Umbro

How ethical and sustainable is Umbro? 

Umbro has been researched and rated by The Good Shopping Guide. Our research team has investigated the ethics, sustainability and CSR policies and practices of Umbro, in relation to 15 criteria, assessing the impact and consideration of the Environment, Animals and People. Unfortunately, after this evaluation, Umbro cannot be considered an above-benchmark brand on our Shoes & Trainers: Ethical Comparison Ratings Table. Umbro is therefore not eligible for Ethical Accreditation, however, we encourage all brands to apply and receive tailored advice from The Good Shopping Guide on how to improve its Ethical Rating and position on the Shoes & Trainers: Ethical Comparison Ratings Table.

About Umbro

Umbro is an English sporting equipment manufacturer with headquarters in Manchester that was established in Wilmslow, Cheshire, in 1924. It specialises in clothing with its Double Diamond emblem that features football and rugby. More than 100 nations promote Umbro goods.

Harold and Wallace Humphreys, brothers, founded the company. The name is a combination of the words “um” and “bro” from the brothers’ film Brothers.

The brand has been a division of the American brand management firm Iconix Brand Group since 2012.

Humphreys Brothers Limited was established in 1924 by Harold Humphreys and his brother Wallace. The company began operations there in 1920, operating out of a small cupboard before transferring to a workshop in Wilmslow, motivated by the nation’s rapidly expanding interest in football.

Nike revealed in October 2012 that it had reached a deal to sell Umbro to Iconix Brand Group for US$225 million. The purchase was finished in December 2012.

Is Umbro’s Environmental Report satisfactory?

Sadly, our research team could not find evidence of any Sustainability or Environmental Report from either Umbro or its parent company Iconix Brand Group. For a large company, this is very disappointing and should be rectified immediately. Additionally, none of Umbro’s products is made with Sustainable Materials.

Are Umbro shoes and trainers Vegan?

Umbro shoes and trainers are made with kangaroo leather and are not labelled as Vegan.

Iconix Brand Group and tax fraud

Another criticism of Umbro and its parent company, Iconix Brand Group, is that of recent tax fraud. Iconix Brand Group Inc., a brand management company, and three of its former top executives were accused of fraud on December 5 by the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission. Iconix consented to a $5.5 million fine and injunctive relief.

How can Umbro improve its Ethical Rating?

It’s overall a pretty poor score for Umbro, but we encourage this brand to keep improving its ethics, sustainability and CSR policies, according to our advice if this brand were to apply for Ethical Accreditation. Umbro should particularly focus on its poor Environmental Reporting, and consider the impact of the materials it currently uses in its shoes and trainers production.

If your shoes and trainers brand values ethics and sustainability, why not check out The Good Shopping Guide‘s Ethical Accreditation? Increase customer and investor confidence and stand out from the greenwash.