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What is Fair Trade?
Pachacuti has a vision of a world in which justice and sustainable development are at the heart of trade so that everyone can maintain a decent and dignified livelihood and develop their full potential. The core mission of Fair Trade is to alleviate poverty and to contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
According to the World Fair Trade Organization “Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers – especially in the South.”
To achieve this goal, Pachacuti was the first Fair Trade company in the world to be certified under the Sustainable Fair Trade Management System by the World Fair Trade Organisation. This was the first audited certification which verified the entire supply chain. Compliance with the SFTMS means that Pachacuti has integrated into our business strategy a proven set of practices, procedures and processes that demonstrate sound behaviour from a social, economic and environmental point of view.
To find out more about Pachacuti's work towards addressing Millenium Development Goals, please visit Business in the Community and download the booklet Transforming the Pace of Change which details the sustainable programmes established by 15 international companies, including Pachacuti, in order to inspire and support other businesses to meet these goals. In 2010 Pachacuti was Highly Commended in the International category of the BITC National Awards for Excellence for our impact on Millenium Goals.
You can find out more by downloading Pachacuti's Fair Trade and Sustainability Report 2011-12 on our Certification Page
Fair Trade Principles
Pachacuti felt hatters
Pachacuti cotton shirt producers
Pachacuti bag embroiderer
Pachacuti cotton shirt producers
Naturally Dyed Alpaca
Pachacuti is a registered member of the WFTO and was certified under the Sustainable Fair Trade Management System from 2009-12. For 2013 Pachacuti is working on the new Fair Trade Guarantee System, due to be audited in Spring 2013 and launched by WFTO in June 2013.
Pachacuti adheres to the World Fair Trade Organization's Charter of Fair Trade Principles in all of our business activities.
Principle One: Creating Opportunities for Economically Disadvantaged Producers
Pachacuti works to create opportunities for economically, geographically and socially marginalised producers in the Andes of South America. Pachacuti also supports community development in rural areas and we encourage our producers in their own social projects.
Principle Two: Transparency and Accountability
Pachacuti works in a transparent, respectful manner with our producer groups, employees and stakeholders. We work together with each group on an annual action plan which holds us mutually accountable for improvements in our trading practices and in social and community development.
Principle Three: Fair Trading Practices
Pachacuti trades with concern for the social, economic and environmental well-being of our producers and we do not maximise profit at their expense. Pachacuti maintains long term relationships based on solidarity, trust and mutual respect. Pachacuti affirms the value and identity of indigenous cultures and encourages the preservation of cultural skills and knowledge. We are committed to retaining cultural and community identity through the design and production of our collections.
Principle Four: Payment of a Fair Price
Pachacuti agrees a fair price with our Andean producers through dialogue and participation. The price we pay enables production which is socially just and environmentally sound. We ensure prompt payment and pay at least 50% in advance when requested.
Principle Five: Ensuring no Child Labor and Forced Labour
Pachacuti and our producer groups respect the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, as well as local laws and social norms. Any participation of children in the production process does not adversely affect their well-being, security, education and need for play.
Principle Six: Commitment to Non Discrimination, Gender Equity and Freedom of Association
Fair Trade means that women’s work is properly valued and rewarded. Pachacuti works principally with organisations of women in rural areas. In partnership with our producers, we are committed to their empowerment. Pachacuti operates and Equal Opportunities Policy.
Principle Seven: Ensuring Good Working Conditions
Pachacuti ensures a safe and healthy working environment for producer groups and UK employees and regularly visits the premises of our producer groups to carry out eco-mapping. Pachacuti runs a Glasses for Glasses project to provide glasses and cataract operations for our producers.
Principle Eight: Providing Capacity Building
Fair Trade is a means to develop our producers’ independence and improve the viability of their business. Pachacuti provides design and quality training to our producers on at least an annual basis. Pachacuti is committed to promoting the use of designs and traditional creative techniques which reflect the rich artistic heritage of the Andean region at a time when many artisans have lost their local market. We also provide grants to our producers for attending training courses and for the purchase of equipment.
Principle Nine: Promoting Fair Trade
Pachacuti works to raise awareness of Fair Trade in the global fashion industry and our local community. We give talks and provide placements for students with the aim of encouraging the next generation of designers to work more ethically. We provide our customers with information about the origins and production process of our accessories.
Principle Ten: Respect for the Environment
Pachacuti encourages the use of resources and production methods which are environmentally sustainable and appropriate to the region. We check our producers’ premises for waste, recycling and environmental management through eco-mapping. We are committed to using locally sourced, sustainable raw materials in our supply chain and we carry out raw material mapping for components and trims. Pachacuti complies with the requirements of all pertinent environmental legislation, approved codes of practice and international convention. We assess the environmental impact of all historic, current and likely future operations with the aim to reduce and prevent pollution, emissions, waste and harmful chemicals.
By finding environmentally friendly means to continuously improve our performance, we aim to be a sustainable business, which is why we put in place an environmentally management system. We are committed to addressing all significant environmental issues within our supply chain. We calculate and publish our CO2 emissions from imports/exports/postage/travel/electricity & gas on an annual basis to ensure the ongoing reduction in the carbon footprint of our operations. Pachacuti works to create opportunities for economically, geographically and socially marginalised producers in the Andes of South America.
In addition to these Standards, Pachacuti's Fair Trade Policy commits to:
Cultural Identity
Pachacuti affirms the value and identity of indigenous cultures and encourages the preservation of cultural skills and knowledge.
Community Development
Pachacuti supports community development in rural areas and we encourage our producers in their own social projects.
