WFTO Asia Product Catalog - Fashion and Lifestyle

The Power of Fair Trade

Inaworldthatgrappleswithcomplexchallengeslikeclimatechange,economicdisparities,andsocialinjustices,thebeaconof hopeemanatesfromanunlikelysource–FairTrade.Withitsfoundationrootedintheprinciplesofequity,sustainability,and ethicalcommerce,FairTradeisprovingtobeaformidableforcefortransformativechange.Aswedelveintothetheme,"The Power of Fair Trade: Innovative Solutions for a Sustainable Future," we are greeted by a wave of creativity, resilience, and positivitythatunderscoresthepotentialforabrightertomorrow

FairTradeisafertilegroundforinnovation.Itchampionstheideathateconomicprosperityneednotcomeattheexpenseof ourplanetoritspeople.Inthislandscape,wewitnessremarkablecreativityinproblem-solving.Producersandartisansaround the world are embracing sustainable practices, creating products that not only captivate with their beauty but also carry a profoundnarrativeofconscientiouscreation

Fair Trade's commitment to gender justice is another powerful thread that weaves through its tapestry. It recognizes the crucial role women play in the global supply chain and strives to rectify historic injustices. Women artisans and farmers, too oftenmarginalized,arebeingempoweredthroughFairTradeinitiatives.

FairTradeisnotblindtotheworld'schallenges;itconfrontsthemhead-on.Climatechangeisaloomingthreat,butwithinthe Fair Trade movement, it's seen as an opportunity for creative problem-solving. The commitment to carbon neutrality, sustainablefarmingpractices,andcirculareconomiesarejustsomeexamplesoftheinnovativesolutionsbeingchampioned.

It's through these initiatives that Fair Trade endeavors to make a lasting impact on our planet By reducing our collective carbon footprint, regenerating ecosystems, and encouraging sustainable consumption, we are taking bold steps towards a sustainablefuture.

As we explore the innovative solutions that lie at the heart of Fair Trade, let us be inspired Let us be inspired by the artisans, farmers, activists, and visionaries who refuse to accept the status quo. Let us be inspired to support businesses that prioritize peopleandtheplanet.Letusbeinspiredtoengageingenderjusticeandregenerativepractices.

ThepowerofFairTradeisnotjustintheproductswebuy;it'sinthestoriesofresilience,thecommitmenttojustice,andthe hopeforamoresustainablefuture Together,wecandrivethispositivechangeandcollectivelyshapeatomorrowthatwecan beproudtopassontothenextgeneration.

A Word from the President

Weoncedaredtoaskthequestion:"WhatwouldaworldthatchampionsFairTradelooklike?”Fora longwhile,itseemedtooidealtoimaginebusinessesputtingapremiumonanythingbutprofit.Now,what once was just an ambitious goal of people and planet-centered trade has become the reality of producers from Europe to Asia. As we welcome more Fair Trade enterprises into the mix, we are entering an era where even local markets recognize the importance of sustainability and social justice in their business practices

Similarly, the means by which consumers engage with businesses has changed, too. The newer generation is more particular about how materials are sourced, how production is done, and the impacts that the process has on the environment. As we move forward, it is imperative that we maximize these developmentstobuildbackfairer.

It'sabouttimewestartlivingsustainably,doingbusinessfairly,andembracingourresponsibilitytowards each other and the environment. Economic success cannot be the end-all-be-all of business. Recognizing the importance of social justice, promoting ethical practices, and ensuring sustainability are equally importantpartsoftheprocess.Itiswithimmensejoythatwecansaythatwearesteadilymovingcloserto aworldthatdreamsandworksforafairerfuture.

Thus, WFTO Asia is humbled to present the 2023 E-Catalogue as a testament to the commitment of more enterprises across Asia to Fair Trade. The products featured in this edition speak not only of our artisans' mastery of their craft but also their dedication to sustainable production. We fervently hope that more enterprises will be inspired to participate in the Fair Trade movement openly and wholeheartedly. As our community keeps growing, may we be motivated to connect, collaborate, and lead with impact to improvetheconditionsofmoreproducersintheregion.

Mitos Urgel President, WFTO Asia

Bags:

Your Versatile Companions in the Modern World

Photo from: Leatherina PVT

Bags, these seemingly simple yet incredibly versatile accessories, have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. From carrying our essentials to making fashion statements, bags have found their way into our hearts and homes in countless forms. But did you know that behind the craftsmanship of these bags lies a world of Fair Trade principles and adaptation to modern folk?

Bags, whether they're tote bags, backpacks, clutches, or messenger bags, serve various functions. They are our trusty sidekicks on our daily commutes, adventures, and shopping sprees. We entrust them with our wallets, keys, phones, and more, making them an essential part of our day-to-day routine. They also double as fashion accessories, expressing our personal style and adding a unique touch to our outfits. But the role of bags doesn't stop here; they serve as eco-friendly alternatives to plastic bags, helping us reduce our environmental footprint.

Photo from: Women Skills Development Organization

Behindeachbag liesastoryof

craftsmanship, dedication,and ethicalvalues.

Many bags are crafted using Fair Trade practices, which ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and sustainable production methods. The artisans who create these bags put their heart and soul into their work, and you can feel the difference in the quality and attention to detail.

TheseFairTradeEnterprisesarenot justcreatingbags;they'recrafting storiesofempowerment,sustainability, andfashion-forwarddesign.

Leading the way in ethical fashion, Fair Trade Enterprises like Women's Skills Development Organization (WSDO), Purnaa, and Leatherina are crafting bags that seamlessly blend functionality and fairness. From empowering women artisans in Nepal to championing sustainability and timeless design, these trailblazers redefine the concept of accessories. With each purchase, you not only acquire a stylish, functional bag but also contribute to fair wages, safe working conditions, and the preservation of traditional craftsmanship.

With each purchase, consumers are not only acquiring functional and stylish bags but also investing in the well-being of the artisans and the preservation of traditional craftsmanship. These trailblazers inspire us to be more conscious consumers and remind us that the products we choose can have a meaningful impact on the world. So, the next time you're in need of a new bag, consider these Fair Trade champions and join the movement of functional and fair fashion.

Left Photo: Purnaa

Right phto: Letherina PVT

Photo from: Women’s Skills Development Organization

Leatherina Pvt Ltd

Leatherina is a women-owned leather goods manufacturer based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, founded in 2016 With a focus on sustainability and ethical practices, every handmade bag is crafted using sustainable leather and ethically sourced trims

As a member of the WFTO, Leatherina prioritizes gender equality, social inclusion, ethical environmental production, and climate change mitigation

Featured Products

ANNABELLE

Various sizes and colours

BACKPACKS

Various sizes and colours

WALLETS

Various sizes and colours

KOROBI HANDBAG

Various sizes and colours

Purnaa

Purnaa is a socially responsible manufacturing company in Nepal, providing fair trade production services

Established in 2013, they empower marginalized individuals through training and employment opportunities, particularly survivors of exploitation and human trafficking

With a focus on quality and sustainability, Purnaa aims to create positive change in the lives of its employees and the communities it serves

Featured Products

PURNAA

BABY BOOTS

Various sizes and colours

BACKPACKS AND WEEKENDER BAGS

Various sizes and colours

CUSTOMIZABLE CAPS

Various sizes and colours

RECYCLED POLYESTER BAGS

Various sizes and colours

Women's Skills Development Organization

WSDO believes in maximizing the potential of women from all walks of life As a Fair Trade Organization, it is a non-profit, income-generating program that provides support for differently-abled, widowed, divorced, and marginalized women

WSDO passionately crafts beautiful and stylish products that are not only ethically produced but also aligned with responsible practices

Featured Products

Funk back pack

Animal pen cases

File bag

Toddler bags

Elevating Asian Artisans and Sustainability

Asia boasts an extraordinary heritage of artisans, their skills passed down through generations. Fashion Revolution 2023 takes honors these artisans, recognizing their craftsmanship as an integral part of the global fashion tapestry.

Fashion Revolution Week 2023 commemorates the 10th anniversary of the Rana Plaza tragedy. The organization, Fashion Revolution, is celebrating its tenth year as an advocate for sustainable and ethical fashion.

Wearing Fair Trade fashion is more than just a style statement; it's a declaration of one's values. It signifies a commitment to fashion that respects people and the planet, while also preserving cultural heritage.

In a world where fashion has farreaching consequences, let us stand united in ensuring that our choices empower artisans and protect our cherished planet.

Photo from: WEAVE Fair Trade

Photos from: HDIF Armenia

Today, as a certified member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), TTC operates under fair trade principles, aiming to enhance the quality of life and empower the tribal people to reach their full potential in society.

Thai Tribal Crafts Fair Trade

Thai Tribal Crafts is a Fair Trading organization dedicated to eradicating poverty and fostering sustainable development for tribal communities in Northern Thailand.

Originally founded in 1973 by American Baptist women missionaries, TTC emerged from their commitment to serve the tribal people and market their exquisitecraftproductstogeneratemuch-neededcashincome.

elias@ttcrafts.co.th

Featured Products

Small hill tribe woven pouch

Chiang Khong hammock

Small woven purse made of back strap woven fabric by Lahu hill tribe living in northern Thailand and produced by fair trade artisans of northern Thailand.

Fair Trade hammock –Chiang Khong – This fair trade hammock is handmade in one day with hand dyed natural cotton rope by Lahu hill tribe weavers from the village of northern Thailand.

Akha cushion cover triangleshape

Make your living room more meaningful by using this tribal cushion cover This beautiful hand embroidery in assorted red color is made of cotton and Akha traditional technique by Akha village artisans in northern Thailand

Auromira

Featured Products

TIE-DYE BABY WRAPS

Various sizes and colours

READY-MADE GARMENTS

100 % Cotton Black

BABY SWADDLES

LARGE, VERSATILE & STYLISH – Includes four 47 ” x 47 ” (120cm x 120cm) swaddle blanket.

CFM MARKET LINKAGES PVT LTD

CFM Market Linkages connects Indian artisans globally, offering jobs to marginalized craftspeople and creating sustainable jewelry, bags, and home decor using diverse skills in product innovation, design, and quality control.

Featured Products

Floral Pattern

Patina Earrings

Leather Tote Bag

This captivating piece of jewelry is versatile enough to complement your business attire as a statement piece while also being the perfect playful accessory during a casual day in the city

This leather coffee tote is made with genuine leather ideal to carry all your essentials. This is an evergreen bag, a must have for all seasons

Ancient Hammered Bracelet

The eye-catchy design speaks for its eccentric workmanship The cuff is perfect for your everyday wear office look. It is reimagined to fit modern wardrobes.

We need to explain Fair We need to explain Fair Trade, we need to educate Trade, we need to educate and let them know why we and let them know why we are doing this, why these are doing this, why these principles are in place. principles are in place.

Timothy Straight, Founder Homeland Development Initiative Foundation - HDIF Development Initiative Foundation - HDIF

"Fair Trade is all about improving lives, but we don't do that through charity - there is no handout in the Fair Trade movement. People are solving their own problems through Fair Trade." ~ Paul Rice

Pioneering Sustainable Fashion Through Upcycled Magic

They're not just crafting bags; they're crafting a greener, more responsible future.

In an age where sustainability has become an imperative, XSProjek and Villageworks Cambodia, are remarkable Fair Trade Enterprise, has set out on an inspiring journey to turn discarded materials into upcycled bags that are as functional as they are eco-conscious. What sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to repurposing materials like old rice sacks, military tents, and truck tarps, transforming them into stylish and unique bags that contribute to both fashion and environmental conservation.

XSProjek’s Hessian Tote

One of the most remarkable aspects of their respective journeys are their innovation in turning unlikely materials into fashion statements Military tents, with their rugged durability, become the foundation for sturdy and reliable bags Meanwhile, truck tarps, which once endured the elements on long-haul journeys, are given a second life as chic and weatherresistant totes and backpacks

Each bag, a unique piece of art, bears the marks and stories of its past life while embracing a sustainable and eco-friendly future

Both XSProjek and Villageworks Cambodia embody the principles of Fair Trade They provide safe working conditions and fair wages to local artisans, ensuring that the transformation of materials into bags is not only sustainable but ethical too These Fair Trade Enterprises offer a tangible connection between past and future, reiterating that the act of reusing materials can be a pioneering solution to environmental preservation With each purchase, consumers become eco-warriors, fashioning a brighter future for the Earth

“With each purchase, customers become part of a larger narrative that redefines fashion and environmental responsibility.”

Villagework Cambodia’s collection of upcycled gems

The use of single-used plastics are rampant in Southeast Asia due to the struggles of poverty

Featured Products

Laundry Hamper

Super totes

Market bags

Canteen boxes

It has grown into a collective of over 700 trained women artisans in Southern Rajasthan, specializing in patchwork, appliqué, and Tanka embroidery.

With a top-notch artisan training system and fair trade certification, Sadhna continues to meet the demand for high-quality, traditional handembroidered products.

SADHNA - A WOMEN'S HANDICRAFT ENTERPRISE

Sadhna is a registered Women's Handicraft Enterprise formed in 1988 as an income generation program of Seva Mandir in response to a drought in Mewar. https://sadhna.org/

FEATURED PRODUCTS

SADHNA

STOLES

Various sizes and colours

MEN’S JACKET

Various sizes and colours

SAREES AND KURTIS

Various sizes and colours

QUILTS

Various sizes and colours

Villageworks Cambodia operates joint sewing workshops in local communities, enabling women to work near their homes under experienced group leaders.

Upholding Fair Trade principles such as fair wages, safe working conditions, sustainability, and gender equality, Villageworks takes pride in its innovative products made from recycled, organic, and natural materials

With home-based producer groups in five communities, Villageworks empowers farm households in Kampong Thom province to generate additional income while staying in their villages. They also serve the tourist market through their outlets in Baray and Phnom Penh.

Villageworks Cambodia Co., LTD

Featured Products

Villageworks Cambodia Co., ltd

COTTON CANVAS WITH RICE BAG

Various sizes and colours

COSMETIC POUCH

Various sizes and colours

COTTON SHOPPER BAG

Various sizes and colours

RECYCLED RICE AND FISH BAGS

Various sizes and colours

Empowering Refugees and Uplifting CommunitiesThe Earth Heir Story

Earth Heir, based in Malaysia, is a shining example of how Fair Trade principles can be intertwined with a mission to support refugees. They work directly with artisans, including refugees, and empower them to craft exquisite handwoven textiles and accessories. These beautiful creations not only tell a story but also offer a pathway to self-sufficiency for those who have faced unimaginable challenges.

Earth Heir's commitment to supporting refugees is palpable in every piece they create. By providing refugees with meaningful work, Earth Heir enables them to regain their sense of purpose and dignity. These artisans, often skilled in traditional crafts, contribute their expertise to produce stunning pieces, preserving their cultural heritage while building a brighter future.

Earth Heir takes it a step further by infusing sustainability into their Fair Trade practices. They champion eco-friendly materials, ethical production methods, and waste reduction. Their approach underscores the idea that responsible business practices can have a profound impact on our planet.

Earth Heir's work serves as a powerful reminder that we can make a difference in the lives of refugees and in the health of our planet through the simple act of conscious consumption When we choose Fair Trade products, we're not just buying a beautiful accessory; we're supporting a cause. We're acknowledging that fashion can be a force for good, empowering communities, and creating a more sustainable world.

In a world marked by displacement and environmental challenges, Fair Trade stands as a path to a brighter future.