What does being committed to fair trade mean?

For a company, committing to fair trade implies rethinking how products are manufactured, distributed, and consumed. This type of commitment is not limited to a simple responsible purchase; it is about supporting practices that ensure fair working conditions and equitable income for producers. It also requires reflection on the social and environmental impact of products, favoring transparent and respectful production chains.

Adhering to fair trade transforms the relationship with the product, from the manufacturing choice to its consumption, involving awareness and concrete daily action! Discover how we chose to launch, at our scale.

What exactly is fair trade?

Fair trade is defined as a set of practices aimed at ensuring fair compensation for producers and artisans, particularly in developing countries. This approach is based on transparency in commercial relations, fair price negotiation, and respect for human rights.

The main objective is to create a balance between producers and consumers, giving the former the means to develop their activity while improving their living conditions; specific certifications and labels exist to guarantee that companies respect these criteria. It is a commitment that affects both production and distribution, by valuing local work and skills!

Is fair trade necessarily ethical?

No. Although fair trade aims for equity and social justice, it does not automatically guarantee a complete ethical approach.

Indeed, ethics include not only fair pay and decent working conditions but also consideration of environmental impact, material sustainability, and social inclusion. This is why some companies are satisfied with obtaining a label without truly transforming their production chain or social policy. However, others choose a more ethical approach for a global commitment, which considers artisans, local communities, and the environment in all decision-making.

This is the case with Laboa!

What are Laboa's actions to be part of this approach?

Laboa is part of an ethical and supportive approach by offering belt bags manufactured in compliance with fair trade principles: the "little hands" busy making them, particularly in Vietnam, receive fair pay and benefit from decent working conditions.

Furthermore, we collaborate with NGOs specialized in the reintegration of women in Asia as well as with ESATs (Support and Work Assistance Services), which promote the work of people with disabilities in France. These partnerships guarantee that manufacturing methods remain supportive and inclusive, with the goal of building a responsible production chain where each step contributes to the well-being of artisans and the empowerment of local communities.

Finally, we have chosen to highlight sustainable materials and engage in solidarity initiatives that go beyond the simple commercial dimension, aiming to create real added value by promoting sustainability, inclusion, and direct support to producing communities.

From now on, when you hear the question: "What is fair trade?", you can answer that it is what we try to maintain as much as possible at Laboa. We support practices that respect producers and their environment, while contributing to a fairer economy. In fact, we demonstrate to all other brands that it is possible to combine commerce, ethics, and solidarity. Supporting us means supporting all these concrete actions, as well as all the hands busy manufacturing our products.