The Social Impact of Phool Fair for Life Certification

The focus on sustainable and planet-friendly consumer products is starting to become mainstream across industries and around the world. As consumers, we tend to be more aware of and influenced by the end goal - how our purchase of clothes, food, cosmetics etc, ultimately impacts the planet and environment.  What often escapes our attention is the well-being of the people behind the scenes. Craftsmen, producers, flowercyclers and other people whose skills and trade contribute to a seamless supply chain.

Fair for Life certification and their vision 

Fair for Life promotes an approach of Fair Trade that allows all producers and workers who are at a socio-economic disadvantage to access a wider range of social and economic benefits. Fair Trade is part of a broader context of sustainable development within a region that safeguards and supports the local social fabric, particularly in rural settings.

The vision of Fair for Life is “A world where trade, through ethical, fair and respectful partnerships, is a driving force for positive and sustainable change benefiting people and their environment.” 

The individuals behind the production are considered partners, providing them with opportunities for growth and development. Fair working conditions, fair compensation, and a respectful work environment are the goals of the Fair for Life certification.

Why is there a need for Fair for Life certification? 

Fair for Life emphasises fair working conditions and the fundamental respect for human life.

Phool is proud to be certified by Fair for Life

From our inception at Phool.co, our mission has been to craft products that not only contribute to the sustainability of our planet but also uplift and empower marginalised women.

To become Fair for Life certified, a brand has to pass rigorous audits where every single step of the supply chain is carefully assessed to ensure that the producers of the final commodity were given fair, dignified working conditions and that the final product had been ethically produced.

Fair for Life recognizes Phool’s commitment to positive employment practices! 

This certification isn't just a stamp; it's a commitment to a holistic approach that transcends the traditional boundaries of fair trade. 

Let’s break down the aspects of Fair for Life

• Human-Centric Focus: Fair for Life places a spotlight on the people behind the products, advocating for fair wages and humane working conditions. This human-centric focus is crucial for fostering dignity, respect, and improved living standards for workers across various industries.

• Social Responsibility: In an era where consumers are increasingly aware of the ethical implications of their purchases, there's a growing demand for products that align with the values of social responsibility. Fair for Life provides a comprehensive framework that encourages companies to take responsibility for their social impact, contributing to the well-being of communities involved in the production process.

• Transparency and Accountability: Requiring companies to adhere to stringent standards ensures accountability throughout the supply chain. This transparency builds trust between consumers and producers, fostering a positive cycle of responsible production and conscientious consumption.

• Environmental and Social Harmony: Beyond fair labour practices, Fair for Life considers the environmental footprint of production. By promoting sustainable and eco-friendly practices, it strives for a harmonious balance between environmental conservation and social well-being. This holistic approach recognizes the interconnectedness of environmental and social issues.

• Elevating Industry Standards: Fair for Life sets a benchmark for fair and ethical business practices. By doing so, it encourages other players in the industry to elevate their standards, creating a ripple effect that contributes to the overall improvement of working conditions and ethical considerations in global commerce.

Impact of Fair for Life on the Women Flowercyclers behind Phool

Since the day Phool was born, it was clear that the workforce driving our mission would be women-dominated. Over the years, we have consciously and consistently employed women from marginalized sections of society across our supply chain - from collecting temple flowers and handcrafting them into our natural gulal to supervising the entire process.

But employment is just the first step. It is equally important that these women be given all the fundamental rights, benefits and safe and decent working conditions conducive to their growth as employees of Phool.

At Phool.co, over 11 tons of floral waste is collected daily across 5 temple towns of India and converted into charcoal-free incense. In the process, Phool.co employs women who were previously manual scavengers, to sort flower waste and handcraft their popular incense. This transformational disease-free employment enables these women to shun lives in which they jump neck deep into clogged sewers & clean human waste from dry toilets.

Phool.co is driving systems change by creating opportunities & revolutionizing the way India handles the ‘Million-ton temple waste disposal' problem. 

Socio-Economic Impact

So far we have provided :

• Disease-free Dignified Fulltime Livelihood > 324 marginalized women
• Increased the standard of living and enabled economic independence with

predictable and regular incomes.

Every year, apart from what we've been doing, we also put a fixed amount of our revenue into the development of our little community of women. 

Take a look at some of the success stories of our flowercyclers

1. Ms Anita Devi, a woman flowercycler, started her own beauty parlour in her village.
2. The women have now adapted to digital platforms and are successfully helping their kids navigate the online education environment.
3. Over 300 women have been employed full-time.
4. 19+ children have started going to school.

Final thoughts

From the outset, we recognized that our products had the potential to address numerous challenges, from the predicament of flower disposal to empowering marginalized individuals involved in waste management.

Crafted from pure organic raw materials, our products offer benefits for both you and the environment. Whether it's our bambooless incense sticks, soy candles, or havan cups, every aspect, from the packaging to the product itself, is designed to be sustainable and eco-friendly.

Good for you, good for the planet and good for the people who make it