I have just come back from India again on a quick visit to Calcutta to check on production and new designs that will be coming through in the spring (very exciting!).

The issues with the Fairtrade supply chain came up in conversation with Rajat our main supplier and in particular the understanding by the end consumer as to what is actually Fairtrade certified and the how the Fairtrade symbol can be misinterpreted.

When you buy cotton product carrying the FAIRTRADE Mark you know cotton farmers always benefit. However this does not mean the rest of the production chain is Fairtrade certified - only the cotton itself. To carry the Fairtrade symbol the chain is audited to be within Fairtrade employment welfare standards and for Liv product we personally inspect premises and monitor standards within this chain.

Currently the Fairtrade standards are designed to benefit the cotton farmer; however the global Fairtrade system is currently researching ethical supply chains to help draw up future international Fairtrade standards for textiles. Going a step further and buying Fairtrade cotton from companies dedicated to fair trade standards means your choice is making an even greater difference, not just to those who grow the cotton but also to other marginalised workers across the world.