models.
When Fair Trade Enterprises lead the way with their ethical and sustainable business models, they set an example for the transformation needed in the broader economy. Their commitment to fair wages, equitable practices, environmental stewardship, and community development showcases that businesses can thrive while prioritising social and environmental impact. By adopting similar principles and practices, businesses can contribute to different economic systems that protect the planet, and gives value to all the stakeholders involved.
Do you want to join our movement?
Our Allies
Our commitment to ethical practises goes beyond Fair Trade Enterprises. Through strategic collaborations, we strive to create meaningful alliances that amplify our collective efforts in building a more equitable global economy. By joining forces with visionary organisations, we merge expertise and ignite innovative solutions. These alliances empower us to extend our impact far beyond what we can achieve alone.
Join us on this transformative journey as we harness the strength of collaboration working towards a business revolution.
Chloe
Common Objective
eBay For Change
Exeter University
Faire
GoodMarket
NEST
Powered by People
THUAS University
Fair Trade Advocacy Office
IFOAM
UNHCR
Fashion Revolution
Green Economy Coalition
SEED
MADE51
SEWF
Slow Fashion Movement
Environmental Solutions
Representing Fair Trade Enterprises
In addition to our role as a global membership organisation, WFTO is actively engaged in advocacy efforts to promote fair trading practises and influence policy change on multiple fronts. We recognise that advocacy is a crucial means of advancing our vision of a more equitable and sustainable global economy.
Credits: Mitra Bali Fair Trade
Our efforts focus on a range of issues related to trade, development, sustainability, and consumer protection. We actively participate in policy consultations, policy dialogue forums, and stakeholder engagements, ensuring that the perspectives and needs of Fair Trade Enterprises are effectively represented. That’s why WFTO is taking action in various advocacy initiatives, including research, awareness-raising campaigns, and direct engagement with policymakers, to promote policies that prioritise social and environmental sustainability.
Credits: Mitra Bali Fair Trade
Represented by the Fair Trade Advocacy Office, WFTO is taking part in policy advocacy at the European Union level. The FTAO serves as the main advocacy body for Fair Trade within the EU institutions, working towards policy changes that support and advance the principles of Fair Trade. Beyond the EU, WFTO collaborates with like-minded organisations, civil society groups, and stakeholders globally to advocate for fair trading practices and policy changes that benefit Fair Trade Enterprises. This includes participating in international forums, conferences, and campaigns to raise awareness about Fair Trade and advocate for fair trade practices and sustainable consumption and production (SCP) on a global scale. WFTO is an accredited organisation for UNEP, and member of the Major Group of Business & Industry.
The history of the Fair Trade movement
These initiatives were labelled as "alternative trade".
Contact
- Parallelweg West 9A, 4104 AX Culemborg, The Netherlands
- +31649086439
- info@wfto.com
If you want to contact any of our staff members (not Board) please write to the First Name (ex: Paul)@wfto.com
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