Association for Craft Producers (ACP)

Our company

The Association for Craft Producers (ACP) is a local, not for profit, fair trade organization providing design, marketing, management, and technical services to low-income, Nepalese craft producers.  ACP is a resource to advance and globally distribute their work, for which they receive fair wages and generous benefits.  Together, we blend traditional craft with modern design and technology to suit market trends.  For buyers' specific requests, we offer a flexible program that encourages creative collaboration.  An item may be revised or recreated for a completely original product.

Founded in 1984 with just 38 producers, five full time staff members and three skill categories, ACP has grown to 1200 artisans (90% female), 60 full time staff members, 22 skill categories, and has expanded from a 4000 sq. ft building to a spacious 45,000 sq. ft facility.  We cater to the individual consumer through our retail outlet 'Dhukuti' in Kathmandu, and export to more than 18 countries through our sister company, Nepali Craft Trading (P) Ltd.  Our Executive Director, Meera Bhattarai, served for a decade as founding chair of Fair Trade Group Nepal , and currently holds the titles of Past President and Advisor.  ACP is a founding member of WFTO ASIA, and a member of the World Fair Trade Organization.

Nestled at the foot of the Himalayas, ACP takes careful and deliberate steps to preserve our environment.  We have installed a waste water treatment plant and rainwater harvesting system, use soft wood for carpentry, discourage the use of plastic bags, and use recycled paper and materials when possible.  For pigment dying, we have shifted from oil to water based pigments, and have built new electric kilns to replace its' kerosene-fired predecessor.