In January, Fairtrade Germany awarded Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences the title of Fairtrade University for the fifth time. A key requirement for the successful renewal of this title is the commitment to fair trade shown by the student body, staff and the Studierendenwerk.
The issue of fair trade is firmly established in many areas at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. The university has a steering group comprising representatives from the Studierendenwerk, the administration, the General Student Committee (AStA) and those interested in fair trade, for example from the marketing department. The group currently meets four times a year to coordinate all activities. As a Fairtrade University, the Studierendenwerk offers numerous fair trade products in the canteen, including lemonades with the Fairtrade mark as well as fair trade coffee and espresso. Coffee, tea and other fair trade products are also served at university events.
Furthermore, the various activities organised by students play a central role. The Fairtrade student group in Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort organises both its own events and collaborative initiatives – for example, with student councils, the AStA or Fair City Kleve – to raise awareness of fair trade. For example, students organised a clothes swap at the City of Kleve’s after-work party in June 2025.
During Freshers’ Week, the induction week for first-year students, the Fairtrade Student Group, together with the AStA and the Student Council of the Faculty of Society and Economics, offered newly enrolled students a breakfast featuring fair-trade coffee and other fair-trade products, and provided information about their activities. In Kamp-Lintfort, a welcome activity involved batik-dyeing fairly produced cotton bags, accompanied by information about the Fairtrade student group and the Fair University. In December, the Fairtrade Student Group supported the Christmas carol singing at both campuses by providing information on fair trade and fair-trade biscuits.
The renewed award as a Fair Trade University is a testament to the commitment of the students and the steering group.
