MELBOURNE: The No Sweatshop label, the accreditation system of the Homeworkers' Code of Practice, established to promote fair and ethical working conditions for industry's lowest paid workers, has revealed plans to operate its own stand at trade fair Fashion Exposed (Melbourne Exhibition Centre, (September 14 to 16) for the first time ever.
Supporting its presence at the fair would be a number of No Sweatshop labels, with ethical clothing and footwear company Rise Up having already confirmed its participation.
Rise Up products featured a range of independent certifications such as organic certified cotton, Fairtrade certified cotton, ILO compliant Fair Trade registered supply chains, ‘No Sweatshop’ certified manufacture and carbon neutral certification. By buying from its range of fashion, school uniforms, linen and promotional apparel, consumers could preserve the planet and help those with the greatest needs, a Rise Up spokesperson said.
"The cap you buy from Rise Up Productions will protect your face from the sun and also support indigenous eye health. The school uniform your kids wear is made from beautiful organic Fairtrade certified cotton and also funds the provision of clean water to kids in Africa through [international charity] World Vision."
Rise Up recyclable thongs, made from 70 per cent recycled material, were assembled by low income workers living in China who were paid a reasonable wage and not made to work excessive hours. These recycled materials were derived from excess materials from the manufacturing of other rubber or foam products.
"With landfill being a significant issue and recycling a catch cry of the 'noughties', it is amazing that Rise Up can recycle industrial waste for us to wear on our feet."