Supply Chains: How Slave-Made Goods Get to You

On this blog and in the anti-trafficking movement as a whole, we often throw around the phrase "supply chain," in reference to the points at which slavery is used to make consumer goods.  But what is a supply chain and how does it work? 

A supply chain is a system of people, companies, technology, actions, and resources, which work together to move a product or service to a customer. Supply chains usually start with raw materials or natural resources and eventually combine all the components into a finished product, which is delivered to the customer.

For example, let's look at a simplified version of a basic supply chain for a 100% cotton t-shirt.  It begins with natural resources, in this case cotton. That cotton is harvested by people (link #1), spun into thread by people (link #2), and woven into cloth by people (link #3).   The components are then shipped to a factory (link #5), assembled by workers (link#6), and shipped to a distributor (link #7).  From here, that t-shirt can go to any number of middlemen, or directly to a consumer.  Eventually, it will reach the final link in the supply chain, the customer.

Why is understanding a supply chain important?  Because slavery can happen in any link on this chain.  Major corporations have supply chains which are hundred of times more complicated than this one.  Supply chains are how slavery stays hidden, and how corporations can claim they didn't know one of their suppliers was trafficking people.

However, there are steps companies can take to increase supply chain transparency and learn more about where their products really come from.  They can seek out a Fair Trade or other certification.  They can hire and independent company to audit their supply chains.  You as a consumer have a right and a responsibility to ask the brands which you buy where their supply chain goes, and whether or not it include slavery.

Image from cadburyschweppes.com