"Global database maps fashion factories to crack down on slavery", 28 March 2019

A fashion data organisation aims to crack down on slavery and worker abuse by mapping every clothing and footwear factory in the world, with a free, open-source tool launched on Thursday.

The Open Apparel Registry (OAR) seeks to untangle often opaque supply chains by identifying every factory by name and address, increasing transparency for workers and businesses... [It] gathers data released by brands, factory groups, governments and other sources, and allows users to search for factories by brand names and locations.

Advocates said it would help both worker rights groups looking to apply pressure on brands with worker abuse in their supply chains, and firms hoping to work with other businesses sourcing from the same factories to press for improvements...