Fair Wear Foundation

The non-profit organization Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) aims to improve working conditions in the garment industry. This can only be achieved in conjunction with additional partners such as companies, trade unions, NGOs, factories and business associations. To this end, the production sites are closely examined and the employees are directly interviewed. In public reports, interested parties can then inform themselves about the business practices, progress and results of the inspections of the more than 80 member companies. Currently, more than 130 brands in 10 European countries work together with the FWF.

Fair working conditions in textile production

Various approaches are combined to combat injustice in the workplace. Thus, companies are supported in making the necessary changes to create better working conditions. Although all phases of production are monitored, the focus is on sewing, as this is the largest part of the process. This is where most of the time savings are made, which is where the bad conditions arise.

With the so-called "multi-stakeholder DNA", the FWF brings together the various players in the production process. Together and as equal partners, they are to develop and implement guidelines for improving working conditions. Cooperation with local partners also plays a decisive role in this process.

Control and verification

The objective of the Fair Wear Foundation is to support each company individually and to achieve lasting improvements in working conditions along the entire production chain. Although there is still a long way to go to achieve 100% fair clothing, the brands have the opportunity to make step-by-step improvements and to live up to their corporate responsibility. As an independent foundation, the FWF not only serves to monitor the companies, but also provides credible verification for customers.

Outdoor brands that work with the FWF include Schöffel, Vaude, Odlo, Haglöfs, Salewa and Mammut.