Calphalon
Lacks transparency. Publishes some details, but doesn't show its workers are paid and treated fairly.
Last researched 3 November 2026 · 5 sources
US cookware brand selling nonstick and stainless pots and pans.
There's no proof Calphalon pays more than the legal minimum, which in China is below a living wage, and it has no full independent audit.
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Why it's graded Lacks transparency
- Not met: Meets 2 of 6 Good requirements.
- Holds the grade back: It doesn't show that workers are paid a living wage, and isn't certified as working towards one. On Track needs at least one of these.
- It isn't Harm on record, because there's no serious confirmed problem on its record.
- Lacks transparency is still a poor grade: in supply chains like this, workers who can't be seen to be treated fairly are usually underpaid or unprotected.
Good requirements 2 of 6
- Not met: Pays a living wage, or holds a strong fair-pay certificationLiving wage: no evidence
- Not met: Respects worker rightsMost of its products are made in countries such as China and India, where unions are heavily restricted, and it has no full supply chain audit.
- Not met: Supply chain independently audited or certified, or at least 80% made in countries with strong labour standards
- Met: No child or forced labour findings or links
- Not met: Names the factories or farms that make its products, or is fully certified by a scheme that holds and audits that list
- Met: High-risk raw materials (such as timber and cotton) traced or certified, or not a major part of its rangeNone recorded in a major share of its range
Red flags 2
- Red flag: No evidence it pays a living wage
- Red flag: Made mostly in countries with poor worker rights, without a full independent audit of its supply chain
Stars it would earn as Good
None yet. Stars only show on Good companies. About stars
Where it's made
From product labels; Calphalon doesn't say where its products are made. The rest is shown as where homewares and appliances are usually made.
| Country | Worker rights | Legal minimum wage | Forced labour risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | No guarantee of rights | Below a living wage | Moderate |
| VietnamUsual for the industry | Systematic violations | Well below a living wage | Moderate |
| IndiaUsual for the industry | No guarantee of rights | Well below a living wage | High |
| PolandUsual for the industry | Regular violations | Close to a living wage | Moderate |
| IndonesiaUsual for the industry | No guarantee of rights | Well below a living wage | Moderate |
| MalaysiaUsual for the industry | No guarantee of rights | Below a living wage | Moderate |
Evidence
What we found
- No high-risk raw materials (such as timber and cotton) are recorded in a major share of its range, so the raw-material check doesn't hold it back for Good.
- Modern slavery statement
Research notes Calphalon closed its last US plant, in Perrysburg, Ohio, at the end of 2023, cutting 130 jobs; most lines had already been made in China, and retailer listings give China as the origin. Pans are still stamped 'Toledo, Ohio USA'. Newell does not name Calphalon's factories. Its 2025 statement reports 396 social audits, no confirmed forced labour and five supplier action plans on migrant labour and recruitment fees. Its code asks suppliers only to follow local wage laws, with no living wage commitment.
What independent sources say
| Source | Result | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Modern Slavery Register | Listed | Newell Australia Pty Limited is a reporting entity in Newell Brands' 2025 joint modern slavery statement. View |
| UK Modern Slavery Statement Registry | Listed | Newell Brands publishes a 2025 UK Modern Slavery Act statement covering its brands. View |
| Baptist World Aid Ethical Fashion Report | Not covered | Baptist World Aid's reports do not cover cookware makers. View |
| Corporate Human Rights Benchmark (World Benchmarking Alliance) | Not covered | Newell Brands' household goods sector is not among the sectors assessed in the 2026 Corporate Human Rights Benchmark. View |
Sources and actions
Sources 5
Show all 5 sources
- Newell Brands 2025 Modern Slavery Statement (Australian register) · search the archive · Newell Australia reporting entity; 396 social audits, no confirmed forced labour, five action plans on migrant labour and recruitment fees
- Calphalon in Perrysburg closing at the end of the year (13abc, 2023) · search the archive · Newell's Perrysburg, Ohio Calphalon plant to close at end of 2023, laying off 130 workers
- Where Is Calphalon Made? (Prudent Reviews) · search the archive · Most Calphalon lines made in China; pans stamped Toledo, Ohio; Calphalon does not disclose countries
- Calphalon Premier Stainless Steel 12 Piece Set (Costco Australia) · search the archive · Sold by Costco Australia; country of origin China
Published by Calphalon or its owner
- Newell Brands UK Modern Slavery Act statement · search the archive · 2025 statement approved May 2026: 396 social audits; suppliers follow applicable wage laws; no supplier list
Company details
- Owned by
- Newell Brands Inc. (USA)
- Headquarters
- United States
- Last researched
- 3 November 2026
- Cite this page
- Labour Lens, "Is Calphalon ethical? Labour rating", https://www.labourlens.net/brand/calphalon, last researched 3 November 2026, accessed [date].
- Method
- Researched with AI assistance against published rules. How we check · What Lacks transparency means
Better-graded cookware and tableware
Something missing or wrong?
Grades are opinions based on the evidence listed here. Send us evidence, or a right of reply if you represent Calphalon.