PEOPLE TREE

People Tree Ltd is a company that specializes in fair trade and sustainable fashion. It was founded in 1991 by Safia Minney and James Minney in Tokyo, Japan, as an extension of their environmental campaigning NGO, Global Village.

People Tree Ltd aims to create green fashion that is kind to people and planet, using organic cotton, Tencel, and other eco-friendly materials. It works closely with textile artisan groups to help them meet environmental standards and develop their market potential. It also supports various social and environmental causes, such as women's empowerment, education, health, and biodiversity.

People Tree Ltd was the first fashion company to be awarded the World Fair Trade Organisation Fair Trade product label, which certifies that the company follows the principles of fair trade throughout its supply chain. It also has other certifications, such as GOTS, PETA, Oeko-Tex, and Soil Association.

People Tree Ltd has expanded its business to the UK and the EU, where it has partnered with various retailers, such as Topshop, Co-operative Group, and ASOS. However, the company has also faced financial troubles in recent years, and had to lay off most of its UK staff in 2023. The UK business went into liquidation in September 2023 with debts of £8.5m. The company still maintains an office in Tokyo and operates its online store for the EU market.

People Tree Ltd is one of the pioneers and leaders of the ethical fashion movement, and has been recognized for its achievements and contributions by various awards and publications. It has also collaborated with celebrities and designers, such as Emma Watson, Zandra Rhodes, and Orla Kiely, to raise awareness and promote its products.

People Tree Ltd is a company that strives to make a positive difference in the world through its fair trade and sustainable fashion. It is a company that cares about its customers, its producers, and its environment.