The latest report card on the progress of apparel and footwear companies toward eliminating forced labor from their supply chains shows improvement — but the results aren’t good enough.

KnowTheChain recently completed its second benchmark survey on forced labor in apparel and footwear supply chains. Issued two and a half years after the initial effort, the new survey finds that companies under review have made what KnowTheChain calls “significant improvements.” Indeed, a small number of leading brands have shown impressive results. But when the average score is just 37 out of 100 points, one must conclude that the use of forced labor in apparel and footwear factories is far from being wiped out. On this episode, we delve into the details of the new report with Kilian Moote, project director with KnowTheChain. He explains why the survey was expanded to include additional companies and industry sectors. He reveals who has done well, and who hasn’t. And he recommends some “good practices” for companies that desire to step up their game in the fight against forced labor. Hosted by Bob Bowman, managing editor of SupplyChainBrain.

Look for a new episode of the podcast, which can be downloaded or streamed, every Friday on the SupplyChainBrain website and iTunes.

Show notes:

KnowThe Chain’s 2018 Apparel and Footwear Benchmark Findings Report.

KnowTheChain’s industry benchmarks for corporate standards and practices.