Responsible Manufacturing at Knirps

At Knirps, we have long been conscious of the environmental and social consequences of our business activities. As a global brand, we fully embrace our global responsibility.

Our company mandates that all product decisions be made not only on the basis of price and quality, but also with regard to whether products can be produced in manner which has minimal impact upon the environment, with fair compensation and working conditions provided to all involved in the production process.

If the result is that our products end up being a few dollars more than some of our competitors, we trust that conscientious consumers will consider it well worthwhile. All our factories are contractually obligated at all times to follow Knirps’ strict standards:

• Use only those materials and product components that meet modern environmental protection requirements.
• Full compliance with our strict guidelines for recycling and waste management.
• Demonstrate a firm commitment to human rights and fair wages for all workers, according to principles of the International Labor Organization.

These obligations are strictly enforced by unannounced auditing visits to our production facilities.

Furthermore, we design our umbrellas to remain “in service” for many years, long after products of lesser quality have failed and been delegated to landfill. The fundamental quality and durability of our products is perhaps our signature contribution to sustainability.

--Knut Schröder
Development Manager
Knirps Licensing Corporation