Supplier Principles
For future and current merchandise partners. Every product that carries the Thomas Dambo name is an extension of the universe, and every partner is held to the same standard.
We don't make merchandise. We build a movement through products.
We prioritize reuse over perfection.
This sentence sits above every decision we make. If a product, a material, or a partnership doesn't honour it, we walk away.
How we choose what to make
The floor, in practice
Beyond the eight principles, every product carrying the Thomas Dambo name must meet these concrete standards.
What we say yes and no to
Every proposal ends in a yes or a no. The criteria are simple.
- A strong, on-brand product
- Minimum 30–50% recycled content, documented
- Ethical production, transparent supply chain
- Quality that fits the Thomas Dambo universe
- No recycled content
- Off-brand product or design
- Unacceptable working conditions
- Undocumented materials or supply chain
Start with an intro
If you think there's a fit, start with a short introduction email. Tell us who you are, what you make, and why you believe your product or capability belongs in the Thomas Dambo universe.
All proposals go to morten@thomasdambo.com. If we see a fit, the conversation moves through these steps.
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01Intro emailA short introduction: who you are, what you make, and why you think you fit.
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02First conversationIf we see a fit, we come back to talk. Product idea, materials approach, and where you sit in the supply chain.
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03Samples & documentationWe ask for product samples and material documentation. Recycled content, sourcing, chemistry, country of manufacture.
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04Scope & alignmentWe align on product scope, minimums, lead times, quality standards and commercial terms.
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05PartnershipAgreement in place, first product into production. Strong proposals typically move quickly.
Non-negotiable regulatory floor
- CPSC eFiling (US). Regulatory filing responsibility for imports into the United States rests with the importer or licensee, not with Thomas Dambo Art ApS. Partners are expected to have their own compliance process in place.
- Children's products & toys. Any product that could be classified as a children's product or toy under US or EU rules requires prior written approval from Thomas Dambo Art. Absent that approval, we do not produce it.
- Chemical & material safety. Compositions, inks, dyes and coatings must comply with market-relevant regulations (REACH in the EU, CPSIA in the US where applicable).
- Documentation on request. Partners must be able to produce compliance documentation on request. If it can't be produced, the product is off the table.
This is not about making merchandise. It's about building a movement through products.