At Nada, we believe that business decisions should align with values, not just profit margins. That’s why we made the decision to move our manufacturing from China to Canada—a change that wasn’t easy, slowed down our supply chain, and increased costs. But when it came down to transparency, sustainability, and doing what felt right, there wasn’t another option.

Here’s why we made the move, what it cost us, and why we wouldn’t change a thing.

The Easy Route Wasn’t the Right One

When we first launched Nada, manufacturing in China seemed like the only option. It was cost-effective, efficient, and—let’s be honest—what most brands do. But as our company grew, so did our awareness of the challenges that come with overseas production.

We value transparency. We want to know exactly where our materials come from, how they’re handled, and that ethical practices are in place. But with overseas manufacturing, it was nearly impossible to get the full picture. We had less control, longer lead times, and a growing feeling that we weren’t operating in full alignment with our mission.

Another factor we struggled with manufacturing in China was the environmental cost of shipping our products across the globe. While toothbrushes aren’t very large or very heavy, it still makes more sense to make what we sell locally.

It was time for a change.

The Challenges of Moving Manufacturing to Canada

Relocating manufacturing is not as simple as finding a new supplier and calling it a day. The shift from China to Canada came with serious challenges:

• Higher costs: Manufacturing in Canada is more expensive than in China. Labour costs, production expenses, and materials all added up.

• Slower supply chain: Overseas suppliers are often set up for large-scale production, but with local manufacturing, we had to adjust to longer lead times and smaller batches.

• New relationships: We had to start from scratch—building relationships with Canadian suppliers, testing materials, and ensuring quality control.

It wasn’t easy. But we knew that short-term challenges would lead to long-term benefits.

Why It Was Worth It

Despite the hurdles, moving our manufacturing to Canada was one of the best decisions we’ve made. Here’s why:

• More transparency: We now have a direct line of sight into every step of the production process. No more guessing—just full confidence in our materials and methods.

• Better sustainability: Local production means lower transportation emissions and a reduced carbon footprint.

• Ethical practices: While our manufacturers in China were vetted and used ethical business practices, we are now guaranteed to work with partners who share our values, ensuring fair wages and supporting the local economy.

For us, it’s not just about making a great product—it’s about making it the right way.

A Move That Aligns With Our Values

At the end of the day, we believe that how a product is made is just as important as the product itself. Moving our manufacturing from China to Canada wasn’t the easiest or the cheapest choice, but it was the right one.

And when it comes to standing by our values—transparency, sustainability, and integrity—we’ll take the harder road every time.

We believe that how a product is made matters just as much as the product itself. If you value transparency, sustainability, and ethical production, join us in making more intentional choices. 

Ready to be part of a movement that prioritizes people and the planet over shortcuts? Learn more about Nada toothbrush by clicking here.