Clear focus on people: Initiatives in fair trade and sustainability at Ambiente 2019

Increasing numbers of consumers are beginning to feel that it's not enough for a product to be beautiful and trendy. Ambiente is not only responding to this change in consumer interests with the Ethical Style label. It is also welcoming three powerful initiatives again that promote advocacy for fair trade and sustainability in production and sales

One of today's encouraging developments is that fair trade and sustainability are no longer the prerogatives of well-meaning marginal groups. A new spirit has entered the world of consumer goods and is now occupying centre stage of the marketplace. It is reflected in a range of initiatives, promoting, for example, resource-friendly production, socially acceptable manufacturing, recycling, upcycling and innovations in sustainability. Once again, Ambiente will have its own Ethical Style Guide - a booklet featuring exemplary manufacturers, selected by an independent jury of experts. In addition, visitors can look forward to three highly committed fair trade and sustainability projects again that have been partly supported by Ambiente for many years now.

MADE51

This is now the second time that MADE51 will be exhibiting at Ambiente. MADE51 is a global initiative of the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in collaboration with various industry partners. The purpose of this dedicated project is to support refugee artisans in preserving their traditional knowledge and skills, to integrate them and their expertise into value chains in order to provide them with long-term livelihoods. In addition, the project also benefits the market by adding considerable diversity. The special presentation at the Galleria, level 0, will feature projects with their own culturally specific character and a high standard of craftsmanship. Professional buyers can take advantage of on-site expert advice.MADE51 at Ambiente 2018

World Fair Trade Organisation

The World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO), will have its own space in the foyer of Hall 9.1, and its focus will be on the important issue of people's livelihoods. This global community of social projects, artisans, farmers and innovators comprises over 400 members from 70 countries and includes 330 fair trade enterprises and 70 organisations and networks. Their declared aim is to create alternative business models, put an end to injustice and promote fairness. A selection of gifts, homeware, fashion, health products and food will be on show.

Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries

The Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI) supports promising small manufacturers in developing countries, helping them evolve from local enterprises with no economic prospects to players in the European market where there are customers wanting to buy their products. Founded by the Dutch Foreign Ministry in 1971, CBI supports small artisan businesses in their endeavours to become professional suppliers. The CBI stand at this year's Ambiente will be in Hall 9.3, C21. It will showcase, for example, new collections by suppliers from Egypt and Lebanon as well as products made under the MADE51 initiative. Four manufacturers of interior decoration, home textiles and fashion accessories will also be presenting their products.

Ambiente 2019 will take place from 8 - 12 February 2019

Source: Ambiente
Top Image: A refugee from Mali weaving a lampshade, using natural grass, leather and bronze. The work of these Tuareg artisans is supported by the MADE51 partner AAKS. Photo: UNHCR/AAKS
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