Epona Clothing supplies blank t-shirts, polos, gym bags and hooded sweatshirts made from fair trade certified cotton. Founded in 2002 by Tom Andrews, Epona Clothing’s products are certified by the United Kingdom-based charity, the Fairtrade Foundation. The cotton is grown in India and abides to a sweatshop-free supply chain. The Epona basic clothing collection is manufactured in Bangladesh and the limited edition collection is manufactured in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, Epona Clothing is organic, credited by the Oeko-Tex Association and heavy metal-free.
Due to Epona’s fair trade commitment, the company is able to give small-scale producers and farmers fair wages as well as a premium that invests in environmental and community projects. On its website, Epona Clothing states that in 2010, the clothing company helped over 200 farmers to get a better deal and provided £22,000 for the social premium.
Epona Clothing has a number of non-exploitation conditions that it is committed to and has social audits in the factories in order to ensure that those conditions are followed all along the production process. For instance, 48 hours is the maximum amount one can work in the week, overtime is both voluntary and paid, and the working atmosphere is hygienic and safe.
On the supply end, Epona Clothing’s products are sold to about 80 universities in the United Kingdom, UNICEF, Amnesty International, music merchandisers, schools, ethical businesses, festivals, and workwear and staff uniforms for other corporations. Each product is 100 percent cotton, which makes the apparel suitable for screen-printing. All of Epona’s products are available in bulk, and can be bought blank as they appear in Epona’s photos, or can be customized to suit the client’s needs.
Epona Clothing’s commitment to fair trade and high business standards has reaped many benefits. From 2004 to 2008, Epona Clothing’s sales increased from £10,000 to £850,000. Indeed, Epona claims to have the largest range of promotional fair trade cotton in the market, and its success is shown simultaneously through improved living conditions for its farmers and successful business results.
Contact Information:
Epona Clothing Website
Bon Marche Centre
241-251 Ferndale Road
London
SW9 9JS
Telephone: +44 (0) 207 326 4137
Fair Trade Bulk Apparel
Epona Clothing Supplies Ethical Tees for Charities, Schools & Businesses
Trend Themes
1. Fair Trade Garments - The trend of producing and selling fair trade clothes can offer businesses an opportunity to cater to consumers who prioritize ethical and sustainable practices.
2. Customizable Apparel - Customizable fair trade clothing can provide opportunities for businesses to personalize their merchandise while also promoting ethical and sustainable standards.
3. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) - CSR initiatives that promote fair trade practices can not only benefit companies financially but also positively impact communities and the environment.
Industry Implications
1. Ethical Fashion - The ethical fashion industry can market and sell fair trade clothing to consumers who prioritize sustainable and ethical production methods.
2. Promotional Merchandise - Fair trade clothing can be used as promotional merchandise for universities, festivals, and corporations that prioritize CSR initiatives and sustainable practices.
3. Non-profit and Charitable Organizations - Non-profit and charitable organizations can partner with fair trade clothing suppliers to promote ethical practices and raise funds for social and environmental projects.