Le Creuset
Partly verifiedLe Creuset isn't doing enough to protect workers: there's no proof workers earn a living wage, and unions and workers' rights are heavily restricted in Thailand and China. It does have some safeguards, as it makes most products in its own factories.
Last researched 7 October 2026
Not doing enough. Workers in the supply chain are likely underpaid, unprotected or in danger, and in the worst cases face forced or child labour. Look for a better-graded alternative. What this grade means
Good: 3 of 5
- Pays a living wage
- Respects worker rights
- Full supply chain audit, or made only in countries with rigorous labour standards
- No child or forced labour findings
- Publishes where its products are made (supplier list, named farms or its own factories)
Great: 0 of 3
- Pays beyond a living wage
- Finds and fixes problems, or invests directly in workers' communities
- Actively empowers workers
Needs all Good requirements plus two of these.
Red flags: 1
- Hidden or unaudited supply chain (no certification or documentation, or major production in countries with poor worker rights without independent audits)
Where it's made
| Country | Worker rights | Legal wages | Forced labour risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| France 55% | Strong protections | Close to a living wage | Low |
| Thailand 30% | Systematic violations | Below a living wage | Moderate |
| China 10% | Systematic violations | Below a living wage | Moderate |
| Portugal 5% | Strong protections | Below a living wage | Low |
Country conditions from the ITUC Global Rights Index, Global Slavery Index and living wage benchmarks. Certifications and audits can raise a company above its countries' baseline.
Why this grade
- Timber, cotton textiles and ceramics carry moderate raw-material risk; illegal logging is linked to forced labour in some regions.
- Owns or runs its own production
- Modern slavery statement
Le Creuset makes all its cast iron cookware at its own foundry in Fresnoy-le-Grand, France, and its stoneware and enamelled kettles at its own factory in Lamphun, Thailand. Non-stick pans, some stainless steel and silicone accessories come from outside suppliers in China, and some stainless steel from Portugal. The company says independent auditors check its own and third-party factories against the ETI Base Code and that it is a Sedex member, but it does not publish a supplier list, audit results, the share made in each country or any living wage commitment.
What independent sources say
| Source | Result | Details |
|---|---|---|
| UK Modern Slavery Statement Registry | Found | Le Creuset Holding Limited has lodged group modern slavery statements every year from 2021 to 2026, the latest covering all six recommended topics. View ↗ |
| Australian Modern Slavery Register | Unclear | No Le Creuset statement was identified on the Australian register; the Australian subsidiary may fall below the A$100m reporting threshold. View ↗ |
| B Corp directory | Not listed | No Le Creuset listing in the B Corp directory. View ↗ |
| Business & Human Rights Resource Centre | Not listed | No company page or recorded allegations. View ↗ |
Sources (11)
- Le Creuset – Wikipedia · archived copy · All cast iron made at the company's foundry in Fresnoy-le-Grand; accessories and silicone made in China, kettles and ceramics in Thailand, stainless steel in Portugal; owned by Paul van Zuydam since 1
- Le Creuset Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd – JobThai · archived copy · Le Creuset's own subsidiary in Lamphun, Thailand, makes cookware and tableware at a stoneware factory.
- The South African businessman who saved Le Creuset – Daily Investor · archived copy · All cast iron products made in Fresnoy-le-Grand; ceramic products made in Thailand; privately owned by Paul van Zuydam.
- Classic Whistling Kettle – Le Creuset · archived copy · Kettle country of origin: Thailand.
- Heritage Stoneware Rectangular Dish – MOHD · archived copy · Stoneware country of origin: Thailand.
- Le Creuset Toughened Nonstick PRO Saucepan – Cutlery and More · archived copy · Toughened non-stick cookware made in China.
- Classic 3-ply Stainless Steel Frying Pan – MOHD · archived copy · Classic stainless steel pan country of origin: China.
- Le Creuset Signature 3-Ply Stainless Steel Saucepan Set – Ballantynes · archived copy · Signature stainless steel made in Portugal.
- California Supply Chains Act – Le Creuset · archived copy · Own and third-party facilities inspected by APSCA-accredited independent auditors against the ETI code; Sedex member; EcoVadis supplier risk assessments; suppliers sign a code of conduct; supplier cou
- Le Creuset Holding Limited – UK Modern Slavery Statement Registry (2026) · archived copy · Group statement for 1 January to 31 December 2025 covering all six recommended topics, but with no detail on risks, audits, training or progress in the registry summary.
- Canicule: l'usine Le Creuset suspend sa production – L'info durable · archived copy · The Fresnoy-le-Grand factory, with about 600 workers, halted production in June 2026 because extreme heat made working conditions unbearable.
Last researched 7 October 2026 · details still being verified. Grades are opinions based on the evidence listed here. Represent this company and think something is wrong? A right-of-reply form is coming soon.