Robert Gordon
Partly verifiedRobert Gordon 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 China. It does have some safeguards, as it makes most products in its own factories.
Last researched 8 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: 2 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| China 70% | Systematic violations | Below a living wage | Moderate |
| Australia 30% | Strong protections | Close to 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
Robert Gordon is a family-owned business that runs Australia's largest production pottery in Pakenham, Victoria, making more than 300,000 stoneware pieces a year with around 35 to 50 local staff. In 2024 the company said about 30 per cent of its products are made in Pakenham, and the rest come from a few factories in China where it has quality control staff. It does not name these factories or publish a supplier code of conduct, audit results or a modern slavery statement. Its Australian-made range is labelled as such, but no Australian Made licence listing is publicly visible.
What independent sources say
| Source | Result | Details |
|---|---|---|
| B Corp directory | Unclear | No B Corp certification found. View ↗ |
| Australian Modern Slavery Register | Unclear | No Robert Gordon modern slavery statement found; the business is likely below the A$100m reporting threshold. View ↗ |
| Business & Human Rights Resource Centre | Unclear | No allegations against Robert Gordon found. View ↗ |
Sources (4)
- Hannah Gordon on the evolution of family-owned pottery empire Robert Gordon - Inside Retail (6 Dec 2024) · archived copy · About 30% of products made in Pakenham, the rest at a few factories in China with brand QC staff; about 50 factory staff; family-owned, run by Hannah, Bobby and Kate Gordon
- Robert Gordon - Our Process · archived copy · Pakenham workshop makes 300,000+ stoneware pieces a year; imported collections made with offshore partners; 35 local craftspeople
- Robert Gordon - Our People · archived copy · Family pottery since 1945; Pakenham pottery is Australia's largest production pottery; imported collections developed with unnamed offshore partners; no supplier ethics statement
- Robert Gordon - Australian Made collection · archived copy · Separate Australian-made collection; no Australian Made licence details shown
Last researched 8 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.