Chapter 04 · People & supply chainsSupply Chain & Due Diligence
Aggregator
Definition
An aggregator is an actor that combines products, materials or data from multiple sources before sale, processing or onward transfer.
References
This reference provides supporting context for how “Aggregator” is defined and used.
Overview
What it means in practice
Aggregator should be read as a supply-chain and due-diligence term. Its practical meaning depends on the product, relationship, tier, geography and evidence available.
In practice, users should state the boundary, actor, evidence source and decision context. That keeps aggregator clear enough for review without overstating what is known.
Why it matters
Aggregator matters because supply-chain language is often used to allocate responsibility, request evidence and decide where risk work should focus. Clear wording helps avoid hiding uncertainty behind familiar terms.
Common misconception
A common error is to treat Aggregator as fixed across every transaction. The role can change depending on contract structure, product flow and the framework being used.
Review questions
Who is using the term, and for what decision? What source or evidence supports it? What boundary, role or limitation should be stated so the reader does not overread the claim?
How it is used
The term appears in workplace policy, sourcing, human-rights due diligence, community engagement and supply-chain management, where employers, buyers, suppliers, governments, workers and affected communities use it to classify, assess or communicate an actor that combines products, materials or data from multiple sources before sale, processing or onward transfer.
Its correct use depends on the affected population, supply-chain boundary, local context, timeframe and evidence from rights-holders.