Accompanying Elaine was Traidcraft’s Quality Manager John Hinton, responsible for ensuring all of Traidcraft’s 400+ fair trade products meet UK quality standards. He regularly travels to the developing world to work with small-scale producers on quality issues.
In rural Bangladesh, Elaine met women making hammocks from jute and was very moved by their personal stories. She said, "They were simply inspiring; I met Nargis who was educated with the income her mother earned weaving hammocks and has since founded the village school. This has to be just about the best illustration of how fair trade is really making a difference."
Elaine was also given the chance to try her hand at weaving a jute hammock and swiftly realised the high level of skill required. "They said I was a quick learner but I think they were being polite as I’m not sure my efforts would actually make it past quality control at Traidcraft."
Also on the visit itinerary were producers Swajan and Bonoful. Cards made by Swajan, with handmade paper from Bonoful, are now sold in forty of Marks and Spencer’s largest stores.
During the trip, John worked with the producers to cut rejection rates by introducing the use of an electronic scale for weighing the paper. To overcome Bangladesh’s frequent power cuts, the scales are powered by a rechargeable battery.
John said, "The appetite of Traidcraft’s producers to grow in capacity and capability is enormous and it’s really satisfying to be able to work closely with them and be a part of it."
Notes to Editors:
- Traidcraft is the UK’s leading fair trade organisation and has been pioneering fair trade since 1979
- Traidcraft is based in the Teem Valley, Gateshead and is the only UK organisation dedicated exclusively to fighting poverty through trade
- For more information on Traidcraft and to purchase the widest range of fair trade goods in the UK visit www.traidcraft.co.uk.
- High resolution images documenting the trip are available.
