NEW YORK,NY. - July 16, 2008 - Intertek Sustainability Solutions has announced the release of the Ethical Sourcing Report 2008, featuring in-depth articles that address a top-down and bottom-up view of key ethical sourcing issues, comprehensive reporting on industry trends and in depth perspectives from industry thought leaders whom recently exchanged views on opportunities for advancement with a broad cross section of stakeholders at the Ethical Sourcing Forum held March 2008 in New York City, U.S.A..

Key findings addressed in the Ethical Sourcing Report 2008:

• A "growing awareness of CSR's requirements in producer countries" is a recent positive development in ethical sourcing
  
• Unrealistic buyer/supplier expectations continue to be a negative factor in the ethical sourcing debate
  
• Tailor-made capacity building on a factory-by-factory basis has proven to be an effective approach to ensuring that corporate values filter down the chain.
  
• Socially responsible companies don't claim to have all the answers but are building public trust through authenticity about the issues and continuous focus to raise the bar
  
• The engagement of civil society groups and corporations in constructive dialogue" has engendered a better understanding of the issues and cohesive efforts to improve conditions through win-win solutions
  
• Companies are starting to train buyers on sustainable procurement internally and factory performance in CSR is a deciding factor in awarding business
  
• Most companies have not developed procedures to determine the measurable impact of ethical sourcing programmes and CSR initiatives on business operations
  
• Suppliers and management at some factories are taking ownership of the issues' to get their factories up to standards

"As facilitators of the international Ethical Sourcing Forums over the past 8 years, we are all too familiar with the complex challenges facing organizations interested in taking their ethical sourcing efforts to a new level.

Today's global business environment is filled with higher expectations for responsible supply chain programs, increasing demands for authentic measurement and transparency in reporting, and even greater expectations for effective and sustainable remedial efforts as issues are identified.

How an organization can effectively evaluate its' many options and focus its sustainability commitment (i.e. investments) where they will produce the greatest measurable impact within the context of an often pre-defined procurement capital plan, remains a noteworthy challenge impacting the most well intentioned groups.

The release of the Ethical Sourcing Reports should continue to be seen as a positive reflection of the collaborative effort by committed industry members toward supporting the successful gauging of sustainability opportunities within industries, across sectors and among varying constituencies through the sharing of knowledge and experiences that help achieve true sustainable improvements in the conditions of Global Supply Chains."

Copies of the Ethical Sourcing report are currently available for purchase from Intertek Sustainability Solutions. To purchase the report visit http://guest.cvent.com/i.aspx?5S,M3,eac6bbcd-338a-4ba7-84aa-1584a8cc8d4b

The Ethical Sourcing Forum (ESF), held annually in North America, Europe and Asia, is recognized as a leading global industry platform for exchange on opportunities for ethical sourcing advancement by global business leaders and industry stakeholders. It is an action oriented, continuous learning industry initiative, open to those willing to play an active role in the development and successful implementation of sustainable social and environmental supply chain practices.

You can experience the ESF firsthand by attending the next event scheduled for 2 October 2008 at the Tapis Rouge in Paris. To register for ESF Europe visit http://www.intertek.com/esf/events/eur08/

Intertek

Intertek

Intertek is the leading quality solutions provider to industries worldwide. From auditing and inspection, to testing, training, advisory, quality assurance and certification, Intertek adds value to customers’ products, processes and assets. With a network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 36,000 people in more than 100 countries, Intertek supports companies’ success in a global marketplace. Intertek helps its customers to meet end users’ expectations for safety, sustainability, performance, integrity and desirability in virtually any market worldwide. visit www.intertek.com.

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