Why source tray mats from Canada over China?

Manufacturing tabletop disposables (coasters, doilies, tray liners, tray mats, etc.) in Canada vs. China involves a trade-off between cost, quality, lead time, and political considerations. The following provides a breakdown of the advantages of manufacturing in Canada compared to China:

Advantages of Sourcing products from Canada

1. Lower risk from Geopolitical Issues

   • Trade is generally government by the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) agreement and is less prone to renegotiations

   • More predictable business environment after Mark Carney elected

2. Shorter Lead Times & Faster Shipping

   • Proximity to North American markets reduces transit time significantly.

   • Faster turnaround on reorders and less need to carry high inventory.

3. Higher Perceived Quality & Standards

   • Canadian manufacturing often aligns with higher quality control and safety standards.

   • Easier to meet North American compliance (e.g., food safety, environmental regulations).

4. Ethical & Sustainable Manufacturing

   • Stronger labor laws and environmental regulations.

   • Appeals to consumers who value ethical sourcing and sustainability.

5. Easier Communication

   • Shared language and time zones lead to smoother collaboration and fewer misunderstandings.

   • Easier to conduct factory visits and audits if needed.

6. Branding Advantage ("Made in Canada")

   • Can justify premium pricing based on origin.

   • Less disadvantages than “Made in China”.

7. Lower Risk from Geopolitical Issues

   • Avoids tariffs, trade tensions, and political instability associated with some Chinese exports.

   • More predictable business environment.

Advantages of Sourcing Products from China (by comparison)

1. Lower Labor & Production Costs

   • China typically offers much lower manufacturing costs due to economies of scale and labor pricing.

   • Shipping costs can be high depending on volumes

2. Established Supply Chain Infrastructure

   • China has a vast network of suppliers, subcomponents, and factories, particularly for ceramics, plastics, metals, and electronics.

   • Faster and cheaper prototyping at scale.

3. High Production Capacity

   • Better suited for large-scale production runs.

   • Ability to scale quickly to meet demand.

Summary Table

It’s generally better to source parity products from Canada over China for the reasons stated above. 

Conclusion

When one considers the tremendous product advantages that Prestige Non-Slip tabletop products e.g., polystyrene is more durable, less porous than coated paper, and the comparable pricing that Prestige has to its coated paper equivalents, then it’s much better to source tabletop products including coasters, doilies, tray liners and tray mats from Canada over China.

For more information or to receive samples or quotations, please contact:

Blair Currie
VP Sales and Marketing
Prestige Non Slip Solutions
(A Kwickway Products Company)
Tel 416 529 7776
www.prestigenonslipsolutions.com