Fair Surfwear Info

About our Surf wear

Our Surf wear is made of 100% organic cotton in conversion under ethical working conditions.

The products are aimed at a fashion-conscious generation that demands style, quality and value, but who also want to know their clothing has been ethically produced. Each garment has a subtle tag bearing the FAIRTRADE Mark on the side of each top, so customers can be re-assured of the legitimacy of the product they are purchasing.


The FAIRTRADE Mark guarantees that our cotton producers are given:

The means to develop sustainable methods of farming avoiding pesticide use

The opportunity to work with other farmers in democratic co-operatives

A fair and stable price, set by the Fairtrade Foundation

A 15% Fairtrade Premium to invest in social and environmental projects

For more info on the FAIRTRADE Mark please go to www.fairtrade.org.uk.

Cotton:

The cotton comes from 1500 small-scale farmers of the Andhra Pradesh region of India. These farmers and their families will receive a Fair price for their cotton, plus an additional premium that can be spent on projects that benefit the whole community.

Cotton is the most heavily polluted of all crops - the World Health Organization estimates that 24% of the world's insecticides are used on it. All used cotton is organic in-conversion, which means no hazardous pesticides or insecticides have been used, preventing chemicals entering the water supply or harming producers health.

Production:

Social commitments are at the heart of the business and it has been worked with the suppliers in Tirapur, India to improve their ethical and environmental performance. At the spinning mill a nurse is on site to offer medical assistance, free lunches are offered to workers plus safe, clean dormitories have been built for female staff. Manufacturing standards are in line with the Jo-in criteria, some of which are outlined below.

Freedom of Association and Right to Collective Bargaining

No forced labour or abuse in the workplace

No person shall be employed under the age of 15 or under the age for completion of compulsory education, whichever is higher

Non-Discrimination

The right to living wage. The regular workweek will not exceed 48 hours. All overtime shall be voluntary, not demanded on a regular basis, shall be fully reimbursed and shall not exceed 12 hours per employee per week.

To provide a safe, hygienic and healthy working environment where adequate steps have been taken to prevent accidents and injury.

Dyes

The dyes used to colour our tops are synthetic, but they are low impact and have been approved by organic certification bodies. They are Oeko-tex credited and azo and heavy metal free. A new dye unit has recently been purchased by the factor, which has an exemplary water treatment plant. This stops any harmful chemicals entering the water system and the water is then re-used to prevent waste.