Label STEP
We are proud to be a Certified Label STEP Partner. Label STEP is the fair trade, non-profit, organisation committed to the wellbeing of weavers and workers and their families in the handmade carpet industry.
What is Label STEP?
Founded in 1995, Label STEP works to promote fair-trade practices within the handmade carpet industry, and ensure that carpets are produced under socially responsible and environmentally sustainable conditions.
Why we partner with Label STEP
Label STEP’s mission aligns with our own aims for the handmade rug industry:
- To improve working and living conditions for weavers and workers; prohibiting child labour
- Empower weavers and workers
- Promote environmentally sound production methods
- Support and promote sustainable development
Label STEP’s values resonate with our own:
- Fairness
- Ethical behaviour
- Collaboration
- Transparency
- Effectiveness
- Confidentiality & discretion
Label STEP plays a crucial role in ensuring that rugs are produced ethically and sustainably, considering the welfare of people and our planet.
The 10 rules for fair trade followed by STEP partners
- Protection of workers’ health and safety
- Payment of fair wages and protection of agreed wages
- Prohibition of child labour
- No discrimination
- Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining
- No forced or bonded labour
- No harsh or inhumane treatment, no sexual harassment
- Limiting hours of work and application of weekly rest
- Identifying environmental risks and minimising their impact
- Accepting STEP audit transparency and access to information