The ISC3 has signed a Cooperation Agreement with the Ethical Supply Chain Program (ESCP), marking a new milestone in efforts to promote safer, more sustainable production across the global toy industry. The partnership brings together ISC3’s global expertise in Sustainable Chemistry and ESCP’s long-standing work improving labour conditions in manufacturing hubs, particularly in the Global South.
ISC3, currently works with a network of over 40 international partners and engages more than 2,000 stakeholders annually through its innovation, policy, and education programmes on Sustainable Chemistry. ESCP, whose initiatives have reached over 1,200 toy-sector suppliers across Asia and Latin America, focuses on strengthening safe, ethical, and transparent working environments throughout complex global supply chains.
A core pillar of ESCP’s work is the promotion of safe and ethical labour conditions. At the same time, Sustainable Chemistry—a central theme of ISC3’s mission—offers concrete tools to reduce chemical risks, replace hazardous substances, improve chemicals management, and ultimately create safer workplaces.
“Combining our strengths allows us to support suppliers on both the social and environmental fronts simultaneously.”said ISC3 Managing Director Dr. Thomas Wanner,
“The toy industry, with its globalised production chains, stands to benefit enormously from safer chemical use and improved working conditions.”
"We are thrilled to collaborate with ISC3. This partnership will help toy manufacturers take a significant step forward in their sustainability efforts. By combining our expertise in Sustainable Chemistry and labor standards, we will support companies to manufacture safer and more sustainable products. Together, we are setting the foundation for a new era of sustainable toy development, where people, safety and environmental stewardship are at the heart of every product."Carmel Giblin, ESCP President & CEO.
Through the newly signed agreement, ISC3 and ESCP will collaborate to:
With the toy industry under increasing scrutiny for its environmental footprint and social impacts, the ISC3–ESCP collaboration sends a strong signal: sustainability and worker well-being must advance hand in hand. Both organizations envision that their joint work will not only enable safer production but also support the innovation of new materials and processes that reduce harm and create long-term value across global supply chains.
Interested in learning more or join these efforts?
Reach out to:
aine.mccarthy@ethicalsupplychain.org and romina.laumann@isc3.org