Fairtrade Australia New Zealand has put the spotlight on Melbourne Spring Fashion Week (MSFW) to push fashion labels to do better for cotton farmers in their supply chains.
Research presented by the organisation suggests that 90 per cent of farmers in cotton production are based in developing countries.
Fairtrade Australia New Zealand CEO Molly Harriss Olson revealed startling insights into domestic labels' management of supply chains.
“Research shows that a staggering 91 percent of fashion labels in Australia still do not know where their cotton comes from. How can companies ensure their workers’ rights are protected if they don’t know where and how their products are made?”
Harriss also believes that the Fairtrade system could offer fashion labels the opportunity to engage in fairness and transparency throughout the production line.
“Through Fairtrade we are advocating to change the way trade works for the 100 million households involved in cotton production worldwide.
“Our programs increase producer empowerment, improve labour standards and provide safer working environments, while also offering significant reinvestment back into the communities in which producers live.”
The organisation has also referenced the Baptist World Aid's Australian Fashion Report released earlier this year to single out Australian labels Etiko, Audrey Blue, 3 Fish, Liminal Apparel and Rrepp industry leaders in producing ethically sourced cotton.
Fairtrade works with around 60,000 cotton producers globally and aims to ensure a strong system of socially, economically and environmentally responsible production and trade.
Its cotton is currently produced through around 26 producer organisations in nine countries and reels in an estimated sales income of $10.4 million annually.
60 per cent of the cotton manufactured through Fairtrade is reportedly certidied organic.
Fairtrade Australia New Zealand will showcase a short film at MSFW in a bid to spur labels and buyers to start sourcing its cotton.