GREEN and FAIR
"Green and Fair" is a brand name resulting from the cooperation between the Fair Trade Center Breisgau and the Fair Rubber Association.
The special feature of their products is that the natural rubber in which they are made is both commercially fair and produced in an ecologically and socially sustainable manner.
What are the problems in the rubber industry?
- The production and extraction of natural rubber can lead to serious environmental and social problems. These range from poor working conditions, child and forced labour to discrimination against migrant workers.
- The expansion of cultivation areas leads to the clearing of a partially protected jungle as well as to problems of land rights and expropriation of the local population. New plantations are increasingly growing in truly unsuitable vegetation zones, so that more fertilisers and pesticides have to be used.
- Many small farmers are weakened and find themselves in a globally disadvantaged position: limited access to efficient means of production, no direct access to the market, indebtedness, misinformation about current prices and quality standards.
How are "Green and Fair" products green?
The "FSC 100% rubber" logo guarantees that the rubber used comes exclusively from FSC-certified forests or plantations.
The Forest Stewardship Council campaigns for a fair and responsible treatment of relations with humans and nature. Forest management must be ecologically sustainable, socially beneficial and economically efficient. They operate according to 10 principles that apply worldwide: transparency, recognition of the rights of forest workers and local people, efficient long-term use of the forest, preservation of biodiversity and ecosystems, plantations complement the use of natural forests, no clearcutting. These principles are transformed into national standards adapted to local conditions. Independent auditors check once a year whether these standards are being adhered to. All parts of a supply chain must be FSC-certified in order to display the logo on the final product.
The cotton used in the products is grown according to organic (natural and ecological) standards.
No harmful chemicals
Vulcanisation requires specific substances that can still be found in the end product.
The colours used are synthetic and comply with the European REACH standards.
Minimisation of the CO2 footprint by choosing to ship by boat rather than by air.
Avoid plastic as far as possible.
Plastic packaging of shoes because of the Indian government's hygiene requirements
What is "right" in their products?
The Fair Rubber logo guarantees that buyers pay an extra 0.50€/kg of DRC (dry rubber content) regardless of the world market price.
This premium is paid to primary rubber producers, plantation workers and small farmers to ensure as far as possible that they can cover their production costs and their livelihoods even when world market prices are low.
A continuous monitoring process ensures that these criteria are respected by buyers and suppliers.
Renouncing intermediate trade where possible
Appropriate working conditions and protection of workers, recognition of the rights of the local population, etc.
The special feature of their products is that the natural rubber in which they are made is both commercially fair and produced in an ecologically and socially sustainable manner.
What are the problems in the rubber industry?
- The production and extraction of natural rubber can lead to serious environmental and social problems. These range from poor working conditions, child and forced labour to discrimination against migrant workers.
- The expansion of cultivation areas leads to the clearing of a partially protected jungle as well as to problems of land rights and expropriation of the local population. New plantations are increasingly growing in truly unsuitable vegetation zones, so that more fertilisers and pesticides have to be used.
- Many small farmers are weakened and find themselves in a globally disadvantaged position: limited access to efficient means of production, no direct access to the market, indebtedness, misinformation about current prices and quality standards.
How are "Green and Fair" products green?
The "FSC 100% rubber" logo guarantees that the rubber used comes exclusively from FSC-certified forests or plantations.
The Forest Stewardship Council campaigns for a fair and responsible treatment of relations with humans and nature. Forest management must be ecologically sustainable, socially beneficial and economically efficient. They operate according to 10 principles that apply worldwide: transparency, recognition of the rights of forest workers and local people, efficient long-term use of the forest, preservation of biodiversity and ecosystems, plantations complement the use of natural forests, no clearcutting. These principles are transformed into national standards adapted to local conditions. Independent auditors check once a year whether these standards are being adhered to. All parts of a supply chain must be FSC-certified in order to display the logo on the final product.
The cotton used in the products is grown according to organic (natural and ecological) standards.
No harmful chemicals
Vulcanisation requires specific substances that can still be found in the end product.
The colours used are synthetic and comply with the European REACH standards.
Minimisation of the CO2 footprint by choosing to ship by boat rather than by air.
Avoid plastic as far as possible.
Plastic packaging of shoes because of the Indian government's hygiene requirements
What is "right" in their products?
The Fair Rubber logo guarantees that buyers pay an extra 0.50€/kg of DRC (dry rubber content) regardless of the world market price.
This premium is paid to primary rubber producers, plantation workers and small farmers to ensure as far as possible that they can cover their production costs and their livelihoods even when world market prices are low.
A continuous monitoring process ensures that these criteria are respected by buyers and suppliers.
Renouncing intermediate trade where possible
Appropriate working conditions and protection of workers, recognition of the rights of the local population, etc.