Cambodian-owned, -led, and -made sustainable fashion manufacturer, Dorsu, have been granted provisional membership to the World Fair Trade Organisation (WTFO). This achievement is celebrated as the culmination of a first-stage 2-year application process, and the beginning of a larger journey to guaranteed member status which they hope to achieve in another 2 years.
By promoting fair trade practices throughout their manufacturing process, Dorsu has joined a community of mission-led enterprises that “transform local communities” and “empower women”.
By demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, its workers, and the local community, Dorsu has been granted provisional membership to the WFTO, the first stage in a process to recognise them aspioneer models of business that put people and planet first.
Manufactured in Kampot, Dorsu utilises remnant fabrics sourced from the larger apparel industry in Phnom Penh to create high-quality cotton jersey and linen garments. By repurposing approximately 5,000 kilograms of deadstock fabrics each year, Dorsu is helping to reduce the amount of waste generated by the garment manufacturing industry.
The World Fair Trade Organisation verifies organisations that fully practise Fair Trade and exist to serve marginalised communities. To achieve WFTO accreditation, companies must demonstrate they are putting people and the planet first in everything they do, vetted through an international verification model that requires members to practise the 10 Principles of Fair Trade.
These practices are then peer-reviewed and independently audited and when verified, members are granted the WFTO Guaranteed Fair Trade product label.
By achieving provisional membership status, Dorsu has demonstrated its commitment to the Fair Trade Principles and Code of Practice; commitment to helping disadvantaged groups and have this as one of the core missions of their organisation; sound economic performance; and sustainable practices in its production processes/supply chain.
Vanna Sann, Managing Director, described the achievement:
“This is only the beginning of our longer journey for full membership, and I truly believe that it will only strengthen us as an organisation that can better serve our team, partners, and local community.”
To become a fully-affiliated member of the WFTO, Dorsu has committed to the continuous improvement of business practices, annual audits, and being an active member of the Fair Trade community.
Dorsu will continue to promote sustainability and fair wages through its clothing to help improve the practices embedded into the complex supply chain of the fashion industry. Dorsu joins a small handful of other provisional members based in Cambodia such as Cambodia Knits, Hesed Agricultural Trading, and the Women for Women Foundation.
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