Lidl to convert store staff uniforms to Fairtrade cotton

To coincide with Fairtrade Fortnight, Lidl UK has announced that it is to convert all of its cotton staff uniforms worn by 22,000 store staff to Fairtrade cotton.

The new range is being rolled out across all stores after the Lidl committed to purchasing 330,000 shirts, trousers, polo tops and chinos.

Lidl GB’s head of responsible sourcing and ethical trade Amali Bunter, said: “We’re delighted to be the first UK retailer to convert all of our store team uniforms to Fairtrade cotton, opening up a valuable market for Fairtrade cotton farmers around the world.

“Not only will this move significantly benefit the farmers who grow the cotton in our uniforms, but it will mean that our store colleagues will have access to uniforms made from high quality, sustainably sourced fabric which they can wear with great pride.”

The initiative builds on Lidl’s long-standing commitment to Fairtrade, which includes selling over 100 different types of Fairtrade certified products every year, and its status as the UK’s largest retailer of Fairtrade cocoa.

Anna Barker, head of responsible business at the Fairtrade Foundation, said “Lidl’s uniform conversion means so much to cotton farmers who are finding themselves on the frontlines of the climate crisis and have suffered so much as a result of the global pandemic. To be able to sell their cotton on Fairtrade terms will help build farmers’ resilience and mean better prices plus a bit extra to invest in community projects.”