WHAT IS FAIR TRADE?

The English term "fair trade" can be translated into Czech as a fair approach. This is a way of trading primarily intended to support smaller producers and farmers in the developing countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America so that they are able to make a living from their own work which is in line with an environmentally friendly and socially responsible approach. For many producers and growers, this way of trading is an opportunity to break out of the spiral of poverty and unsustainable destruction of the natural environment and to create, together with other growers and producers, competitive associations operating on the international market.

Differences between fair and conventional trade

A fair approach to trade differs from the conventional one by goals (it strives for the long-term sustainable development of producers and their communities, and for offering alternatives in the form of fair and at the same time high-quality products to consumers; so the main goal is not to maximize profits at all costs) and means that include an appropriate (fair) purchase price for selected commodities, long-term business relationships with producers, payment of a salary that covers the cost of living in a given location, ensuring a safe working environment, eliminating children from inappropriate and forced labour, and others.

Conditions of cooperation

A fair approach to trade differs from the conventional one by goals (it strives for the long-term sustainable development of producers and their communities, and for offering alternatives in the form of fair and at the same time high-quality products to consumers; so the main goal is not to maximize profits at all costs) and means that include an appropriate (fair) purchase price for selected commodities, long-term business relationships with producers, payment of a salary that covers the cost of living in a given location, ensuring a safe working environment, eliminating children from inappropriate and forced labour, and others.

•   Prohibition of child labour

ALPINE PRO, a.s. emphasizes the prohibition of child labour, which undermines the right to education and healthy physical and mental development of children.

•   Dignified working conditions

ALPINE PRO, a.s. ensures that factory workers work in a dignified, safe and health-conscious work environment and receive wages to cover the cost of their living.

•   Non-discrimination

ALPINE PRO, a.s. requires a proof of whether workers are in any way discriminated or forced to work. Gender equality and freedom of association must also be ensured.

•   Environmental sustainability

ALPINE PRO, a.s. promotes sustainable production practices that preserve ecosystems for future generations but also protect the health of growers, producers and consumers. Manufacturers are committed to manufacturing activities with emphasis on minimizing environmental impacts. Our company has been demonstrating for years that we use ecologically produced materials - such as material made of first-class cotton fibres, processed using special, environmentally friendly technology called FINE COTTON, material made from coffee waste called COFFEE and the like.

•   Appropriate price (fair price)

ALPINE PRO, a.s. makes sure that manufacturers and suppliers receive a price for their products that allows them to cover the costs of production and to obtain the means for a dignified livelihood. ALPINE PRO, a.s. pays manufacturers and suppliers a large part of the price in advance.

Compliance with the Code of Ethics

The requirement to adhere to the principles set out in this Code is enshrined in any written contractual relationship. In line with our commitment, our business partners are constantly and repeatedly inspected and led to continual improvement and development of management respecting workers' rights and eliminating environmental damage.
Our business partners' statements of respect for and observance of the guiding principles of fair trade are regularly reviewed, and in the event of serious misconduct and repeated non-compliance with these principles, mutual cooperation is terminated.

Introduction to the principles of fair cooperation and their dissemination

Introduction to the principles of fair cooperation and their dissemination

Control mechanisms

In monitoring the implementation of the main principles of this Code, emphasis is placed on adhering to these principles not only with foreign (Asian) manufacturers/suppliers, but also with their business partners.
Every factory inspector visiting manufacturing plants has been properly trained and familiarized with the areas and main principles of the fair approach that the inspector has to periodically review and control.

•   The production inspector is required to notify a supervisor of the failure to observe the relevant principles without delay.

•   The production report must always include a point regarding compliance with the principles and any nonconformities found.

•   Information on fair-trade relationships provided by business partners must be regularly inspected and verified.

Responsibility for observing the principles of fair trade

Responsibility for observing and implementation of these principles is always the responsibility of a person responsible for the conclusion of the contract and the subsequent cooperation with the business partner. In the case of the production process, the management of the implementation department is responsible for observing these principles by suppliers and manufacturers.

Prague, 2/1/2014

Daniel Kučera - ALPINE PRO, a.s. Quality Manager
HISTORY

FAIR TRADE

The Czech company ALPINE PRO, a.s. manufactures and distributes sports and outdoor clothing, equipment and footwear under the registered ALPINE PRO brand. At present it is one of the leading companies on the Czech outdoor clothing market. From the position of a leader, ALPINE PRO a.s. considers it its duty to promote a fair competitive environment and therefore publishes this “Code of Ethics” which promotes the principles of fair trade.