Louis Poulsen
Lacks transparency. Publishes some details, but doesn't show its workers are paid and treated fairly.
Last researched 2 November 2026 · 6 sources
Danish lighting company known for Poul Henningsen's PH lamps.
Louis Poulsen publishes no certification, independent audit or supplier list.
Better-graded furniture
Graded higher than Louis Poulsen, selling the same kinds of things.
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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
- 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
- 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: 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
Louis Poulsen names some of the countries it makes in: Denmark. The rest is shown as where homewares and appliances are usually made.
| Country | Share | Worker rights | Legal minimum wage | Forced labour risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denmark | 70% | Strong protections | About a living wage | Low |
| ChinaUsual for the industry | 15% | No guarantee of rights | Below a living wage | Moderate |
| VietnamUsual for the industry | 5% | Systematic violations | Well below a living wage | Moderate |
| IndiaUsual for the industry | 3% | No guarantee of rights | Well below a living wage | High |
| PolandUsual for the industry | 3% | Regular violations | Close to a living wage | Moderate |
| IndonesiaUsual for the industry | 2% | No guarantee of rights | Well below a living wage | Moderate |
| MalaysiaUsual for the industry | 2% | 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.
- Makes part of its range in its own factories
Research notes Louis Poulsen makes components and assembles lamps at its own factory in Vejen, Denmark, but also buys some finished products, components and materials from 39 strategic suppliers in Denmark, Southern Europe and Asia, naming China and Taiwan as key markets, without shares. Its 2024 sustainability report says suppliers covering 85% of spend signed a group supplier code, but it gives no audit results, supplier list or living wage commitment. Its new owner took over in September 2026. No labour abuses have been reported.
What independent sources say
| Source | Result | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Modern Slavery Register | Not listed | No Australian modern slavery statement covers Louis Poulsen; it sells here through independent stockists such as Cult. View |
| Business & Human Rights Resource Centre | Not listed | No company profile or labour rights stories about Louis Poulsen. View |
| Baptist World Aid Ethical Fashion Report | Not covered | Baptist World Aid's Ethical Fashion Report does not assess lighting makers. View |
Sources and actions
Sources 6
Show all 6 sources
- Louis Poulsen acquisition officially closes (Inside Lighting, 2026) · search the archive · Chr. Augustinus Fabrikker completed the purchase from Flos B&B Italia on 16 September 2026; it also owns Fritz Hansen
- Louis Poulsen Returns to Danish Ownership (Edison Report, 2026) · search the archive · Founded in Copenhagen in 1874; known for PH Artichoke and PH 5; sold after about eight years in Flos B&B Italia Group
- Behind the scenes at Louis Poulsen (Nest) · search the archive · Lamps made at the Vejen factory, with PH 5 shades hand-shaped and Artichoke petals polished by trained craftsmen
- PH 5/5 Pendant by Louis Poulsen (Cult) · search the archive · Australian retailer Cult sells Louis Poulsen online and runs an in-store Louis Poulsen promotion
Published by Louis Poulsen or its owner
- Louis Poulsen Sustainability Report 2024 · search the archive · Own Vejen factory makes components and assembles; 39 strategic suppliers in DK, Southern Europe, Asia; supplier code covers 85% of spend
- Louis Poulsen A/S Annual Report 2025 · search the archive · Production facility in Vejen, Denmark; average of 411 employees in 2025; suppliers required to follow human rights standards
Company details
- Headquarters
- Denmark
- Employees
- About 411
- Last researched
- 2 November 2026
- Cite this page
- Labour Lens, "Is Louis Poulsen ethical? Labour rating", https://www.labourlens.net/brand/louis-poulsen, last researched 2 November 2026, accessed [date].
- Method
- Researched with AI assistance against published rules. How we check · What Lacks transparency means
Something missing or wrong?
Grades are opinions based on the evidence listed here. Send us evidence, or a right of reply if you represent Louis Poulsen.