Nordic Ware
Lacks transparency. Publishes some details, but doesn't show its workers are paid and treated fairly.
Last researched 3 November 2026 · 8 sources
Family-owned US bakeware maker that invented the Bundt pan.
Nordic Ware publishes no certification, independent audit or supplier list.
Also worth knowing
There's no proof it pays more than the legal minimum, which in the United States is below a living wage.
Know something we've missed? Send evidence. Represent Nordic Ware? Send a right of reply.
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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 rightsJudged on where its products are made: worker rights are poorly protected in the United States, China and Vietnam.
- 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
Nordic Ware names some of the countries it makes in: the United States. The rest is shown as where homewares and appliances are usually made.
| Country | Worker rights | Legal minimum wage | Forced labour risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Systematic violations | Below 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 |
| 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.
- Makes part of its range in its own factories
Research notes Nordic Ware says it makes the majority of its more than 400 products in its own Minneapolis-area factory and buys most supplies from North American vendors. It gives no share and does not say which items are made elsewhere. A 2025 US class action challenges its Made in USA labels because the aluminium is sourced from abroad; the company disputes it. No labour abuse reports were found, and no wage or audit information is published.
Sources and actions
Sources 8
Show all 8 sources
- Nordic Ware class action over Made in USA claims (CBS Minnesota) · search the archive · 2025 class action over Made in USA labels; company says it will defend it
- Nordic Ware (Twin Cities Business) · search the archive · About 350 employees; manufacturing and packaging in St. Louis Park
- Nordic Ware Heritage Bundt pan (Minimax) · search the archive · Nordic Ware sold by Minimax, which has stores in Australia
- Nordic Ware Anniversary Bundt pan (Kmart marketplace) · search the archive · Listed as made in USA
- Minnesota businesses like Nordic Ware questioned over Made in USA (Star Tribune) · search the archive · Over 300 Minnesota staff; some goods imported; company says virtually all manufacturing is in the US; Made in USA suit disputed
Published by Nordic Ware or its owner
- Our U.S. Factory (Nordic Ware) · search the archive · Over 400 products made in its Minneapolis factory; family-owned since 1946; most supplies from North American vendors
- Our factory (Nordic Ware Australia) · search the archive · The majority of products are made in Minneapolis; aims to keep US production on as many items as possible
- Nordic Ware: About Us · search the archive · Still family owned; crafts the majority of its products in its Minneapolis factory, over 400 kitchenware products
Company details
- Headquarters
- United States
- Employees
- About 350
- Last researched
- 3 November 2026
- Cite this page
- Labour Lens, "Is Nordic Ware ethical? Labour rating", https://www.labourlens.net/brand/nordic-ware, 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 Nordic Ware.