ETHLETIC SportsballsFAQ's:
- How is the Fairtrade premium spent? How do we know the money is being used properly?
- Why are sports balls not delivered inflated?
- How long will it take for a sports ball to reach me after ordering?
- What is the difference between our footballs and the major brands?
- What is the difference between footballs offered by Fair Deal Trading and cheap footballs?
- What are the quality criteria for Footballs?
- My Sports ball is losing air - is this normal?
- What are balls made of?
- Who monitors that the fair trade criteria are complied with?
What is the difference between footballs offered by Fair Deal Trading and cheap footballs?
Most cheap footballs will have an outer skin made of PVC (or a blend of PVC and PU). PVC represents a serious envirmomental hazard and has been described by Greenpeace as follows:
“PVC creates environmental problems throughout its life cycle. PVC releases a cocktail of toxic chemicals that will somehow, at some stage in the process and in some form or another, end up back in the environment. The only way to end this is to phase out its use and switch to alternatives.
During the production of PVC, dioxins are created and released. Dioxins are one of the most toxic chemicals known. They have been linked to immune system problems and cancer. Dioxins are also a potent hormone disrupter.
PVC contains additives. Phthalates are added to PVC to make it more flexible. 95% of all phthalates produced are made specifically for use in PVC. Some phthalates have been found to have hormone-disrupting effects.
When its useful life is over, PVC creates further environmental and health problems. When burned in incinerators and accidental fires, dioxins are created and toxic gasses can be released. Putting PVC into landfill is no answer, as over time, it releases additives, which can threaten groundwater supplies.
Recycling PVC is difficult, results in more toxic emissions and just recycles the same problems.”
For thease reasons Fair Deal Trading does not use PVC in any of our sports balls or any of our other products also PVC balls are also of a lower quality and will wear down quicker than PU balls.