Ethical Policy
Principles of Fair Trade
Our rag dolls are hand made. Our factory operates to the principles of fair trade. No children are employed and all the workers are paid fair wages plus other additional benefits. The factory is run by a UK contact, who is based at the factory most of the time. This gives us the confidence that the factory is properly managed and that the employees are fairly treated.
A few facts:
- No employees under age 18
- Employees take home at least minimum wage depending on skills and experience
- Transport to and from work is fully paid for by employer
- Both employer and employees contribute to an "Employee Crisis Fund" which can be used to help employees through difficult periods
- Both employer and employees contribute to an "Employee Trust Fund" which can be accessed at any time.
- Refreshments are provided in employee canteen area
- Factory layout result of consultation with European Factory Manager
- Standard 44.5 hour week (8 hours Mon-Fri, 4.5 hours Saturday)
- Employees are granted paid annual leave and all public holidays are respected, including any religious holidays
- All female workers receive maternity pay and have the right to return
Our crochet toys are all done entirely by hand. The factory is part of a Thai governmment project to support the community goods called OTOP - One Tambon One Product (A Tambon is a village). It helps traditional Thai handicraft business in small villages to promote their products by giving assistance on quality, internet technology and communications. Most employees are housewives, soldiers' wives and agricultural workers in rural areas.
Supporting the local economy is something we strongly believe in. Wherever possible, raw materials are bought locally. This can mean that sometimes the finished items may vary slightly from the photographs on this website. We think this add to the charm and unique nature of our products.
Packaging
We deliberately keep our packaging down to a minimum. Most of our products simply come in a protective bag. Where a gift box is used, it is made from 100% recycled cardboard.
We try to reuse all our packing boxes wherever practical. Where this is not possible, our standard delivery boxes are 100% recyclable. Any old boxes which are no longer usable are sent for recycling.
