University’s commitment to trade justice helps secure Fairtrade Award

Swansea University has achieved a prestigious Fairtrade University and College Award in 2025, recognising the university for championing ethical consumption and trade justice over the past two years.

The award reflects the University's activities in the promotion of fairtrade, sustainability in curriculum development, sustainable procurement, and student engagement.

The university was assessed across areas, including its academic work, campaigning fairtrade, and the proportion of items for sale across the university. The award also rewards innovative approaches to engaging students and staff with global sustainability and ethical trade.

The award is jointly presented by the Fairtrade Foundation and Students Organising for Sustainability UK (SOS-UK). It encourages collaboration between students, staff, and students' unions. The programme supports institutions in equipping students with the understanding and tools to drive positive global change.

Sustainability Manager Teifion Maddocks said: "Achieving this award reflects Swansea University's commitment to ethical sourcing, environmental responsibility, and social justice. This recognition aligns closely with our vision for sustainable development and the aims of the Fairtrade movement for social, economic, and environmental sustainability.

"We are proud to work with our students and staff to promote fair pay, safe working conditions, and sustainable supply chains. This certification also empowers students to engage with global sustainability challenges and develop valuable green skills such as ESG auditing.

"It reinforces our dedication to the goals set out in our University Sustainability Strategy and ensures products we offer on campus contribute to a fairer, more sustainable world."

Head of Campaigns at the Fairtrade Foundation Sarah Brazier said: "After celebrating 30 years of Fairtrade in the UK last year, Universities play a vital role in the Fairtrade movement. The passion and energy of students are central to creating a fairer world. Sales of Fairtrade products on campuses, speaking up for farmers and workers across the globe, and student-led initiatives have all contributed to change."

Universities were assessed across a wide range of areas, including:

• Research and curriculum;
• Campaigning and influencing; and,
• Procurement, retail and catering

Additional points were awarded for innovative and impactful approaches to engaging students and staff with global sustainability and ethical trade.

Find out more about Sustainability at Swansea University

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