No-Cost Ethical Sourcing Support Available for Toy Association Members

January 8, 2025 | Toy Association members can now enroll in a new Ethical Supply Chain Program (ESCP) pilot program, offering small and medium-sized toy companies a cost-free, streamlined solution for sourcing and social compliance needs. Toy News Tuesday editors caught up with Todd Merton, head of business development at ESCP, about the advantages of enrollment.

What are the benefits Toy Association members will receive through participating in the ESCP pilot program?
There are many great benefits, but the biggest advantage is access to our online sourcing and compliance management tool, the Connect Platform. Members will have instant access to a database of certified toy suppliers located globally. These suppliers not only specialize in toy production, but also have been certified by ESCP. We manage the due diligence required when vetting a new factory partner, saving members valuable time, money, and resources so you can focus on what is most important: getting your product on shelves quicker.

By using the Connect Platform, members can search for new factory partners by industry, specific product type, country, factory size, and connect with them directly. Members can easily share ESCP factory audit data and certificates with their retail partners, often cutting down the time needed to get their products approved.

Members will also have access to our on-the-ground, expert factory team. Our team works closely with our certified factories daily and can often help with sourcing unique products, matching our members with the most relevant suppliers when additional help is needed.

How does this pilot program help companies improve their ESG performance and regulatory compliance?
At ESCP, we go well beyond just an audit. Our certification process not only remediates non-compliances found in the audit, but also provides training to the factories to help them better understand why non-compliances occur and give them the resources to make long-term, sustainable changes. For these reasons, members can be confident when partnering with an ESCP certified factory, they are working with a supplier who is committed to upholding high standards in ESG performance and compliance.

What are the key ethical standards ESCP ensures across its certified manufacturing facilities?
When it comes to certifying factories, the ESCP is looking to ensure that standards are met in the following areas: environmental, health and safety, and fair labor practices. Our certification not only requires that these standards are met, but that they are maintained throughout the time a factory is in our program. We also created our Worker Well-Being program that includes initiatives like our Family Friendly Spaces, which helps factories establish daycare centers on factory grounds so that parents can continue to work knowing their children are well taken care of. This helps factories to retain their top workers, which data shows can lead to fewer non-compliances and production disruptions. We have also established programs in the areas of migrant parent training, gender equality, and our own live grievance mechanism available to all workers in ESCP certified factories.

What are the next steps for companies interested in joining the pilot program?
Joining the ESCP and Toy Association pilot program and getting started is quick and easy. Simply contact me at todd.merton@ethicalsupplychain.org with any questions, or book a time directly on my calendar for an introductory call and a Connect Platform demonstration. We can get you registered right away.