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Barbour, a committed brand
Founded in 1894, Barbour is a British family-run business renowned for the quality, durability and integrity of its products. For over a century, the brand has built its identity around strong values, which are now fully integrated into an ambitious sustainability strategy.
Sustainability is indeed one of the brand’s core values. It guides all decision-making and is expressed through nine key commitments covering environmental, social and economic dimensions, organised around three main pillars: products, people and partnerships, and responsible governance:· Responsible corporate governance, based on integrity, a proactive approach to sustainable performance and a firm stance against corruption.
· Protection of life, including biodiversity, wildlife, ecosystems and agricultural systems.
· Climate and carbon, with actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
· Circularity and resource management, aimed at reducing waste and optimising the use of materials.
· Responsible water management, to improve efficiency and quality.
· Reducing the impacts of chemicals and pollution.
· Respect for well-being, safety and human rights.
· The promotion of diversity, equity and inclusion.
· Support for thriving communities, in collaboration with local stakeholders.
Products and resource management
Barbour is developing initiatives aimed at extending the lifespan of its products through the Wax for Life programme, which offers repair, cleaning and recycling services for garments. The company monitors the number of items processed through these services, with a target of a 3% annual increase. It is also seeking to increase the proportion of more sustainable materials such as Better Cotton, organic or recycled fibres, and certified leathers. The aim is to achieve 75% of these materials in its collections by 2032. Finally, the company is working to reduce the environmental impact of its packaging, with the ambition of using 95% recycled content and making 100% of its packaging recyclable.
A strong commitment to people and partnerships
The brand is rolling out a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion plan to enhance diversity and raise awareness of inclusion issues within the organisation, with the aim of increasing employee engagement from 63% to 80%. Barbour is also investing in the wellbeing of its staff, with programmes dedicated to health, safety and professional development. In particular, the company is aiming to achieve the Gold Better Health at Work Award. Finally, it is developing strategic partnerships that generate tangible social and environmental benefits, such as the partnership with SmartWorks, which supports the professional integration of women in vulnerable situations and promotes social inclusion.
A responsible transformation
Sustainability is embedded in all of the company’s practices. The brand’s aim is to measure this alignment through internal surveys, leadership behaviour and cultural audits. On the environmental front, Barbour aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions linked to its operations and energy consumption by 60%, and indirect emissions linked to its value chain (suppliers, transport, product use and end-of-life) by 30% by 2032, with a target of carbon neutrality by 2050. Supply chain transparency is also being strengthened through regular social audits and improved traceability, with 100% of direct partners and key suppliers in its supply chain audited every two years.
Strong and committed governance
Barbour’s sustainability strategy is overseen by the management team. This governance ensures that actions are consistent and aligned with the company’s overall objectives. This overarching strategy is reflected in Barbour’s day-to-day operations: garments that can be repaired or recycled through “Wax for Life”, increasingly sustainable materials, employees trained in social and environmental issues, and partners who are regularly audited to ensure compliance with human rights and environmental standards. Barbour has a clear ambition: to reconcile tradition, quality and responsibility. Through concrete actions and committed governance, the brand is gradually building a more sustainable model, in step with current environmental and social challenges.
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