Emeco
Lacks transparency. Publishes some details, but doesn't show its workers are paid and treated fairly.
Last researched 3 November 2026 · 6 sources
US furniture maker known for the aluminium 1006 Navy Chair.
There's no proof Emeco pays more than the legal minimum, which in the United States is below a living wage.
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Why it's graded Lacks transparency
- Not met: Meets 3 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 3 of 6
- Not met: Pays a living wage, or holds a strong fair-pay certificationLiving wage: no evidence
- Not met: Respects worker rightsJudged on where its products are made: worker rights are poorly protected in the United States.
- 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
- Met: Names the factories or farms that make its products, or is fully certified by a scheme that holds and audits that listMakes its products in its own factories
- 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 1
- Red flag: No evidence it pays a living wage
| Star | Awarded for |
|---|---|
| Open supply chain |
Stars only show on Good companies. About stars
Where it's made
From Emeco's own disclosure: it makes its products in its own factories.
| Country | Worker rights | Legal minimum wage | Forced labour risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Systematic violations | Below a living wage | Low |
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.
- Owns or runs its own production
Research notes Emeco says it still makes its furniture in its own works in Hanover, Pennsylvania, using a labour-intensive 77-step process for its aluminium chairs, and retailers state that all Emeco products are made in the USA. It publishes no supplier code, modern slavery statement, social audit results or wage information, and does not name suppliers of parts such as plastic shells or wooden bases. No labour abuse findings involving the company were identified.
What independent sources say
| Source | Result | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Baptist World Aid Ethical Fashion Report | Not covered | Furniture makers are not assessed in Baptist World Aid's Ethical Fashion Report (latest edition 2024). (2024 edition; latest is 2026) View |
Sources and actions
Sources 6
Show all 6 sources
- Pennsylvania-based Emeco builds durable furniture from its Navy Chair legacy (6abc) · search the archive · Emeco makes its furniture in Hanover, Pennsylvania; family-run; no overseas production mentioned
- Emeco launches new collection in Milan designed by Jasper Morrison (Dezeen, 2015) · search the archive · Emeco craftsmen in Hanover, Pennsylvania handcraft its chairs; Alfi bases made by Amish craftsmen
- 111 Navy Chair by Emeco (HFOC) · search the archive · Australian reseller states all Emeco products are made in the USA, mostly from recycled materials
- Emeco (Finnish Design Shop Australia) · search the archive · Emeco chairs sold new online with prices and delivery for Australia
- Gessato: Behind the design, Gregg Buchbinder of Emeco · search the archive · Emeco's factory is in Hanover, Pennsylvania, operating since 1944; CEO Gregg Buchbinder acquired the company
Published by Emeco or its owner
- Emeco factory · search the archive · Furniture is still made by hand in Hanover, Pennsylvania, using a 77-step process with recycled aluminium
Company details
- Headquarters
- United States
- Last researched
- 3 November 2026
- Cite this page
- Labour Lens, "Is Emeco ethical? Labour rating", https://www.labourlens.net/brand/emeco, last researched 3 November 2026, accessed [date].
- Method
- Researched with AI assistance against published rules. How we check · What Lacks transparency means
Better-graded furniture
None of the furniture brands we know to make furniture is Good yet. These are the strongest so far. Le Klint is Good, but we don't know that it makes furniture.
Something missing or wrong?
Grades are opinions based on the evidence listed here. Send us evidence, or a right of reply if you represent Emeco.