"This makes it quite difficult for customers to distinguish between all these different phrases and to understand the meanings behind them, especially as one really needs to pay attention to slight differences in the words. For example fairly traded instead of Fairtrade - the first one is obviously just a nice euphemism, the second refers to a certification of the major organisation in this sector, the Fairtrade Foundation," says BBL.

Because of this, BBL has marked its catalogue in different sections, clearly differentiating between the Soil Association certified organic items and the normal range. There is also a separate section for the Fairtrade items certified by the Fairtrade Foundation, although BBL points out that the rest of the range is produced in the same audited factories.

"This means working conditions at the factories are in line with government regulations," says BBL. "Additional advantages are also provided for the workforce. BBL also supports local authorities' environmental and infrastructure projects."

Garments that are certified by the Fairtrade Foundation are more expensive than others in the range, because the workers that make them receive extra payment, explains BBL. "Obviously you cannot have high salaries on the one hand and cheap garments on the other hand - we all have to be aware of that," it says.

BBL expects demand for organic and fairtrade garments to steadily grow and as such it plans to get certifications for its whole range by 2009. Currently it offers the ladies' style BB577 in black, chalk, midnight and marshmallow and the men's style BB576 in vinyl, chalk and midnight. Both are 165gsm fitted t-shirts in a single jersey quality, made out of 100% Fairtrade organic cotton. They are certified by the Fairtrade Foundation.

Web: http://www.bbleisurewear.com/

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