Supply Trace, a pioneering collaboration between Northeastern and Sheffield Hallam Universities, has unveiled the first open platform designed to identify potential exposure to forced labor within supply chains. Focused initially on the apparel sector, Supply Trace's pilot phase targets shipments linked to the risk of forced labor in China's Uyghur Autonomous Region.

Utilizing trade records and machine learning algorithms, the platform traces relationships between entities and applies risk analysis intelligence. Spearheaded by a team of Uyghur experts, Supply Trace aims to combat forced labor by providing transparent insights into global supply chains.

This launch comes amid escalating global regulatory pressure on companies to address human rights abuses in their supply networks. Legislation such as the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act in the US and the pending EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive highlight the urgency for businesses to take proactive measures.

Shawn Bhimani, leading the development, emphasizes the platform's transformative potential in reshaping global sourcing practices. He stresses that addressing human rights concerns is no longer just a corporate social responsibility but a crucial business imperative.

Supply Trace's democratization of trade risk data promises to empower stakeholders across industries, facilitating informed decision-making to mitigate forced labor risks and drive positive change in global supply chains.