The Toy Association & Ethical Supply Chain Program Launch Sourcing Pilot Program

November 18, 2024 | The Toy Association™ and Ethical Supply Chain Program (ESCP) have announced a new pilot program to provide small and medium-sized toy companies with a more efficient way to meet their sourcing and social compliance needs.

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

“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,” said Greg Ahearn, president & CEO of The Toy Association. “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 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 world. 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.

“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,” said Carmel Giblin, CEO & president of the Ethical Supply Chain Program.

Enrollment will open in December at no cost to Toy Association members. For more information or to begin the enrollment process, please contact Todd Merton at ESCP.