About

ethical sourcing

Fairware was founded with a vision to create a company that cares — about our clients, about the planet and about the working conditions where products are made.

Our goal is to source high quality, unique promotional items that meet our standards of social and environmental responsibility. We assess each supplier based on a series of criteria. The Fairware Supplier Code of Conduct is modeled on the Fair Labor Association's Code of Conduct and sets the standards we encourage our suppliers to meet.

Fairware is a certified B Corporation, a WEConnect Certified Business, a member the Green Meeting Industry Council, a supporter of the Sustainable Purchasing Network, and a Category C Licensee of the Fair Labor Association.

We actively seek out businesses that reflect one or more of the following attributes:

> Formal commitment to ethical sourcing
We seek out suppliers that are members of organizations or associations that promote ethical sourcing. These organizations include TransFair Canada, The Fair Labor Association, SA8000, and the Ethical Trading Initiative. Please visit our sustainability resource section for more information and links to these associations.

> Union made or cooperatives
We seek out suppliers that are North American Union Made or manufactured by cooperatives.

> Mission based businesses
We seek out suppliers, who, like Fairware, are on a mission to improve working and environmental conditions in their communities. These companies have an explicit commitment to worker rights and environmental responsibility.

> Social enterprises
We support social enterprises or ventures operated by non-profits.

> Fairware Code of Conduct Signatories
We work with suppliers who have reviewed our Code of Conduct and sign off as compliant to the Code or outline any areas of non-compliance and an action plan for remediation.

> Environmental Commitment
We seek out suppliers committed to environmental responsibility. We ask each vendor about their own 'in-house' environmental practices (e.g. waste reduction), environmental certifications and information on the specific kind of materials they use in manufacturing their products.

Fairware works with businesses and organizations across North America, including The David Suzuki Foundation, The Canadian Federation of Students, Aveda, Stonyfield Farms, Ben and Jerry’s, Telus, and BC Hydro. Read more about projects we’ve completed on our blog and website

learn more

If you’re interested in learning more about Ethical Sourcing, check out the links below.

Oxfam Canada

Maquila Solidarity Network

TransFair Canada

Fair Labor Association

Social Accountability International

Worker Rights Consortium

Ethical Trading Initiative

Fairtrade Labelling Organization International

Green America