made and fair trade
Established in 2005, the made brand unites designer fashion with the principles of Fair and Ethical Trading, as an alternative approach to conventional trade.
Our goods are produced by independent artisans and small communities in Africa. We provide living wages and healthy working conditions along with information and business planning to help workers develop sustainable businesses.
You can be assured that when you buy a product from made you are empowering workers to improve their lives by fighting poverty through the development of sustainable trade.
Our goods are produced by independent artisans and small communities in Africa. We provide living wages and healthy working conditions along with information and business planning to help workers develop sustainable businesses.
You can be assured that when you buy a product from made you are empowering workers to improve their lives by fighting poverty through the development of sustainable trade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why don't you carry a Fair Trade accreditation?
A1. Unfortunately the Fair-trade Labelling Organisation has yet to open categories within fashion/arts and crafts sectors. The organisation currently focuses on agricultural-based products such as tea, coffee, bananas, flowers, chocolate and cotton. We are hoping that they will open new categories soon, but due to massive growth in the agricultural sectors, we are advised that this is unlikely to happen for at least 12 months.
A1. Unfortunately the Fair-trade Labelling Organisation has yet to open categories within fashion/arts and crafts sectors. The organisation currently focuses on agricultural-based products such as tea, coffee, bananas, flowers, chocolate and cotton. We are hoping that they will open new categories soon, but due to massive growth in the agricultural sectors, we are advised that this is unlikely to happen for at least 12 months.
We are hoping to gain certification from IFAT (International Federation of Alternative Trade) and ETI (Ethical Trading Initiative). Unfortunately, IFAT is unable to grant us official accreditation until the end of this year (2007), as you need to be trading for at least two years.
However, made's workshop in Kenya had an independent ethical audit in June 2007 conducted by Africa Now, a registered charity that works on behalf of major retailers such as Sainsbury's and Marks & Spencer to ensure ethical standards are met from their suppliers. Africa Now used the guidelines of ETI and IFAT to asses made's newly opened workshop in Nairobi, Kenya. The conclusion from the assessment showed that made meets ETI standards and are continuously working to achieve IFAT standards. To find out more about Africa Now please click here
Q2. How much do you pay your workers?
A2. All workers receive a wage that is above the government minimum wage – The majority Kenyans earn below the government minimum wage. made workers receive a living wage that enables them to fight their way out of poverty. In addition to their salaries, all workers receive free hot meals on duty, medical assistance and free transportation to and from work. made's mission is to alleviate poverty through sustainable work in a fair and ethical environment. Our workers own a percentage of the workshop in Kenya and will benefit from net profits generated from the workshop.
A2. All workers receive a wage that is above the government minimum wage – The majority Kenyans earn below the government minimum wage. made workers receive a living wage that enables them to fight their way out of poverty. In addition to their salaries, all workers receive free hot meals on duty, medical assistance and free transportation to and from work. made's mission is to alleviate poverty through sustainable work in a fair and ethical environment. Our workers own a percentage of the workshop in Kenya and will benefit from net profits generated from the workshop.
Separately, 5% of net profits from the workshop will go into a fund for various community projects, such as building toilets in slum areas, helping local schools or general medical assistance. This fund is run by the workers.
Q3. Where do your materials come from?
A3. Where possible, made sources all its materials from Africa. The majority of materials used are recycled (brass, glass and cow bone).
A3. Where possible, made sources all its materials from Africa. The majority of materials used are recycled (brass, glass and cow bone).