Framework
Lacks transparency. Publishes some details, but doesn't show its workers are paid and treated fairly.
Last researched 23 October 2026 · 3 sources
US maker of repairable, upgradeable modular laptops and desktops.
Framework publishes no certification, independent audit or supplier list.
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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
- Met: Respects worker rights
- 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
- Not met: Traces its cobalt, gold and other conflict minerals to the mine
Red flags 2
- Red flag: No evidence it pays a living wage
- Red flag: Hidden supply chain: no certification, independent audits or supplier list
Stars it would earn as Good
None yet. Stars only show on Good companies. About stars
Where it's made
Framework names some of the countries it makes in: Taiwan. The rest is shown as where electronics are usually made.
| Country | Worker rights | Legal minimum wage | Forced labour risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taiwan | Strong protections | Close to a living wage | Low |
| ChinaUsual for the industry | No guarantee of rights | Below a living wage | Moderate |
| VietnamUsual for the industry | Systematic violations | Well below a living wage | Moderate |
| MalaysiaUsual for the industry | No guarantee of rights | Below a living wage | Moderate |
| South KoreaUsual for the industry | No guarantee of rights | Close to a living wage | Low |
| IndiaUsual for the industry | No guarantee of rights | Well below a living wage | High |
Evidence
What we found
- Risk across the industry, not a finding about this company: cobalt, tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold mining carry child and forced labour risk (DR Congo, Indonesia), and assembly overtime is widespread. (partly offset by certification or direct sourcing)
- Uses recycled metals or fibres
- It publishes its smelters or uses some recycled or responsibly mined metals, but can't yet trace its cobalt and gold to the mine.
Research notes Framework's laptops are assembled, tested and packed at a site in Taoyuan, Taiwan, run by its manufacturing partner Compal; since 2022 the mainboard and major subassemblies have also been made in Taiwan, after earlier coming from China. It publishes recycled content for each product and a life cycle assessment, but no supplier list, factory audit results, smelter list or conflict minerals report, and no information on wages or conditions for the workers who make its products.
Sources and actions
Sources 3
Show all 3 sources
Published by Framework or its owner
- Manufacturing starts on the new Framework Laptop in Taiwan (Framework blog, 2022) · search the archive · Final assembly, test and pack-out at a Compal-run site in Taoyuan, Taiwan; mainboard and subassemblies moved from China to Taiwan
- Framework Sustainability · search the archive · Post-consumer and pre-consumer recycled content per product; life cycle assessment; no labour or minerals disclosures
- Now available for pre-order in Australia (Framework blog) · search the archive · Framework sells and ships to Australia online
Company details
- Headquarters
- United States
- Last researched
- 23 October 2026
- Cite this page
- Labour Lens, "Is Framework ethical? Labour rating", https://www.labourlens.net/brand/framework, last researched 23 October 2026, accessed [date].
- Method
- Researched with AI assistance against published rules. How we check · What Lacks transparency means
Better-graded laptops and computers
No laptops and computers brand selling new goods is Good yet. This is the strongest so far. Second-hand and refurbished goods create no new factory work, so they're Good by rule and come first.
Something missing or wrong?
Grades are opinions based on the evidence listed here. Send us evidence, or a right of reply if you represent Framework.