Off to new shores: Clothes!

November 1st 2016: We have arrived in Sialkot! This is where your sneakers are made. The first day has been quite strenuous, as usual, since we are welcomed by so many people and salutations last much longer than just “Hello” and “Have a nice day” – hospitability! Then, sure, we do have tons of topics to talk through with various people, so we need to gather all our appointments. But good news is: The production for season 2017 has begun and everything goes well! People are content for there’s enough work to do.

We are happy and pleased that – with your support – we were able to stabilize our shoe production. The Fair Trade supply chain is robust. It was possible to install new quality measures, so our trainers will be even better and more resistant in the future. We are grateful for your ongoing trust and belief in us.

Now we feel ready for a new challenge. We are currently working on the Fair Trade supply chain for our first Ethletic fair fashion collection. As you know, we recently founded the first Fair Trade small farmers’ cooperative for organic cotton in Pakistan (starting tomorrow, we will be braodcasting “live” from there, “inshallah” …). In this regard, we have designed a new label and line that we are discussing with our manufacturer. We hope to be able to present it to you very soon.

So tomorrow we will travel to our organic farmers and visit the ginning mill to make sure that we will receive 100% organic cotton for our shoes and clothes. We’ll keep you posted!