As a Fairtrade manufacturer, Epona has a direct relationship with the farmers who produce its cotton. Tom Andrews, Director of Epona, visited the farms earlier this year. He believes one of the most prominent benefits the farmers receive is the Fairtrade Premium, which is given in addition to the standard Fairtrade rate for cotton.

“In one of the villages, the farmers have been able to build water and cotton storage areas and invest in new bullocks. These projects do not just benefit the farmers, but also their families and the village community as a whole,” he says.

The advantage of offering Fairtrade clothing, says Epona, is that the customer receives a quality garment, at a reasonable price, and at the same time gives something back.

Currently, there is a lot of focus on cost rather than quality in the promotional industry, but as the benefits of Fairtrade become better known, more people will be willing to pay a small amount extra in return for the knowledge they are making a genuine difference, says Epona.

Epona has developed premium garments using Fairtrade, organic in-conversion cotton. The medium to long staple fibre is far longer than the comb-off that is often part of the mix in promotional clothing and the combed yarn results in soft, comfortable, hardwearing tops that wash well,it claims.

All its T-shirts, hoodies and zip-up hooded tops have a fashion cut and the t-shirts are designed with two seams. “As many people seem to associate ‘Ethical’ clothing with drab, un-inspiring colours, we have introduced a range of fashion-led acid brights for Spring/Summer,” it says. These are available in hoodies and T’s alongside Epona’s existing range of classic colours, including Limelight Yellow, Mars Red, Azzuri Blue, Lipstick Pink and Kelly Green. It has also added a Military Green T-Shirt following demand from the music industry.

“We’ve seen a huge rise in demand for Fairtrade cotton clothing so far this year and predict that this is only the beginning” it adds.

Tel: 020 7095 9888
Email: info@eponaclothing.com

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