Aspiration

Aspiration are based in Delhi, India and are a fairly small Fair Trading organisation in comparison to others in India. Aspriation believe in sincere work for the welfare of artisans and families which are located all over India including Jaipur and Sarangapur by promoting and developing cottage industries, improving economic and social welfare and proving fair wages.

Asha Handicrafts

Asha Handicrafts have been practicing Fair Trade since 1975, even before the concepts of Fair Trade became popular abroad. Asha in Sanskrit means 'hope' and Asha have brought hope by providing a marketing outlet to the individual craftsmen. Based in Mumbai, India, Asha is an association of voluntary businessmen dedicated to helping craftsmen, financially, ecologically and spiritually though its welfare centre and interrelated programs. The team of Asha welfare workers are stationed at different producer groups and cooperatives and move closely with them and their family sharing skills, extending medical help and education. Technical training is also provided to increase efficiency and productivity to encourage the growth and development of cottage industries.

Auromira Exports

Earth Bags

Earth Bags is based in Kolkata, India and specialises in bags made from jute, a sustainable material which is becoming increasingly popular as people search for alternatives to plastic bags. It is not a recognised Fair Trade organisation, but goes out of its way to ensure that its wages and working conditions are excellent.

Mahaguthi

Mahaguthi produces, exports and markets crafts from Nepal. Over a thousand individual producers are supported, many of whom are from remote and mountainous areas. Forty percent of their generated income provides women and children of the Tulsi Mehar Mahila Ashram with food, shelter, clothing, healthcare and education. The centre (Ashram) was founded by the late Tulsi Mehar Mahila, who implemented many programmes for the empowerment of women in Nepalese society. Originally Mahaguthi produced and sold only Khadi cloth. Now they produce a wide range of handicrafts.

The Mitra Bali Foundation

The Mitra Bali Foundation was established in 1993 and is based in Bali, Indonesia. As a member of IFAT and a non-governmental and non-profit organisation they act as a market and export facilitator for small craft producers.

Mitra Bali work within a framework of approx 100 producer groups employing over 1,000 artisans with access to a free Design Centre facility for producers which provides a library of books, current magazines and consultations with product designers. They also hold monthly workshops focusing on new trends, technical aspects of production, health & safety and the use of environmentally sustainable resources.

MKS

MKS work by the following motto: to promote quality products, provide good working conditions for artisans, encourage environment friendly technology and develop community based production. MKS rejuvenate the dying Indian handicrafts to helping artisans develop their skills through training workshops, educational and medical facilities, financial aid for new equipment and long term interest free loans. In addition they have introduced dust free equipment in their stone production unit to provide a more environmentally friendly working atmosphere.

Papeterie

Papeterie is based in India and was founded in 1995 with the objective of promoting handmade recycled paper and paper products. This is both eco-friendly and helps the rural industrial sector. The paper produced is richly textured with a unique matte finish. It specialises in paper made from elephant dung, which is collected from Rajasthan. A small amount of recycled cotton rags is added, and nothing is wasted - once the fibre has been extracted for the paper, the leftover dung is used as fertiliser.

TARA Projects

TARA Projects (Trade Alternative Reform Action) were founded in 1973 to help poorly organised and struggling artisans in Delhi, find markets for their goods. By creating opportunities for these home-based craftsmen market and sell their goods, TARA projects helps to generate steady work and income. Based on the early success of this program, they have been able to expand to a 120-mile area surrounding Delhi.

TARA projects fund non-formal and vocational schools as well as literacy centres for adults and constantly campaigning and educating people about fair trade. Their goal is to end injustice and manipulation in the world mass trade system.

Touch of India

Touch of India was founded in April 1998 and is ISO certified. They produce a wide range including bags, photo albums, jewellery, scarves, boxes and homeware. They pride themselves on using old traditions of hand embroidery techniques and use recyclable materials. There are 150 employees who benefit from provident funds, paid maternity leave and insurance. Touch of India have also adopted 4 children and now provide for their education and upbringing.