Pratibha Syntex

In 1997, Pratibha Syntex launched with the desire to be a different kind of factory – a factory that would promote workers’ rights, utilize environmentally sustainable production and provide housing and other benefits to its workers. Members of Pratibha Syntex were able to realize this commitment to its workers as well as the environment by achieving Fair Trade certification. Pratibha has grown to become one of the world’s largest, vertically integrated suppliers of all types of knits, including organic and recycled materials.

As a vertical facility, Pratibha has also expanded its operations into the cotton fields. In 1999, Pratibha launched Vasudha Organics, which aims to expand organic and Fair Trade cotton in India and lead the way in sustainable cotton. Pratibha also sources organic cotton from Zameen Organic cotton, where 51 percent of the organization is owned by farmers. Like the factory workers, cotton farmers in Vasudha earn a community investment premium through Fair Trade. With these funds, Pratibha seeks to empower the workers and farmers along its entire supply chain.

For each Fair Trade Certified™ garment sold, workers at Pratibha can earn up to a 10 percent Fair Trade premium to be invested in a worker-controlled fund. Workers then vote to either receive cash bonuses or invest into social programs that would help develop health care, education, transportation and provide housing for workers and their families residing far away.