Facing persistent geopolitical tensions, shifting tariff regimes and an increasingly complex regulatory environment, companies are experiencing rising challenges across every tier of their global supply chains. From speed to market and quality assurance to cost control and risk mitigation, the rapidly evolving trade landscape is forcing businesses to fundamentally reassess their sourcing and compliance strategies.
In response to this uncertainty, Intertek Group plc — the FTSE 100 provider of quality assurance services — has launched SupplyTek, billed as the world’s first end-to-end global market access solution. SupplyTek aims to transform supply chain complexity into a competitive advantage for clients by offering a unified platform that integrates quality, compliance, risk management and operational efficiency across international markets.
The global trading environment has become more volatile in recent years due to rising protectionism and policy shifts. For instance, the aftermath of Brexit has changed the way UK firms import and export goods, while recent tariff disputes — such as those between the United States and China — have disrupted established global supply routes.
According to the World Trade Organization (WTO), global merchandise trade volumes are expected to grow by just 2.6% in 2024 after sharp declines and fluctuations in previous years. This reflects the persistent economic uncertainty that continues to affect global supply chains.
Against this backdrop, businesses are increasingly seeking solutions that allow them to navigate changing regulations, maintain adherence to sustainability standards, and reduce time-to-market without compromising on quality. Intertek’s SupplyTek is designed to meet these demands. The service brings together the company’s decades of expertise in assurance, testing, inspection and certification (ATIC) with digital technologies to create an agile and transparent supply chain ecosystem.
Speaking at the launch, André Lacroix, Chief Executive Officer of Intertek, said: “SupplyTek is a powerful innovation that delivers complete confidence in the supply chain. It is the only global solution that integrates quality, sustainability and speed to market into one seamless offering.”
The platform also aligns with the increasing regulatory emphasis on supply chain due diligence. New laws such as the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), expected to come into force in 2025, and the German Supply Chain Act (Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesetz), already in effect, require companies to scrutinise their entire supply chain for environmental and human rights risks.
Moreover, ESG pressures from consumers, investors and regulators are adding another layer of complexity. Businesses are expected not only to comply with local and international laws but also to proactively demonstrate responsible sourcing practices. According to a recent survey by McKinsey & Company, 71% of procurement leaders cite improving supply chain sustainability as a top priority in 2024.
Intertek’s new solution seeks to address these challenges by facilitating traceability, supplier validation, and regulatory compliance — all while optimising performance across supply chain operations. The company has stated that SupplyTek is applicable across a range of sectors, from consumer goods and textiles to industrial and manufacturing industries.
In an era where achieving resilience and agility in supply chains has become critical, tools such as SupplyTek are likely to play a growing role. For organisations aiming to maintain a competitive edge while navigating trade barriers, inflationary pressures, and increasing stakeholder expectations, such innovations offer a path to both operational efficiency and reputational strength.
