Finding the right manufacturer is one of the most critical steps for purpose-driven founders looking to build sustainable businesses. Whether you’re creating eco-friendly products or upholding high ethical standards, your choice of supplier can make or break your brand.

Natalie Binns, a seasoned senior buyer and trusted advisor to sustainable startups, offers one powerful piece of advice: just ask. Asking thoughtful, direct questions is the most effective way to gauge whether a manufacturer aligns with your business values.

Here’s how to approach this essential process and ensure your manufacturing partnerships reflect your brand’s ethos.

1. Identify the Right Fit

Your manufacturer isn’t just a supplier; they’re an extension of your brand. Choosing the right partner starts with understanding your own needs.

- Know Your Market Gap: Before vetting manufacturers, ensure you’ve identified a real market need. Does your product solve a pressing problem? Is it truly innovative or filling a meaningful niche?

- Align on Values: Share an overview of your brand’s ethics and sustainability commitments upfront to set expectations.

Pro Tip: Create a checklist of what you’re looking for in a manufacturing partner, including certifications, production capabilities, and values alignment.

2. Ask the Right Questions

There are no silly questions when vetting manufacturers—your job is to gather as much clarity as possible.

Questions to Ask:

- Workforce: How many workers do you employ? Where are they based?

- Conditions: How often do staff work? Are they paid overtime?

- Benefits: Do workers receive holidays, private healthcare, or paid sick leave?

- Certifications: Do you hold certifications like GOTS, Fair Trade, or SA8000?

- Transparency: Where are your materials sourced, and who are your suppliers?

Pro Tip: Suppliers may give vague answers due to language barriers or a lack of understanding of your priorities. Be patient and reframe your questions to get the clarity you need.

3. Share Your Values Upfront

Providing an overview of your own business values can set the tone for your relationship with a manufacturer.

- Explain Your Standards: Share your sustainability goals, ethical commitments, and quality expectations.

- Encourage Transparency: Kindly ask them to share how their practices align with your values.

This two-way exchange builds trust and ensures both parties are on the same page.

4. Use Certifications as a Baseline

Certifications provide a reliable starting point for evaluating a supplier’s claims. Look for the following:

- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): Ensures organic fibre production and ethical labour practices.

- GRS (Global Recycled Standard): Validates recycled material content and social compliance.

- Fair Trade Certification: Indicates workers are paid fair wages under safe conditions.

Pro Tip: Even with certifications, it’s essential to ask for documentation and follow up with audits if needed.

5. Build Strong Communication

Treat your manufacturer as part of your team, maintaining regular and transparent communication.

- Set Expectations Early: Establish timelines, budgets, and production standards in detail.

- Schedule Regular Check-ins: Weekly updates can help identify potential delays or issues before they become major problems.

Pro Tip: Clear communication prevents surprises and builds trust over time.

6. Be Persistent but Respectful

Sometimes suppliers provide unclear or vague answers. This isn’t always a red flag—it may simply reflect a lack of familiarity with your requirements or a language barrier.

- Rephrase and Simplify: Use straightforward language to clarify your queries.

- Be Patient: Building trust takes time, especially when working across cultural and geographical boundaries.

Why It Matters

The future of manufacturing lies in transparency and sustainability. As Natalie puts it, “In the future, sustainability will be standard.” By carefully choosing ethical manufacturing partners, you’re not just meeting customer expectations—you’re setting the tone for a more responsible industry.

Key Takeaways for Founders

1. Ask Questions: Don’t shy away from inquiring about workers, practices, and certifications.

2. Share Your Values: Communicate your brand’s mission and expectations upfront.

3. Build Trust: Strong relationships with manufacturers are built on regular communication and transparency.

4. Use Tools and Resources: Platforms like [Common Objective](https://www.commonobjective.co/) and [Open Supply Hub](https://opensupplyhub.org/) can help you identify ethical suppliers and verify their claims.

5. Stay Persistent: Language barriers or vague responses shouldn’t deter you—keep asking until you’re satisfied with the answers.

Conclusion

Choosing the right manufacturer is about more than finding someone to produce your product—it’s about aligning with a partner who shares your values and supports your mission. By asking thoughtful questions, maintaining open communication, and leveraging certifications and resources, you can build a supply chain that reflects your commitment to sustainability and ethics.

Remember, every question you ask brings you closer to building a business that inspires trust and drives meaningful change. Are you ready to start the conversation with your next manufacturing partner?

“In the future sustainability will be standard”

Are you a founder interested in developing your skills to help
grow your business? The doors are open for our waiting list on our Venture Lab

Leadership Development
Be the leader your team needs. Gain the confidence, soft skills, and problem-solving focus needed to help your business thrive.
Access to Experts
Learn from and connect with impact-driven industry experts who have successfully overcome the challenges you're facing. 
Workshops
Learn specific ways in which you can mitigate risk within your business and turn insight into action. 
Networking
Develop socially and emotionally with a community of other founders who are going through this difficult journey alongside you.