Parker
Lacks transparency. Publishes some details, but doesn't show its workers are paid and treated fairly.
Last researched 3 November 2026 · 6 sources
US-founded pen brand selling the Jotter and Sonnet.
There's no proof Parker pays more than the legal minimum, which in China is below a living wage, and it has no full independent audit.
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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 rightsMost of its products are made in countries such as China and India, where unions are heavily restricted, and it has no full supply chain audit.
- 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: Made mostly in countries with poor worker rights, without a full independent audit of its supply chain
Stars it would earn as Good
None yet. Stars only show on Good companies. About stars
Where it's made
From product labels; Parker doesn't say where its products are made. The rest is shown as where homewares and appliances are usually made.
| Country | Worker rights | Legal minimum wage | Forced labour risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | No guarantee of rights | Below a living wage | Moderate |
| France | Regular violations | About a living wage | Low |
| 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.
- Modern slavery statement
Research notes Parker does not publish where its pens are made. Owner Newell Brands' product data lists China as country of origin for the IM range, and UK retailer listings give France for the Sonnet; Parker production moved from Newhaven, England, to Nantes, France, in 2009. Newell reported 396 social audits in 2025, no confirmed forced labour, and five action plans on migrant labour and recruitment fees. Its supplier code asks only for legal minimum wages, with no living wage commitment, no supplier list and nothing specific to Parker's supply chain.
What independent sources say
| Source | Result | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Modern Slavery Register | Listed | Newell Australia Pty Limited is a reporting entity in Newell Brands' 2025 joint modern slavery statement. View |
| UK Modern Slavery Statement Registry | Listed | Newell Brands' 2025 statement covers 18,000+ suppliers in 90+ countries, 396 social audits in 2025 and five action plans on migrant labour and recruitment fees. View |
| Business & Human Rights Resource Centre | Listed | Newell Brands profile lists no allegations or response requests. View |
| Baptist World Aid Ethical Fashion Report | Not covered | Baptist World Aid's reports do not assess writing instruments. View |
Sources and actions
Sources 6
Show all 6 sources
- Newell Brands profile - Business & Human Rights Resource Centre · search the archive · No allegations or response requests listed
- Newell Brands 2025 Modern Slavery Statement (Australian register) · search the archive · Newell Australia is a reporting entity in Newell Brands' 2025 joint statement
- Parker IM Ballpoint Pen, Black Lacquer with Chrome Trim (Newell product data) · search the archive · Parker IM pen with country of origin listed as China
- Parker pens - Officeworks · search the archive · Parker pens sold by Officeworks stores in Australia
- John Lewis: Parker Sonnet Matt Lacquer Fountain Pen · search the archive · Country of origin: France
Published by Parker or its owner
- Newell Brands Modern Slavery and Supply Chain Transparency Statement (2025) · search the archive · 2025: 18,000+ suppliers in 90+ countries; 396 social audits; 5 action plans on recruitment fees; no confirmed forced labour; minimum wage code
Company details
- Owned by
- Newell Brands Inc. (USA)
- Headquarters
- United States
- Last researched
- 3 November 2026
- Cite this page
- Labour Lens, "Is Parker ethical? Labour rating", https://www.labourlens.net/brand/parker, last researched 3 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 Parker.