Since: 2023
Who: WFTO, Amani Foundation, Polish Fair Trade Association, Sustainable Journey and WFTO Europe
Objective: to increase the accessibility of fair fashion to wholesalers and B2B buyers.
Gateway to Fair Trade Fashion (G2FTF) is a collaborative initiative between the Polish Fair Trade Association (PFTA), the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), Sustainable Journey, WFTO Europe and WFTO’s global network of regional offices. The project is made possible through the visionary support and sponsorship of the Amani Foundation.
G2FTF is rooted in the 10 Principles of Fair Trade and aligned with key SDGs. It champions artisan-led fashion as a lever for systemic change—centering dignity, equity, and environmental responsibility across global supply chains.
Phase I problem identification, seeking adequate solutions
During the initial part (May 2023 – May 2024) the project team conducted a comprehensive survey and Self Assessment Report (SAR) analysis with WFTO members. This analysis provided valuable insights into the needs and challenges faced by Fair Trade producers, which were essential for compiling the Fair Fashion Market Report. The survey and SAR analysis helped identify areas where support and development are needed to enhance market access and optimise logistics for Fair Trade fashion products.
In the bridging phase (May-November 2024), a project working group has been established with the following objectives: to define the meaning of Fair Trade Fashion, to carry out a detailed analysis of the problems faced by producers and retailers of FT Fashion and to identify possible strategies and actions to contribute to their solution. The working group meets online and its final meeting will be organised in Cape Town, South Africa, at the WFTO International Fair Trade Summit (18 September 2024). This will be used to discuss the project’s next phase with key stakeholders. As part of the GT2FTF project, WFTO members will be supported to attend the WFTO Summit through the Gateway to Fair Trade Fashion scholarship.
Fair Trade Fashion Showcase
We have also developed the Fair Trade Fashion Showcase and Catalogue as part of our ongoing efforts. This initiative aims to highlight and promote Fair Trade Fashion products and will be officially launched at the upcoming summit. The showcase and catalogue serve as critical tools in promoting the visibility and accessibility of Fair Trade Fashion, further advancing the project’s goals of sustainability and connectivity in the industry.
What is Fair Trade Fashion?
Fair Trade Fashion refers to a wide range of apparel products supplied to the market that fulfil certification standards suitable for Fair Trade labels. The products include various categories: fashion, clothing/wear, accessories, and jewellery. The Fair Trade labels refer to the certification schemes described in the 2020 International Guide to Fair Trade Labels edition. The Fair Trade apparel products fulfil the criteria and fit into the broader concepts of Slow Fashion, Ethical Fashion, and Sustainable Fashion. In particular, Fair Trade apparel products are manufactured by WFTO members and supplied to several markets with the involvement of importers/retailers Guaranteed WFTO Members and/or alternative ethical distribution channels. Definition developed by the Gateway to Fair Trade Fashion project Working Group, June 2024
Gateway to Fair Trade Fashion Meeting in Cape Town
Based on the extensive existing work carried out in the project, a final meeting was organized to discuss the project’s next phase with key stakeholders in-person in Cape Town on 18 September 2024. Various stakeholders came together to discuss project outcomes and key topics which will provide the basis to build the project’s next phases in the future.
Phase 2: Implementation
The project aims to strengthen the visibility, market access, and long-term sustainability of WFTO members and values-aligned fashion producers—while also positioning Fair Trade fashion as a bold and credible alternative to the exploitative practices of the mainstream fashion industry.
Building on the foundations laid in Phase 1, Phase 2 expands impact through a strategic, multi-regional work plan. This includes the development of communication and dissemination systems that tell a compelling, consistent story of what Fair Trade fashion stands for—rooted in transparency, equity, and environmental responsibility. The project will develop mentoring, funding and training programs for market readiness and storytelling. It will also strengthen collaboration across WFTO regional offices and ensure Fair Trade fashion has a visible presence in key industry events and policy spaces.
Fair Trade Fashion workshop, Cape Town 18.09.2024
