Companies in the textile space have a lot of work ahead of them in assessing and disclosing the risk that the cotton they use involved slave labor, says a new report.

“Cotton Sourcing Snapshot: A Survey of Corporate Practices to End Forced Labor,” includes survey results and ratings of 49 companies in the apparel and home goods industries. It was prepared by Responsible Sourcing Network, a project of the non-profit organization As You Sow which studies human rights abuses associated with the raw materials found in products. The group is also active on the issue of conflict minerals mined in the Congo, and works with companies facing a new disclosure regime the Securities and Exchange Commission now requires regarding their use.

The report details what steps companies are taking to identify risks and, in particular, establish procedures to prevent cotton from Uzbekistan, often picked with forced labor, from entering supply chains. An accompanying survey offered a maximum of 100 points across 11 indicators in the categories of policy, public disclosure, engagement, implementation, and auditing. Only five companies scored over 50 points, 19 companies scored under 25 points, and two companies scored zero.

“Although almost 80 percent of the companies surveyed have some sort of policy against Uzbek cotton, most are taking little to no action to be absolutely certain the cotton in their products is not originating from there,” said Patricia Jurewicz, director of the Responsible Sourcing Network and co-author of the report. “Yet, there are several companies that have implemented systems that guarantee the integrity of their raw materials and all companies could easily replicate these best practices.”

The report found that only two percent of companies surveyed fully disclose progress and/or challenges with their strategies on Uzbek cotton, and only six percent have fully implemented a traceability or spinner verification program. Companies scoring highest include Adidas (68 points), Marks & Spencer (63 points), and IKEA (62.5 points), while companies scoring no points include Urban Outfitters and All Saints.

Several recommendations are presented to help move the industries towards greater certainty and transparency. Companies are encouraged to implement an industry-wide spinner certification program, integrate supplier compliance into their IT systems, and increase disclosure of internal practices and challenges.