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This lesson covers fair trade principles, ethical sourcing practices, and worker welfare, as required by AQA GCSE D&T (8552), Section 3.2.4. Responsible design goes beyond environmental considerations — it must also address the social impact of material choices and manufacturing processes on the people involved in the supply chain.
Fair Trade is a trading partnership that seeks greater equity in international trade. It offers better trading conditions to, and secures the rights of, marginalised producers and workers — especially in developing countries.
| Principle | Description |
|---|---|
| Fair prices | Producers receive a minimum price that covers the cost of sustainable production, plus a Fair Trade premium for community development |
| Direct trade | Reducing the number of intermediaries (middlemen) so more profit reaches the producers |
| Democratic organisation | Producer cooperatives make decisions democratically; workers have a voice |
| Safe working conditions | Workplaces must meet health and safety standards; no forced labour |
| No child labour | Children must not be employed; education is prioritised |
| Environmental protection | Sustainable farming and manufacturing practices are required |
| Long-term relationships | Buyers commit to long-term partnerships with producers, providing financial stability |
The Fairtrade mark (black and green yin-yang symbol) is the most widely recognised ethical certification label in the UK. It appears on products including coffee, tea, chocolate, bananas, cotton clothing, and gold jewellery.
When you see the Fairtrade mark on a product, it guarantees that:
AQA Exam Tip: If asked about fair trade in the exam, mention SPECIFIC benefits: (1) guaranteed minimum price, (2) community premium, (3) no child labour, (4) safe working conditions. Vague answers like "fair trade is better for people" will not score full marks. Be specific.
Ethical sourcing means ensuring that the products and materials in a supply chain are obtained in a responsible and sustainable manner — that workers are treated fairly, environmental standards are met, and human rights are respected.
| Issue | Description | Affected Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Child labour | Children working instead of attending school, often in dangerous conditions | Cobalt (DRC), cotton (Uzbekistan), cocoa (West Africa), mica (India) |
| Forced labour | Workers compelled to work under threat of punishment, including debt bondage | Cotton (Xinjiang, China — allegations), rubber (Southeast Asia) |
| Unsafe working conditions | Inadequate safety equipment, structural hazards, toxic exposure | Garment factories (Bangladesh), tanneries (India), mines (global) |
| Low wages | Workers paid below a living wage, unable to meet basic needs | Garment workers (global), agricultural workers (global) |
| Environmental exploitation | Communities exposed to pollution, deforestation, or water depletion by extractive industries | Mining communities, oil-producing regions, cotton-growing regions |
The collapse of the Rana Plaza garment factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on 24 April 2013 killed 1,134 workers and injured over 2,500. The building had known structural cracks, but workers were ordered to return to work the day after the cracks were discovered. The factory produced clothing for major Western brands.
This disaster exposed the human cost of cheap fashion and triggered significant changes:
| Response | Description |
|---|---|
| Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh | Legally binding agreement between brands and trade unions to improve factory safety |
| Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety | Industry-led initiative (primarily US brands) for safety improvements |
| Fashion Revolution movement | Global campaign asking brands "Who made my clothes?" — promoting transparency |
| Increased consumer awareness | Consumers increasingly demand to know about working conditions in supply chains |
AQA Exam Tip: The Rana Plaza disaster is a powerful case study for demonstrating the link between ethical sourcing, worker welfare, and design decisions. If a question asks about the social responsibility of designers, referencing Rana Plaza shows real-world understanding and can access higher marks.
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