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It’s time to introduce Fairtrade labeling to fuels

“It’s time to introduce Fairtrade labeling to fuels,” says Martin Ragnar, professor and head of research at Energiforsk (Swedish Energy Research Centre), in an Op Ed published in Nordic Paper Journal & Biobusiness.
Biogas, ethanol and tall oil diesel are notable examples of domestically produced fuels. There are many good reasons for purchasing such fuels instead of importing fossil fuels. First and foremost, they are renewable, but it doesn’t end there. They also create job opportunities in Sweden, usually in sparsely populated areas where it would otherwise be difficult to create new jobs.

It would also be likely to assume that those who work with the manufacture of such fuels would do so in companies with collective agreements and otherwise generally decent terms and conditions for employees. On the other hand, when you purchase a liter of gasoline at the gas station, you know nothing about its origins and even less about the conditions under which it was extracted and refined. Some of it may come from Norway, where conditions would certainly have been as they should be, while some may originate in the Middle East, where conditions were probably not as good.
When it comes to food consumption, traceability is increasingly being incorporated as part of the sales pitch. In the same manner, labels pertaining not only to environmental impact such as KRAV, but those pertaining to social conditions such as Fairtrade, are making headway. However, the latter form of labeling is problematic. For while it is obvious that many KRAV-labeled products are manufactured in Sweden (although some are also imported), for now, the Fairtrade label seems to be exclusively used for products produced in faraway locations, where there are good reasons for wondering whether the social conditions are managed correctly. Nevertheless, the fundamental concept of the Fairtrade label is positive and important. In fact, it is so positive and important that it is high time we introduced it to the realm of fuels.

Not only will Swedish-produced renewable ethanol, biogas and rape-seed oil be immediately labeled under Fairtrade, but also gasoline and diesel originating in Norway. And naturally, it is also conceivable for gasoline and diesel from other regions of the world to be certified and to indicate that production took into account fair social conditions. I would bank on state-owned oil companies operating under more or less corrupt regimes in the Middle East having a difficult time labeling their products under Fairtrade. Wouldn’t it be rewarding to know that your fuel choices for the car are not supporting the continued existence of corrupt regimes and miserable working conditions? If we could choose renewable Swedish products and thereby support growth, enterprise, recycling and social sustainability in Swedish rural districts – wouldn’t that be even better! It really doesn’t get any closer to doing the right thing! Introduce the Fairtrade label to fuels now!
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