Athleta to offer Fair Trade certified designs

Fair Trade USA is an organisation dedicated to creating social and economic opportunities for factory workers around the world. Working with Fair Trade USA enables Athleta to enhance its commitment to empowering women by supporting the female-dominated workforce in the manufacturing facilities with which it sources. For every Fair Trade certified product sold, factory workers directly earn an additional financial premium, which they collectively invest in the needs of their community. The debut styles are produced by a newly certified facility in Sri Lanka, supporting more than 2,100 workers of whom more than 80 percent are women.

“Supporting women in their ability to come together to reach their full potential is core to our brand,” said Nancy Green, president, Athleta. “Partnering with Fair Trade USA is an important and natural step in directly enabling the women who create Athleta clothes to positively affect their communities and families.”

For a product to earn Fair Trade certification, it must originate from a facility that operates according to the rigorous social, environmental and economic standards set in place by Fair Trade USA.

“Fair Trade allows each of us to live our values through our everyday choices--through a simple purchase,” said Paul Rice, president and CEO of Fair Trade USA. “When you choose a Fair Trade Certified™ item from Athleta, you are not just getting an amazing product; you're also helping empower and improve the lives of the women who made it.” (RR)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India