Behind every product, every service, and every supply chain decision lies a profound question: Who made this possible, and at what cost?
The uncomfortable truth is that modern slavery isn't some far-off problem happening "over there;" it's woven into the fabric of global commerce like a thread we'd all rather not pull. And right now, an estimated 50 million people worldwide are trapped in situations of forced labor and human trafficking.
Nearly one year ago, we at BSI Consulting released our e-book From Policy to Practice: Fighting Worker Exploitation Throughout Global Supply Chains. Since then, we've realized the knowledge gap is wider than we anticipated. Organizations aren't just struggling with how to eliminate forced labor within their supply chains, many don't fully understand the scope, the warning signs, or even where to begin.
We can toss around jaw-dropping numbers like "50 million" all day long, and your eyes will glaze over, and you’ll keep scrolling because it’s just too big a number to connect with.
But the "so what?" matters. The "how does this affect me?" matters. The complexity of global supply chains may obscure exploitation, but it doesn't excuse it. Every purchasing decision we make either perpetuates harm or contributes to healing.
The good news? Change is within our reach. Understanding the warning signs, implementing responsible sourcing practices, and prioritizing transparency are overwhelming, but they're achievable. The people at the end of our supply chains deserve leaders who choose to see them, protect them, and act on their behalf.
So yeah, it's uncomfortable. It's also unavoidable. Let's talk about it.
Meet our team specializing in sustainable supply chains:
Ryan Lynch, Global Practice Director for Sustainability
Che Choi, Principal Consultant
Kimberly Rodriguez, Consultant
Sharona Su, Senior Consultant
