Label STEP

Label STEP (Sustainable Textile Production) is an independent certification and labeling program that focuses on promoting fair trade and sustainable practices within the hand-made carpet industry. It was established in 1995 by the organization STEP, which stands for "Société pour le Tissage et l'Entraide en Pays d'Orient" (Society for Weaving and Mutual Aid in the Orient).

The main objective of Label STEP is to improve the working and living conditions of weavers and artisans involved in carpet production, particularly in developing countries. The program sets rigorous standards and criteria that carpet manufacturers must meet to obtain certification.

Key features and objectives of the Label STEP program include:

Child Labor-Free: Label STEP ensures that certified manufacturers do not employ child labor in any stage of the carpet production process. This includes a verification process to ensure compliance with international labor standards.

Fair Trade Principles: The program promotes fair trade practices by requiring fair wages, safe working conditions, and the provision of social benefits to carpet weavers and workers. It encourages the payment of fair prices for raw materials and promotes long-term relationships between manufacturers and artisans.

Environmental Sustainability: Label STEP encourages environmentally friendly practices in carpet production, such as the use of natural dyes, sustainable materials, and the minimization of waste and pollution. It also supports initiatives for the conservation of natural resources and biodiversity.

Transparency and Traceability: Certified manufacturers must provide full transparency and traceability in their supply chain, ensuring that carpets are ethically produced and sourced from reliable and responsible suppliers.

Consumer Awareness: The Label STEP certification label helps consumers identify carpets that have been produced according to fair trade and sustainability standards. It empowers consumers to make informed choices and supports responsible consumerism.

By choosing carpets with the Label STEP certification, consumers can support fair trade practices, contribute to the improvement of working conditions for carpet weavers, and promote sustainable and ethical production within the carpet industry. The certification provides assurance that the carpet has been produced in a manner that aligns with the principles of social responsibility and environmental sustainability.