Latest news with #Fairtrade-certified
Fibre2Fashion
a day ago
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
Apurva Kothari No Nasties
At No Nasties, sustainability is built into every stitch, seam, and shipment When Apurva Kothari left his Silicon Valley consulting job, he was not chasing trends—he was answering a moral call. Moved by reports of farmer suicides in India, particularly among cotton growers trapped in cycles of debt and chemical dependency, he founded No Nasties in 2011—India's first Fairtrade-certified, 100 per cent organic clothing brand. What began as a personal response to an agrarian crisis has since evolved into a pioneering force in ethical fashion. Built on direct partnerships with small-scale farmers in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, No Nasties ensures fair wages, promotes organic farming, and champions carbon-negative practices. With a focus on transparency, vegan principles, and a real-time tree-planting tracker—now crossing 234,000 trees—the brand is reshaping how fashion can intersect with climate responsibility and consumer trust. In this conversation with Fibre2Fashion, Kothari shares the journey of No Nasties, the realities of building clean fashion in India, and how saying 'no' to fast fashion can become a radical, regenerative act. Sustainable fashion is often criticised for being accessible only to a niche audience. What do you think is holding back large-scale adoption of conscious fashion in markets like India? Clean fashion is expensive—and that is the problem. It takes time to grow organic cotton. Yields are lower, the process is slower, and there are no chemical shortcuts. That drives up costs—but also protects the soil, the farmer, and the future. I started No Nasties in 2011 after learning about farmer suicides in Vidarbha. The root cause? Bt cotton—GMO seeds pushed by Monsanto and backed by the government. They promised big yields but delivered debt and despair. Over a decade later, our organic farmers are finally earning fair prices. That is the good news. The hard truth? Fast fashion is still winning. It is cheap, easy, and everywhere. In a country with a rising middle class and growing consumer appetite, ethics often lose to affordability. Until we stop treating clothes as disposable, sustainable fashion will remain niche. We do not need more stuff—we need better stuff. Made well. Worn longer. Valued more. There is growing conversation around greenwashing in the fashion industry. How can consumers truly differentiate between genuinely sustainable brands and those just using sustainability as a marketing tool? Ask better questions. We do it when buying a car, a phone, or even groceries. Why not clothes? Where was it made? Who made it? Who paid the real price for that ₹199 tee? What river did the dye destroy? Greenwashing thrives on apathy. Brands can only fool the people who are not looking closely. If you care where your money goes, make it ask for answers. Certifications like GOTS, Fairtrade, and OEKO-TEX are increasingly common. But do you think the industry relies too much on third-party validation instead of direct accountability? Certifications like GOTS, Fairtrade, and OEKO-TEX matter. They set a much-needed baseline. They help weed out the worst offenders and give consumers a shorthand for trust. But they are not the full picture. A label does not tell you who made your clothes, how they were treated, or how much damage was done along the way. At No Nasties, we are working to go beyond the tag. We track the carbon footprint of every product—from farm to doorstep—and offset it by 300 per cent. So far, we have removed, by offsetting 620907.96 kg of CO2e. We believe accountability should be visible, not just certified. Show me your factory. Show me your soil. Show me your numbers. How are innovations in materials—like bio-based textiles or textile recycling—reshaping the future of sustainable fashion, and what excites you most in this space? The most exciting thing? Waste is turning into raw material. Old clothes becoming new ones. Fabrics that leave no footprint. Fashion finally learning how to clean up after itself. At No Nasties, we are setting up our own Lab—a space to experiment with upcycling, bio-based blends, and circular design. Because sustainability is not enough. It is time fashion evolved. What challenges did you face while introducing Fairtrade and organic practices in the Indian apparel industry? When we started No Nasties, no one was talking about Fairtrade or organic in fashion. It was not trendy—it was confusing. We had to explain what GMO seeds were, why soil health mattered, and how a t-shirt could be 'fair'. It felt like shouting into the void. But it was a conversation worth starting. And today, we are proud that what was once radical is now baseline. The industry caught up. The vocabulary changed. Now we are pushing the next conversation: carbon offsets, climate-positive action, and regenerative and circular fashion. We are building new solutions that meet the customer where they are—simple, traceable, meaningful. It is not easy. But we have done it before. And we are doing it again. What does your commitment to carbon neutrality involve on a practical, day-to-day level? At No Nasties, we track the carbon footprint of every product—from farm to doorstep—and offset it by 300 per cent. So far, we have removed over 620,900 kg of CO₂e. That means partnering with verified platforms like Veritree and Green Story to ensure real trees are planted and real offset projects are funded around the world. On the ground, it is detailed SOPs—recording everything from garment weight to electricity usage. Working with Fairtrade and GOTS-certified factories helps too—there is a standard of care built into every step. We also have a growing pipeline of sustainability projects in motion—from returnable packaging to building a fully circular system at No Nasties. It is not just about offsets. It is about better systems. And we have an amazing team making it happen, every single day. In what ways does your brand engage with vegan and plastic-free principles across operations and packaging? At No Nasties, every detail is intentional. Our clothes are made with 100 per cent organic cotton. Buttons? Coconut shells and corozo nuts. Elastic? Natural rubber—not synthetic. Our packaging walks the talk too: 100 per cent recycled paper boxes, recycled paper tags, and soy-based, earth-friendly inks. No plastic. No animal products. No compromise. Because sustainability is not just a label—it is built into every stitch, seam, and shipment. How does No Nasties ensure fair wages and ethical working conditions for the farmers and workers in its supply chain? We work exclusively with Fairtrade and GOTS-certified factories—because third-party accountability matters. But we do not just go by paperwork. We visit in person. We meet the teams. We walk the floors to ensure that working conditions are genuinely safe—no exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic dyes, access to healthy food, and crèches available on-site. For us, it is not just about audits—it is about energy. We believe in building relationships based on trust, transparency, and shared values. If the vibe is not right, it is a no. Fair wages and safe working conditions should be the baseline, not the bonus. And we are here to make sure they are. How did the idea for the Real-Time Tree Count come about, and how has it been received by customers? We are always looking for ways to make our sustainability efforts real—and easy to understand. We already work with verified platforms like Veritree and Green Story that fund impact projects across India, Indonesia, Madagascar, Kenya, Haiti and more—from mangrove replanting to large-scale reforestation. The real-time tree count was the next step. We plant three trees for every product sold, and we wanted that to show up live on our website—so customers can literally 'see' the impact they are part of. Your real-time impact on climate-change. The response? Incredibly positive. Up next: showing exactly where those trees are planted. Because at No Nasties, we believe it is not real unless it is visible. What sets the Bloom collection apart from previous No Nasties ranges? For Earth Day, we wanted to really focus on our Live Tree Counter. We worked backwards from there and built the idea of 'EVERY DAY WE PLANT TREES AROUND THE WORLD. EVERYDAY THE EARTH BLOOMS.' ON THE SEASON: It is summer! It is our season, our way of right as No Nasties—a brand designed to reverse climate change—to launch a collection perfect for the 40-degree sweltering heat. It is a statement—as a planet heats up, we continue to cool it down with our tree planting drive and carbon negative existence. ON THE PRINT: We love vintage prints and retro vibes in general—we are 90's kids! So, when it came to the summer collection, we went back to our moodboard with chintz and summer flowers and developed our signature Bloom print with Illustrator Nupur Panemanglor. We really wanted to deliver the idea of "EVERY DAY WE PLANT TREES AROUND THE WORLD. EVERYDAY THE EARTH BLOOMS.' The next best thing to fauna is flora! That is where the idea 'bloomed'. With physical stores in Assagao, Panjim, and Bengaluru, how important is in-person retail to your brand's growth and customer experience? In-person retail is everything. There is nothing like watching someone 'feel' our fabric for the first time and instantly get why it matters. The softness, the quality—it clicks. But it is more than just texture—it is trust. Our stores are where people meet the team, hear the full story, and see the humans behind the brand. That connection? You cannot replicate it online. Because real change only happens when we are in this together. And it starts face to face. Lastly, with climate change accelerating, how do you see the role of fashion evolving—from being a major polluter to potentially becoming a force for environmental restoration? Fashion helped break the planet. It can help heal it. At No Nasties, we have gone from organic clothing to climate-positive impact. Every product's carbon footprint is tracked—and offset by 300 per cent. We plant three trees per order. Over 237,900 so far. It is not a rocket science. It is just intention, technology, and action. Say 'no' to plastic. No to toxic dyes. No to unfair prices. Start by saying 'no'. Start by planting one tree. DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of
Cision Canada
15-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Café William unveils its new line of ground coffees: same commitment, new grind Français
As more Canadians prioritize local and ethical sourcing, Café William continues to strengthen its commitment to responsible practices across all levels of its operations — from roasting and distribution to product innovation. "Our goal is to make better coffee more accessible, without sacrificing quality or sustainability," said Rémi Tremblay, CEO of Café William. "This new ground line allows more people to enjoy coffee that is both great-tasting and environmentally responsible, even if they don't have a grinder at home." These new ground coffees are Fairtrade-certified, organic, and roasted in Café William's energy-efficient facility in Sherbrooke, which houses the world's first fully electric industrial roaster. Packaging has also been thoughtfully designed to minimize environmental impact. "Fairtrade is about making a commitment to help build a better future - a future that is rooted in respect for people and the planet,'' said Julie Francoeur, Executive Director of Fairtrade Canada. "As one of the largest roasters of Fairtrade and Organic coffee in Canada and the U.S., Café William is leading by example and demonstrating that business can be both bold and deeply ethical." The new line will be available this spring in Metro grocery stores across Quebec. A tasting tour across select Metro locations in Quebec and Ontario will accompany the launch, with additional retail expansion anticipated in the months ahead. About Café William Founded in 1988 in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Café William is one of the largest importers of Fairtrade-certified coffee in Canada. The company's mission is to produce the most sustainable coffee in the world by integrating innovation, social responsibility, and exceptional quality. As a certified B Corp, Café William leads in sustainable practices across its operations, including sail-powered coffee transport, electric roasting, eco-conscious packaging, and ethical sourcing. Who – Café William, certified organic, Fairtrade, and B Corp–certified roaster based in Quebec What – Launch of a new ground coffee line under the W Collection Where – Available at Metro locations in Quebec and online at When – As of May 15, 2025
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Café William unveils its new line of ground coffees: same commitment, new grind
SHERBROOKE, QC, May 15, 2025 /CNW/ - Café William, a Quebec-based roaster recognized for its commitment to sustainable, Fairtrade-certified coffee, is proud to announce the launch of a new line of ground coffees. This expansion of the W Collection includes five new products — one espresso and four filter options — developed in response to increased demand from both consumers and retailers for accessible, high-quality coffee that does not require specialized equipment. As more Canadians prioritize local and ethical sourcing, Café William continues to strengthen its commitment to responsible practices across all levels of its operations — from roasting and distribution to product innovation. "Our goal is to make better coffee more accessible, without sacrificing quality or sustainability," said Rémi Tremblay, CEO of Café William. "This new ground line allows more people to enjoy coffee that is both great-tasting and environmentally responsible, even if they don't have a grinder at home." These new ground coffees are Fairtrade-certified, organic, and roasted in Café William's energy-efficient facility in Sherbrooke, which houses the world's first fully electric industrial roaster. Packaging has also been thoughtfully designed to minimize environmental impact. "Fairtrade is about making a commitment to help build a better future - a future that is rooted in respect for people and the planet,'' said Julie Francoeur, Executive Director of Fairtrade Canada. "As one of the largest roasters of Fairtrade and Organic coffee in Canada and the U.S., Café William is leading by example and demonstrating that business can be both bold and deeply ethical." The new line will be available this spring in Metro grocery stores across Quebec. A tasting tour across select Metro locations in Quebec and Ontario will accompany the launch, with additional retail expansion anticipated in the months ahead. About Café William Founded in 1988 in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Café William is one of the largest importers of Fairtrade-certified coffee in Canada. The company's mission is to produce the most sustainable coffee in the world by integrating innovation, social responsibility, and exceptional quality. As a certified B Corp, Café William leads in sustainable practices across its operations, including sail-powered coffee transport, electric roasting, eco-conscious packaging, and ethical sourcing. Key Information Who – Café William, certified organic, Fairtrade, and B Corp–certified roaster based in QuebecWhat – Launch of a new ground coffee line under the W CollectionWhere – Available at Metro locations in Quebec and online at – As of May 15, 2025 SOURCE Café William View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Associated Press
15-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Café William unveils its new line of ground coffees: same commitment, new grind
SHERBROOKE, QC, May 15, 2025 /CNW/ - Café William, a Quebec-based roaster recognized for its commitment to sustainable, Fairtrade-certified coffee, is proud to announce the launch of a new line of ground coffees. This expansion of the W Collection includes five new products — one espresso and four filter options — developed in response to increased demand from both consumers and retailers for accessible, high-quality coffee that does not require specialized equipment. As more Canadians prioritize local and ethical sourcing, Café William continues to strengthen its commitment to responsible practices across all levels of its operations — from roasting and distribution to product innovation. 'Our goal is to make better coffee more accessible, without sacrificing quality or sustainability,' said Rémi Tremblay, CEO of Café William. 'This new ground line allows more people to enjoy coffee that is both great-tasting and environmentally responsible, even if they don't have a grinder at home.' These new ground coffees are Fairtrade-certified, organic, and roasted in Café William's energy-efficient facility in Sherbrooke, which houses the world's first fully electric industrial roaster. Packaging has also been thoughtfully designed to minimize environmental impact. 'Fairtrade is about making a commitment to help build a better future - a future that is rooted in respect for people and the planet,'' said Julie Francoeur, Executive Director of Fairtrade Canada. 'As one of the largest roasters of Fairtrade and Organic coffee in Canada and the U.S., Café William is leading by example and demonstrating that business can be both bold and deeply ethical.' The new line will be available this spring in Metro grocery stores across Quebec. A tasting tour across select Metro locations in Quebec and Ontario will accompany the launch, with additional retail expansion anticipated in the months ahead. About Café William Founded in 1988 in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Café William is one of the largest importers of Fairtrade-certified coffee in Canada. The company's mission is to produce the most sustainable coffee in the world by integrating innovation, social responsibility, and exceptional quality. As a certified B Corp, Café William leads in sustainable practices across its operations, including sail-powered coffee transport, electric roasting, eco-conscious packaging, and ethical sourcing. Key Information Who – Café William, certified organic, Fairtrade, and B Corp–certified roaster based in Quebec What – Launch of a new ground coffee line under the W Collection Where – Available at Metro locations in Quebec and online at When – As of May 15, 2025 SOURCE Café William
Irish Daily Mirror
27-04-2025
- Business
- Irish Daily Mirror
Employers urged to use sustainable materials in staff uniforms
Employers are being urged to ditch fast fashion for staff uniforms and opt for Fairtrade clothing. The Fairtrade at Work campaign was launched earlier this week at the national centre for the circular economy, the Rediscovery Centre in Ballymun, Dublin. Workplace chiefs are being encouraged to ditch cheap low-quality clothing and instead buy sustainable aprons, shirts, hoodies and office wear that will last. Peter Gaynor, Fairtrade Ireland's executive director, said their aim is for Fairtrade cotton clothing to be as common in the workplace as Fairtrade coffee. He said: 'Imagine, working people wearing clothes or uniforms made using organic textiles like cotton grown with non-toxic fertilisers and by farmers who get paid fairly. 'Cotton is like gold to those who farm it. They depend on it. It is one of the world's biggest crops and yet so many of those who work to farm it get very little in return and that's before it is brought to the textile factories. 'Farmers who produce Fairtrade cotton get a decent price so they can provide for themselves and their families and in return they produce a higher quality product.' Currently, Fairtrade cotton is grown by around 41,000 farmers worldwide. In 2023, Fairtrade-certified cotton production reached 48,000 metric tonnes. However, this is still less than 1% of the 25 million tonnes of cotton grown annually. Roger Warburton, programme director at the Rediscovery Centre, said it's time employers got on board with sustainable uniforms, as there is growing interest from the public to buy and wear ethically sourced clothes. He said: 'Many people want to know that the items they buy have not been produced in a way that hurt anyone and they also don't want something that is hurting the environment. 'As the national centre for the circular economy, we strive toward a society that is fair, inclusive and that thrives within natural resource limits. 'We think Fairtrade cotton deserves to be on every workplace's shopping list when they are purchasing workwear.' His staff wears Fairtrade cotton polo shirts, supplied by Gerard Whelan of Tipperary-based SustainableWorkwear. ie. With companies like his, Gerard says it's simple for employers to opt for sustainable clothing for uniforms. Companies and organisations that want to make their workplaces more ethical by using Fairtrade cotton clothing can go to Fairtrade Ireland's website or contact info@
