At YourStuffMade (YSM) Group, calling ourselves an ethical manufacturer isn’t a marketing label, it’s a responsibility we take seriously.
We believe ethics should be clear, measurable, and human, not vague promises. This document exists to answer one simple question honestly:
What does ethical manufacturing actually mean at YSM?
Our standards are built around three pillars:
- People - the humans who make everything possible.
- Planet - the environment we operate within and borrow from.
- Product - how things are made, sourced, and designed to exist responsibly.
These pillars guide our daily decisions, long‑term partnerships, and how we hold ourselves accountable.
1. PEOPLE
Ethical manufacturing starts with fair treatment, dignity, and safety
At YSM, we believe that people should be able to earn a living, rest properly, and work safely, not just survive.
Fair & Livable Wages
- Our staff earn 216% above the local minimum wage.
- This is intentional. We believe minimum wage should not be the ceiling for fair pay.
- Wages are designed to support a reasonable quality of life, not just attendance at work.
Time Off & Rest
We respect that people are not machines.
- Team members receive paid days off during important national and cultural holidays.
- Time off is encouraged, not discouraged. Rest leads to better work, better health, and long‑term sustainability.
Bonuses & Recognition
- Performance bonuses are provided to share success, not hoard it.
- When the company grows, our people grow with it.
Safe Working Conditions
- We invest in up‑to‑date equipment and tools to reduce risk and physical strain.
- Safety training and proper processes are non‑negotiable.
- A safe workplace is not a luxury, it is a basic right.
Respectful Work Environment
- We do not tolerate exploitation, intimidation, or unsafe labor practices.
- We actively work to maintain a culture of respect, communication, and accountability.
Ethical manufacturing is impossible if the people behind the product are exhausted, underpaid, or unsafe. We refuse to build success that way.
2. PLANET
We minimize harm and take responsibility for our footprint
We recognize that manufacturing has an environmental cost. Ethical manufacturing means actively reducing that cost, not ignoring it.
Responsible Shipping & Logistics
We partner with couriers that offer carbon‑offset programs or environmental initiatives, including:
- DHL GoGreen - carbon‑neutral shipping and sustainable aviation fuel initiatives.
- UPS Carbon Neutral - emissions offset programs and efficiency investments.
- FedEx Sustainability Programs - fuel efficiency, alternative energy, and emissions reduction.
- SF Express Green Logistics - eco‑friendly packaging and emissions management initiatives.
We choose partners who acknowledge their environmental impact and take steps to reduce it.
Waste Reduction & Recycling
We prioritize reuse over disposal whenever possible.
Metal Products
- Discarded, returned, or damaged metal products are collected and melted down.
- The reclaimed metal is reused in new production cycles.
- This reduces the need for virgin material extraction and minimizes waste sent to landfills.
Fabric & Textile Products
- Leftover trims and excess fabric are repurposed into smaller products such as headbands and accessories.
- Existing materials are prioritized.
Conscious Material Sourcing
- If a client requests a specific fabric composition that does not currently exist in our supply chain, we do not default to creating new fabric. Instead, we propose existing materials already available from suppliers that meet the functional and aesthetic needs.
This approach reduces:
- Water usage
- Chemical processing
- Energy consumption
- Excess textile waste
Ethical manufacturing means knowing when not to produce something new.
3. PRODUCT
Thoughtful design, responsible production, and longevity
We believe ethical products are made with intention, not urgency.
Purpose‑Driven Production
- We do not mass‑produce for the sake of volume.
- Every product is created with a clear use case, timeline, and audience.
Design With Constraints
- Ethical production respects technical limits, material efficiency, and durability.
- We guide clients toward designs that are manufacturable, long‑lasting, and realistic, rather than wasteful or impractical.
Quality Over Excess
- Better quality reduces returns, waste, and unnecessary re‑manufacturing.
- A product that lasts longer is more ethical than one that needs constant replacement.
OUR COMMITMENT
Ethical manufacturing is not a finish line, it’s an ongoing practice.
At YSM, we commit to:
- Regularly reviewing and improving our standards.
- Choosing progress over perfection.
We believe that ethics should be felt by our team, our partners, and our customers.
This is what ethical manufacturing means to us.
- YSM Group