Sustainability at Troubadour
We aim to make the world better because of what we do at Troubadour. So we’re committed to making great products with the least possible impact on our planet. And we’re proud to be part of the B Corp movement – a group of certified companies using business to help solve social and environmental problems.
Minimising our environmental impact
We make products that last, and we repair them when things break. Wherever we can, we use materials that are made from recycled materials and are recyclable.
We reduce our carbon emissions as much as we can through efficient production and shipping via local warehouses. And we offset 100% of carbon emissions from our shipping.
Going above and beyond
Since the beginning we've been doing what's best for the planet instead of what's easy. We're proud to be making high-performance gear out of 88% recycled materials (and counting), while others only use up to 20%. To us, sustainability means putting extra effort into developing better manufacturing, even if it's only a subtle change in the final product. We strive to help pioneer the cutting edge of sustainable production, from fluorocarbon waterproofing, to DriTan water-free leather tanning.
Certified B Corporation
We’re proud to be part of the B Corp movement and aim to use business as a force for good. B Corps are businesses that meet the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
Ethically made
100% of our suppliers have signed the Troubadour code of conduct. You can read the Troubadour code of conduct here.
We first crossed paths working in London, and became friends over a shared love of endurance sports, from marathons in Paris to triathlons in Brazil and the Otillo swim-run race in Sweden. Just one thing spoiled these adventures: our clunky, uncomfortable bags were a nightmare to lug around. They were heavy, awkward, and frankly, a bit ugly.
The Planet
Using recycled materials
Almost 95% of our products by volume are made from recycled materials. Our fabrics, for example, are made from recycled water bottles (we turn 44 water bottles into one bag).
Carbon emissions
We offset 100% of the carbon emissions from our shipping. And our London store and office are powered by 100% renewable energy.
Repair and donate
We offer free repairs for five years after your purchase, and for a nominal fee anytime after that, for life. To keep bags out of landfill, when a bag reaches the end of its life we buy it back. We sell, donate or recycle the bags we get back.
Packaging
85% of our packaging is made from recycled materials, and 100% of our packaging is recyclable and compostable.
Our People
“When we were just getting started, there were a few key people working in family businesses who were incredibly patient and helpful. We decided on the name "Troubadour" because we wanted to tell their stories and be a company empowering individuals.”
Samuel Bail, Co-founder
Employee wellbeing and development
We’re committed to fair pay, wellbeing and career development for all our people:
Allowances for fitness and health.
Nurture knowledge, growth and career development.
100% of employees are paid more than the London living wage.
50% of our leadership team are women.
We are an equal opportunity employer and we seek to have a diverse and talented team. We recognise systemic inequities in our society and don’t disqualify job candidates based on criminal records or formal education levels.
“Troubadour has a wonderfully open, honest and respectful culture, which provides amazing support for personal growth and development. I’ve never worked for a brand where I can drop off and pick up my children from school. A flexibility I value so much and means a lot to me.”
Samantha, Creative Director
Ethical supply chain
100% of our suppliers have signed the Troubadour code of conduct. You can read the Troubadour code of conduct here.
“The Troubadour team is such a creative, positive and forward thinking environment, which has helped me grow both professionally and personally. Opportunities to learn and develop in areas of the business that interest me, have made me feel supported and valued. Promotion of a healthy work / life balance and and sharing of personal experiences is something I have never experienced in retail. A breath of fresh air to the industry”
Ryan, Director of Retail and Business Development