ethical achievements

 

1996 - Ethical Trading - Audit programme

The co-operative joins up with leading development organisations to develop an audit programme. The scheme aims to deliver safe and decent working conditions for workers in factories producing our goods around the world.

 

1997 - Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI)  

The co-operative is one of the first organisations to commit to joining the ETI, an initiative that brings together companies, campaigning groups and trade unions with support from the UK Government to develop standards designed to improve the quality of life of workers throughout the world.

 

1998 - Co-op 99 Tea 

The co-operative announces Co-operative 99 Tea is the first mainstream food product to be sourced and marketed on an ethical trading platform.

 
1999 - Ethical Trading  

Code of Conduct:  all companies supplying The Co-operative’s products receive the code of conduct which is backed up by an extension of the sound sourcing monitoring programme.

 
2000 - Co-op Tea

Following the lead of The Co-operative’s 99 Tea our other two big tea ranges become 'soundly sourced', with the confirmation that leaves are only taken from tea estates that meet both the quality criteria and those for employee working and living conditions.