// Lidl to change all its cotton staff uniforms to Fairtrade
// The new uniforms will be worn by the retailer’s 22,000 store colleagues
Lidl has revealed that it will convert all its cotton staff uniforms to Fairtrade cotton, becoming the first UK retailer to take such action.
The uniform range is being rolled out across all stores, with a commitment to purchase 330,000 shirts, trousers, polo tops and chinos, and will be worn by the retailer’s 22,000 store colleagues.
This equates to a volume of 175 metric tonnes of Fairtrade certified cotton, benefitting farmers in India.
READ MORE: Waitrose and Lidl top list of eco-friendly supermarkets
“We’re delighted to be the first UK retailer to convert all of our store team uniforms to Fairtrade cotton, opening up a valuable market for Fairtrade cotton farmers around the world,” Lidl GB Head of Responsible Sourcing and Ethical Trade, Amali Bunter said.
“Not only will this move significantly benefit the farmers who grow the cotton in our uniforms, but it will mean that our store colleagues will have access to uniforms made from high quality, sustainably sourced fabric which they can wear with great pride.
“This new development builds on our long-standing commitment to Fairtrade which sees Lidl GB sell over 100 different types of Fairtrade certified products every year.”
Fairtrade works with cotton farmers to stop or reduce the usage of agrochemicals and supports them to adapt to changing climate patterns. Fairtrade cotton fields are rain-fed, reducing the region’s water footprint.
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