Johnny Urban

PRODUCTION LOCATIONS 

• China 

WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES 

Johnny Urban states that they maintain close and friendly relationships with their suppliers. According to the brand, they have personally inspected and selected the factories on site, and are convinced of professional working conditions. In addition, Johnny Urban states that all manufacturers are checked and evaluated every year by BSCI, among other organisations.

MATERIALS 

• Polyurethane 
• Thermoplastic Polyurethane 
• Recycled polyurethane 
• Polyester 
• Recycled polyester 

It is not always clear what the exact material composition is of Johnny Urban’s backpacks. Some models state that they are made with 18% recycled polyurethane for the outer body, and 40% recycled polyester for the interior, whilst others state that the outer materials are made from recycled polyester, but provide no further details on this. 

Other items are made with a higher percentage of recycled content. The surface of the backpacks in their ​‘Sleek Series’ is made from 52% recycled plastic, while the backing has a 40% recycled content, and the inner lining is 100% recycled. 

Items in the ​‘Edge Series’ are made from a blend of thermoplastic polyurethane and recycled polyester for a shiny finish that is also water-repellent. 

Unfortunately, despite the brand’s use of some recycled materials, they still rely heavily on virgin plastic-based synthetics. This means that their environmental impact remains high. 

PACKAGING

Johnny Urban does not disclose what packaging materials are used. 

WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS 

Johnny Urban states that they use a PFC-free coating to waterproof their backpacks. PFCs are synthetic chemicals which are potentially harmful to people and the environment. The brand does not disclose any further measures to reduce their water or chemical usage in their supply chain. 

CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN 

As Johnny Urban’s backpacks are not monomaterials, the likelihood that they can be recycled at the end of their lifespans is reduced. By using some recycled materials Johnny Urban helps to contribute to a more circular industry, and we would love to see this implemented on a larger scale. 

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS 

Johnny Urban states that if your product shows a defect after a period of 6 months, you can contact them to enquire about the possibility of a repair. This should ensure that their products are used for longer periods of time, reducing the likelihood of excess waste being generated. 

DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN 

Production locations: 

• China 

As Johnny Urban’s production all takes place in southeast China, the length of their supply chain is reduced. However, the brand’s headquarters are located in Germany, and they offer shipping throughout Europe. Johnny Urban’s transportation related emissions are therefore still likely to be high. 

TRANSPORTATION 

Johnny Urban ships their products through DHL GoGreen, helping to reduce their transportation related emissions. 

Although Johnny Urban’s backpacks are not certified vegan, they are not made from animal-derived materials. 

PRODUCT DESIGN 

Johnny Urban aims to ensure that their products are long-lasting. They therefore guarantee easy access to spare parts if something unexpectedly breaks on the product within 2 years of purchase. This helps to ensure that their products are kept out of landfills. 

The backpacks are also minimalist in design, and mostly monochrome. By not following short-lived trends, Johnny Urban helps to encourage customers to use their backpacks for longer. 

SLOW FASHION PROCESSES 

Johnny Urban does not currently have a sales section on their website. This suggests that their business model aligns with slow fashion principles, as it indicates that they have not overproduced their backpacks. 

TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT 

Whilst the product pages do not state the production country, Johnny Urban explains that all their production is based in China on their FAQ page. The brand’s transparency about their material use is also somewhat lacking. Whereas some product pages provide a more comprehensive overview of what the item is made from, others do not disclose this. This can make it difficult for consumers to understand how sustainable their specific purchase is, as they may not know what percentage of recycled material the item contains. 

TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESSES 

Johnny Urban provides limited transparency about their processes, and does not publish an annual report on the social or environmental aspects of their brand. Unfortunately this makes it difficult to verify their sustainability practices.