Let’s learn a bit about what Fairtrade Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) are!
At the core of In The Bag’s identity lies a deep love for ethical and sustainable packaging. More than anything, ITB believes in making decisions that will benefit our planet’s longevity and health. We strive to create product packaging that is cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and durable.
For that reason, we focus on using both Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certified materials and Fairtrade-certified materials. Before we dive into seven of our favourite ways to champion Fairtrade’s efforts and utilize their materials, let’s learn a bit about what Fairtrade is!
Chances are you’re already familiar with Fairtrade materials. If you’re not, here’s a brief refresher, straight from the source.
According to the Fairtrade Foundation, Fairtrade is “a system of certification that aims to ensure a set of standards are met in the production and supply of a product or ingredient. For farmers and workers, Fairtrade means workers’ rights, safer working conditions, and fairer pay. For shoppers, it means high-quality, ethically-produced products.” So, Fairtrade packaging focuses on using materials that are certified and recognized as coming from ethical sources.
Now that we’ve established that, let’s check out seven of our most adored ways to use Fairtrade-certified materials and engage in Fairtrade practices. Some of these ideas are more geared towards using Fairtrade packaging materials (namely cotton), while others focus specifically on becoming more familiar with Fairtrade’s worldwide efforts.
At In The Bag, we specialize in creating custom reusable cotton bags. The cotton we use is always Fairtrade certified and proudly displays the Fairtrade Cotton Mark. Using eco-friendly cotton in our bags is just another way to prioritize sustainable packaging.
Speaking of using Fairtrade cotton—why not also adopt 100% cotton envelopes? These are ideal for when you want to slip your customer a note and thank them for their dedication to your company. They’re also ideal for mailing very small products.
Much like reusable tote bags, cotton pouches are fantastic for storing your products. Say you’re a cosmetics company or a brand that focuses on selling energy crystals like salt rocks—why not package them in adorable, Fairtrade-certified cotton pouches?
Equally as important as the Fairtrade Cotton Mark is the Fairtrade Textile Mark. If your company operates in the clothing industry, displaying this mark on your product packaging is both cost-effective and a great way to show that your company cares about sustainability.
Those of you with higher-end product packaging might occasionally opt for gold leaf designs. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with some flair—but do ensure your golf leaf is certified with the Fairtrade Gold Mark.
Our last two ideas relating to Fairtrade, both of which we strongly recommend, have more to do with championing Fairtrade and its efforts. For starters, try spreading awareness of all Fairtrade accomplishes worldwide. Put the Fairtrade labels on your product packaging. Promote Fairtrade on your website and social media channels. Wherever you go, shout Fairtrade’s name.
Finally, if you are not already a Fairtrade-certified business, it’s high time you become one! All you have to do is go to the Fairtrade Canada site, get in touch with them, submit an application, and then start labelling your products with one of several Fairtrade labels. It’s truly that simple!
Sources:
https://fairtrade.ca/producers-products/other-products/
https://www.primelinepackaging.com/using-cotton-materials-in-your-packaging/
https://www.weavabel.com/blog/new-creative-and-eco-friendly-clothing-trim-and-packaging-ideas#a5
https://info.fairtrade.net/product/textiles
https://fairtrade.ca/what-is-fairtrade/the-fairtrade-marks/
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