How we work
Theory of Change
We use benchmarking as a tool to identify and share best practices, and as a way to harness the competitive nature of markets to create a “race to the top” that encourages companies to adopt standards and practices that protect workers. KnowTheChain benchmarks current corporate practices, develops insights and provides practical resources that inform company and investor decisions and enables them to comply with growing legal obligations while operating more transparently and responsibly.
Activities and Outputs
In 2025/26 KnowTheChain will benchmark 145 companies from the Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Food and Beverage, and Apparel and Footwear sectors and publishes sector-specific benchmarks every two years.
Our benchmarks use a publicly available methodology, based on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights to evaluate how companies are addressing forced labour in their supply chains. The methodology is developed with input from a diverse set of stakeholders including company representatives, the investor community, and civil society organisations.
Companies are selected using a number of primary criteria. Companies must be publicly listed and are selected on the basis of their size (market capitalisation), and the percentage of revenues derived from own-branded products. Additional considerations are also taken into account, to ensure regional or subindustry representation. More information on KnowTheChain's methodology here.
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Benchmarking forced labour risks with KnowTheChain
How and why do we assess companies’ efforts to address forced labour risks in their supply chains? KnowTheChain’s Áine Clarke explains how policy analysis, direct worker testimony and research into allegations help paint a picture of companies’ efforts on forced labour.
Benchmark development process
- Initial research: Over a four month period we will undertake initial research of the company website.
- Additional disclosure period: We will share the initial findings which companies will have time to review over a two-month window. Each company will have the opportunity to have a one-hour call to discuss any questions you may have regarding the research.
- Incorporating additional disclosure: Over a three-month period, we will incorporate additional disclosure from companies and conduct final data analysis and scoring.
- Benchmark publication: Benchmark ranking is published alongside our suite of resources; findings report, investor briefing & Japan briefing.
Research focus
High-risk sectors: Certain sectors and products are at high risk for forced labour, regardless of region. Typically, these sectors are:
Informal and unregulated, with poor visibility over lower tier suppliers;
Reliant on a workforce to carry out jobs that are considered undesirable, hazardous or low-skilled;
Seasonal and low-paying.
ICT
KnowTheChain evaluates companies across seven ICT subsectors: Semiconductors, Electronic Components, Technology Hardware Storage & Peripherals, Computer & Electronics Retail, Communications Equipment, Electronic Manufacturing Services, Consumer Electronics.
Food & Beverage
KnowTheChain evaluates companies across five F&B subsectors: Packaged Foods, Food Retail, Agricultural Products & Services, Consumer Staples Merchandise Retail, and Personal Care Products.
Apparel & Footwear
KnowTheChain evaluates companies across four A&F subsectors: Apparel Retail, Footwear, Apparel Accessories & Luxury Goods, Textiles, and Other Speciality Retail.