Paulette Frank, worldwide vice president for environmental health, safety and sustainability with Johnson & Johnson, describes the ambitious supplier sustainability initiative being undertaken by the global healthcare and consumer products giant.

Are manufacturers, retailers and brands serious about providing sourcing visibility to ensure ethical supply chains? And are consumers willing to pay for it?

Global supply chains are becoming increasingly complex, as businesses juggle multinational suppliers and service providers, constantly shifting regulations, and more informed consumers demanding increased responsiveness and sustainability.

Factory audits alone are not sufficient to prevent labor abuses in global supply chains. Technology must also be applied to the problem.

Here's how fuel is driving carrier decisions on pricing and service.