September 2023
Trading ethically and responsibly is growing in importance globally
Consumers, brands, suppliers and regulators want reassurance that those involved in the supply chain of a product have been treated fairly without any infringement of worker and labour rights and business ethics.
Not only does ethical trade create enormous benefits for people around the world, and across the entire supply chain, but it also represents a commercial opportunity for brands. This is because ethical trade affects the entire buying cycle, from investment decisions to consumer motivations, and it is clear that ethical trade is now in the spotlight.
The BRCGS Ethical Trade and Responsible Sourcing (ETRS) Global Standard provides a solution for businesses to be able to demonstrate that you truly meet the growing ethical requirements of your customers and buyers.
It also ensures that you are prepared to meet emerging regulation and reporting requirements on modern slavery, supply chain due diligence, and sustainability and in particular meet your SDG 8.7 target to eradicate forced labour, modern slavery and human trafficking, and SDG 1.4 equal rights. As the first to be recognised by the Consumer Goods Forum’s (CGF) Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI), the benchmark of choice for the consumer goods industry, ETRS provides supply chain confidence and true social compliance. Like all BRCGS Global Standard certification programmes, it is an assurance scheme that is operated to our five layers of compliance to deliver results that Brand Owners can trust.
We recently held a webinar for participants to learn more about the new Issue 2.1 of the ETRS Global Standard and how certification will benefit your business. The topics discussed included the current global landscape in which we are operating, an introduction to the Ethical Trade and Responsible Sourcing Program, including ETRS Standard and the Risk Assessment, the journey to certification including the key changes in requirements and protocol for Issue 2.1, and an overview of the BRCGS Compliance Programme and its importance.
Other articles in this issue...