Informed Choices Drive Change

We equip consumers with tools, education, and product transparency data to make ethical purchasing decisions.

Consumer Engagement, Education & Empowerment Program

A new paradigm in sustainably harnessing the human intelligence and geographical spread of civil society

End-consumers are unwittingly sustaining modern slavery by buying the goods they produce. Research conducted by SlaveCheck showed that consumers are ready and willing to play their part in eliminating modern slavery:

Consumers overwhelmingly rate ending slavery as a higher priority than climate change
87% of consumers would not buy a product if they knew it was made by a slave
65% of consumers would pay more for a product if it was certified slave free
92% of consumers believe it is the responsibility of a business to know if their products are produced by slaves
86% of consumers believe it is the Government’s role to step in and ensure that businesses are aware of any forms of slavery occurring in their supply chain
86% of consumers believe businesses should be required to label their products as slave-free or slave-made
Only 29% of consumers have heard of modern slavery

This program is about giving consumers what they need to make informed buying decisions at point of sale: a barcode scanning app backed up by the latest product slavery status data; regular webinars and newsletters; social media feeds.

PHASE 1: RESIN IN EAST AFRICA

OVERVIEW

Tanzania is rich in pine forests which have the potential to produce resin, which is a valuable commodity in high demand for a vast range of consumer and industrial products. In recent years, resin tapping in Tanzania has grown into a substantial commercial enterprise.

Workplace situations which involve human trafficking and/or forced labour have been discovered in Tanzania, which has fuelled concerns about fair wages, worker protections and potential risks throughout the resin value chain.

This project ensures transparency, decent working conditions, and equitable economic growth in resin value chain development. The methodology and outcomes of this initiative have significant applicability to other regions in Africa and globally, providing a scalable model for ethical supply-chain practices.

OBJECTIVE

The objective is to begin building transparency in global resin value chains by creating business, product and labour traceability, commencing within Tanzania. This will be achieved by:

Constructing a verifiable map of the Tanzanian resin value chain - from source to export-for businesses, resin products and the labour supply chain.
Identifying actual and potential labour-rights violations, emphasizing forced labour indicators, wage structures, occupational safety, and the right to organise.
Developing actionable recommendations for regulators, resin buyers and social partners that embed transparency and worker voice in future growth.

APPROACH

Participatory Research: Worker surveys, in-depth interviews, and focus groups.
Risk Assessment: Utilizing the ILO's forced labour indicators and OSH standards.
Stakeholder Workshops: Multi-stakeholder engagements to validate findings and foster collaborative solutions.

IMPACT

The project will culminate in a high-profile launch event in Tanzania, providing recognition opportunities for corporate supporters and engaging key stakeholders, including government ministries, international agencies, and media outlets. Project findings will gain visibility through publication in peer-reviewed journals and dissemination via regional and international union networks.

Additionally, actionable policy recommendations and practical guidance materials developed through the project will directly benefit corporate sustainability reporting.