Today's school children are demonstrating their awareness of global issues by opting for Fairtrade school uniforms, according to a new survey conducted by schoolwear supplier, Trutex. Furthermore, despite the current economic climate, the survey reveals that many parents are willing to pay more to ensure their child's uniform is Fairtrade.
The new research shows that over 60 per cent of school children would prefer their school to have a Fairtrade uniform and would prefer to wear a Fairtrade uniform. Not surprisingly, 76 per cent hoped that their current uniform had been produced ethically, involving in particular, no child labour, with girls expressing more concern on the subject than boys.
Whilst in the past, children have been ambivalent and in some cases anti-school uniform, thanks to 63 per cent of pupils learning about Fairtrade in the classroom, the issue of Fairtrade has provoked a more positive interest in school uniforms.
Furthermore, 50 per cent of parents would be more likely to purchase Fairtrade school uniform if given the choice and 36 per cent would prefer their child's school to have Fairtrade uniforms. Despite recent calls for the reduction in the cost of school uniforms and the so called ‘credit crunch', 35 per cent of parents would be prepared to pay more for Fairtrade uniforms.
Daniel Tomlinson, Trutex marketing manager said:
"The fact that school children realise the impact Fairtrade can have on the communities and farmers involved in cotton cultivation, clearly demonstrates increasing awareness of global issues amongst the next generation of decision makers.
"We've been delighted by the response to our Fairtrade cotton range from teachers, parents and particularly children, which has led to an increase in our Fairtrade sales of 224% over the last 12 months and an expansion of our range to include shirts, blouses and girls and boys trousers.
"It appears that the purchasing decision of both children and their parents are starting to be influenced by factors other than just price, which is driving the search for Fairtrade goods."
