Fair trade

We support fair trade and local community initiatives.

In brief, this means that our suppliers are paid a decent wage for their work; working conditions are safe and a good standard; no children are exploited. All our products are skilfully created in a positive and pleasant environment.
We ensure compliance with this code of conduct by making regular visits to our suppliers. We also maintain a close and personal relationship with the artisans themselves, and know that they are very proud of their work and their workforce. Please find a list of our practices and methods of ensuring we meet our fair trade requirements below.

WFTO World Fair Trade Organisation (IFAT)

Nkuku is now a fully fledged member of the WFTO.

Membership of the WFTO is limited to organizations that demonstrate a 100% Fair Trade commitment and apply its 10 Principles of Fair Trade. WFTO members who are monitored against these Principles are listed in the FT100 index of world-leading Fair Trade brands, businesses and organisations. Not just the pioneers of the movement but the innovators of the market.

The World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) is the global representative body of over 350 organisations committed to 100% Fair Trade. The WFTO is the authentic voice of Fair Trade and a guardian of Fair Trade values.

The WFTO operates in 70 countries across 5 regions; Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and North American and the Pacific Rim, with elected global and regional boards, to create market access through policy, advocacy, campaigning, marketing and monitoring. It is the only global network whose members represent the Fair Trade chain from production to sale.

WFTO members are organisations differentiated by their 100% Fair Trade commitment to eradicate poverty through sustainable economic development; pioneering social and environmental policy and practice and continual reinvestment in marginalised artisans, farmers and producer communities in some of the most fragile places on earth.

BAFTS

Nkuku is registered by BAFTS (The British Association for Fair Trade Shops) as a fair trade importer. www.bafts.org.uk.

Practices and methods in place to ensure we (Nkuku) meet our fair trade requirements:

• Ensure and enforce fair trade principles with our suppliers by making regular visits to the family businesses, work shops, co operatives.
• Employ 2 agents to carry out unscheduled checks to both ensure the fair trade principles are maintained mentioned above and offer assistant and guidance with regard to Nkuku production.
• Provide a long term, stable, and fair trade relationship
• Provide a transparent relationship with constant communication.
• Ensure a fair price is paid for the products made.
• Allow long lead times to prevent unnecessary stress or pressure to outsource.
• Use recycled materials and natural dyes where possible.
• Ensure supplier producer relationships are fair and meet with the producers as well as suppliers.
• Ensure any materials used in the production of Nkuku goods are taken through the appropriate channels, have the correct government certification and meet European Union standards.
• Provide an outlet for rejected items.
• Import using sea freight and avoid air freight to limit damage to the environment
• Be supportive and understanding as well as professional at all times.
• Encourage and support development programmes and apprenticeship schemes.
• Ensure a trade relationship is not opened unless we are sure we can develop a long term relationship.
• Learn from other fair trade companies and expand working with other fair trade suppliers.

What we ask of our suppliers:

• Answer in detail, sign and return the Nkuku Fair Trade Criteria Form.
• Ensure a safe working environment for their employees, which meet all local statutory requirements.
• Ensure all work is carried out under humane working conditions using appropriate materials and following good production and work practices.
• Ensure that there is no discrimination and ensure equality of employment opportunities for both men and women in areas such as poverty, race, culture, or gender bias.
• Provide an adequate wage to meet employees’ basic needs, including health care, education and the capacity to save.
• Confirm that there will be no exploitation of child labour.
• Ensure that any materials used in the production of Nkuku products are taken purchased through the correct channels. To ensure all government certifications are available for inspection. To ensure that all resources are legitimate and government authenticated.
• Ensure that all materials and resources are managed sustainable and with consideration to the environment
• Provide a transparent trade relationship with Nkuku with mutual respect from both sides.
• Be socially responsible.

Nkuku Employment Terms

• We support profit sharing and ownership as part of our employment programme.
• We believe in paying above the minimum wage.
• We believe in an open dialogue between an employee and ourselves.
• We aim to create a working environment which is positive, fun and enjoyable.
• We use company profit to invest in charities. Nkuku sponsors a young mother through the charity KIDS Company (www.kidsco.org.uk)

How Nkuku Aims to Support Fair Trade

• Support Fair Trade events where possible
• Promote fair trade to the public, trade and retail in the UK and abroad by methods of marketing and pr.
• Support and are members of the British Association of Fair Trade Shops
• Supply and work with Fair trade Shops in the UK and abroad.
• Develop our website to enable us to promote further fair trade charities, and companies.
• Promote awareness and provide information on fair trade with everyone we meet.