Brooks Running obtains real-time supply chain visibility

A global performance running footwear and apparel company is helping ensure responsible sourcing.

Brooks Running, which sells running footwear and apparel directly to consumers online and through third-partner retail stores,  is rolling out the TrusTrace supply chain traceability platform. The solution provides verified data in real-time, as materials and finished goods move through the supply chain.

Leveraging its open architecture, Brooks Running can integrate the TrusTrace platform with retailer, manufacturer and supplier systems; as well as with other third parties, such as certification agencies. The company intends to make further progress toward ensuring it meets long-term human rights and environmental impact commitments across its supply chain, including standards set for third-party partners.

At the end of 2022, 100% of Brooks’ Tier 1 factories were using TrusTrace, with more than 130 Tier 2 and more than 70 Tier 3 factories invited to use the platform. Looking ahead, Brooks intends to use TrusTrace technology to trace at the individual product level, enabling deeper transparency to consumers on where Brooks’ product and materials are manufactured, while improving efficiency of chain of custody data collection for compliance with laws and regulations.

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"Visibility into the factories that manufacture Brooks products, materials and raw materials is critical to ensure our responsible sourcing standards outlined in our supplier code of conduct are upheld," said Dave Kemp, director of corporate responsibility at Brooks. "The expansive and complex nature of our manufacturing supply chain makes this visibility difficult. TrusTrace enables us to identify and mitigate responsible sourcing and business continuity risks and increase due diligence for customs compliance.”

“Brooks Running has recently partnered with TrusTrace to expand its commitment to tracing its supply chain in granular detail to help create a more sustainable business,” said TrusTrace CEO and co-founder Shameek Ghosh. “At TrusTrace, we have a vision of the future where all value chains are traceable, circular and fair, and we are excited to partner with Brooks to support them on their journey towards achieving transparency and their responsible sourcing objectives. Through gathering granular data on where and how their products are produced, Brooks will be able to identify and work to improve the social and environmental impact of their supply chain, as well as comply with complex regulations.”

Headquartered in Seattle, Brooks Running a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.