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FAQs
Why does the carpet industry need GoodWeaveTM when importers and exporters can inspect their own looms
- Inspections are costly and time-consuming. GoodWeaveTM lowers the cost of inspections for the entire industry by employing a full-time staff of traveling inspectors at a fraction of what it would cost each employer to get the job done in-house.
- It’s difficult for an employer to remove a child from a loom if the employer has no alternative to offer the family. GoodWeaveTM offers the best possible alternative - education.
- Consumers have more faith in the credibility of independent inspections. Opening carpet looms to impartial inspectors tells the world, “We don’t allow children to weave our carpets, and here’s proof.” That kind of integrity builds customer loyalty.
What’s the difference between GoodWeaveTM and other labeling initiatives?
The main difference between GoodWeaveTM and other labeling initiatives, is that in addition to educating former child workers, GoodWeaveTM carries out regular inspections of carpet looms that are fully independent from the carpet industry. Other labeling schemes operate social welfare programs, such as schools and health clinics, in carpet producing areas, but do not carry out inspections that take children off of looms.
In addition, GoodWeaveTM represents everyone involved in the South Asian carpet industry - manufacturers, importers, exporters, retailers, and consumers. GoodWeaveTM is funded by a variety of sources and is free from influence by any particular industry segment or individual government. Other labeling initiatives tend to represent single interest groups who see things from their own perspective and have their own agenda. GoodWeaveTM has many voices, but only one agenda: moving all South Asian child carpet weavers from looms to schools.
Wouldn’t it be possible to produce counterfeit GoodWeaveTM labels?
Each GoodWeaveTM label carries a unique number that can be traced back to the loom that produced the carpet. Anyone wishing to verify if a carpet was authentically labeled by GoodWeaveTM is invited to submit the country of origin and label number to GoodWeaveTM, and we can verify whether that carpet was certified by GoodWeaveTM.
We sell carpets from South Asia, as well as countries where GoodWeaveTM does not currently operate. Will consumers perceive the carpets that cannot be labeled as being made with child labor?
Consumers appreciate having the option to purchase GoodWeaveTM and non- GoodWeaveTM carpets from your store. Retailers that promote and sell GoodWeaveTM carpets are generally perceived as being more committed to social responsibility. Therefore offering some GoodWeaveTM carpets improves, rather than harms, the salability of non- GoodWeaveTM carpets
Is GoodWeaveTM imposing Western standards on non-Western cultures?
GoodWeaveTM was founded in India by a coalition of non-governmental organizations, carpet industry representatives, and certain government representatives. In addition, the governments of India, Nepal, and Pakistan have enacted national child labor laws and made legally binding commitments to internationally recognized human rights principles. GoodWeaveTM’s job is to help these countries enforce the standards they have chosen to abide by.
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