US-based outdoor clothing retailer, Patagonia, as reported is aggressively expanding its partnership with Fair Trade USA. As per reports it has up-scaled Fair Trade manufacturing from current 11 styles to 218 styles in two years.
Patagonia expects to manufacture 300 styles, which is approximately one-third of its products in Fair Trade Certified factories by the fall season next year. And if reports are anything to go by, the company has paid US $ 639,000 in premiums that go directly to the workers making its apparel since 2014.
“Fair Trade USA’s approach has proven it contributes to a better standard of living, including pay and employee participation in the workplace and community. It also helps create better working-conditions and safeguards against the use of child labor,” stated Rose Marcario, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Patagonia.
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It was also reported that Fair Trade USA offers a partnership where manufacturers can pay a premium to ensure factory workers are given better benefits and wages. Patagonia began its partnership with Fair Trade USA in 2014 using one Fair Trade Certified factory. Patagonia is now using six certified factories for fall season this year.