Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

FAIRTRADE FIRES UP INTEREST IN SCHOOL UNIFORMS

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.”

- Ends-

For further info contact:
Ellie Mayers at EPM Communications on tel: 07771 682 060 or ellie@epmcommunications.co.uk

Notes to editor:
Survey
Online research amongst parents and their children aged between nine and 16 years was carried out by Gusto Research in July 2008.

Trutex
Trutex remains dedicated to its audience and continues to pioneer developments in the markets. With a commitment to producing comfortable, premium quality, well-designed clothing coupled with Trutex’s unique ability to keep in touch with the needs of its customers, the company has led the way for over 130 years. Based in Lancashire the company supplies some 1,400 stockists worldwide from Toronto to Sydney and has a turnover of £15 million.

Trutex sells per year:
•200,000 blazers
•1 million blouses
•1.1 million shirts
•250,000 pairs of trousers
•60,000 skirts
•110,000 pieces of knitwear

For further info visit www.trutex.com
Trutex Fairtrade goods can be purchased through Trutex's online retail partner, www.schooluniformshop.co.uk