The Ethical Supply Chain Program is announcing the launch of an all-new program in partnership with The Toy Association, to provide small and medium-sized toy companies a more efficient way to meet their sourcing and social compliance needs from a community of globally established and certified manufacturers.

This pilot will provide up to 250 members of The Toy Association with annual revenues of $50 million or less, complimentary membership to the Ethical Supply Chain Program (ESCP). These companies will enjoy the full benefits of the ESCP program, including access to ESCP’s best-in-class online supplier sourcing and compliance management tool, The Connect Platform.

The Connect Platform enables companies to identify and communicate directly with ESCP certified manufacturers based on their specific product needs and located in a range of key sourcing countries around the globe. Members can also take advantage of available support from ESCP’s knowledgeable on-the-ground factory team. Detailed information about each certified manufacturing facility is available on the platform including full audit history, location, size and manufacturing capabilities.

With more than 800 members, the Toy Association has been closely aligned with the Ethical Supply Chain Program since its founding in 2004. Both organizations are committed to meeting the needs of their members and to protecting the rights of workers in global supply chains.

Carmel Giblin, CEO and President of the Ethical Supply Chain Program, said: “Many SME companies are relying on third parties to handle supplier relationships, as they don’t have the resources to run their own supplier identification and compliance program. This can mean that they lose oversight and control of their supply chain.”

“Knowing who is making your products is critical and having assurance that they are operating responsibly is essential to doing business ethically and to meeting the needs of consumers, investors and regulators. Our sourcing tool puts the power back in the hands of companies, enabling them to select factories that operate to the ethical standards required.”

Greg Ahearn, President and CEO at The Toy Association, said: “In a time of increasing focus on ESG performance and regulatory compliance, we know companies are looking for greater support in navigating the ever-changing landscape of available resources in many different geographies.”

“By working with the ESCP, we’re helping to increase sourcing opportunities for our members by providing direct access to certified manufacturing sources from around the globe, while providing consumers with confidence that the toys they are buying are being produced ethically.”

The pilot is set to open for enrolment in December 2024, with Toy Association members able to sign up at no additional cost. For more information contact  todd.merton@ethicalsupplychain.org to begin the enrollment process. 

About The Toy Association™
Founded in 1916, The Toy Association™, Inc. is the business trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and delivering toys and youth entertainment products for kids of all ages. The Toy Association serves as the industry’s voice on the developmental benefits of play and promotes play’s positive impact on childhood development. The organization has a long history of leadership in toy safety, having helped develop the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 40 years ago, and remains committed to working with medical experts, governments, consumers, and the industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe and fun play.

As a global leader, The Toy Association chairs the committee that reviews and revises America’s widely emulated ASTM F963 toy safety standard and produces the world-renowned trade events such as Toy Fair™ in New York City; engages in state, federal, and international advocacy on behalf of its members; supports the inventor and design community through People of Play™, and much more. The Toy Association’s philanthropic arm is The Toy Foundation™, a 501 (c)(3) children’s charity that acts as the uniting force for the collective philanthropy of the toy industry. To date, The Toy Foundation has delivered the joy of play to 33 million children in need worldwide.

About The Ethical Supply Chain Program
The Ethical Supply Chain Program was founded by the International Council of Toy Industries (ICTI), in 2004. Today we champion integrity and sustainability across a wide range of product categories and in multiple sectors. We facilitate communication, certification and cooperation between manufacturers, suppliers, licensors and retailers worldwide to build a network with transparency at its core. ESCP is much more than an ethical rubber stamp, our program is a commitment to respect, fairness, and inclusivity. Together, we can create a better life for workers worldwide. www.ethicalsupplychain.org