Gola qZERO®
Sustainability Score
Gola is a quintessentially British brand founded by D. Jacobson & Sons Limited that resonates with the spirit of individuality and creativity. Established in 1905, Gola has evolved from its roots in sportswear to become a symbol of timeless style and quality. With a rich heritage, it seamlessly blends classic designs with a contemporary touch, appealing to the modern consumer. Each collection is thoughtfully crafted, combining durability with an aesthetic that never goes out of fashion. Gola celebrates a legacy of authentic British craftsmanship, making it a beloved choice for those who appreciate iconic, versatile footwear and accessories.
Gola business sustainability position is in line with average compared to other companies in the Clothing, Shoes & Accessories.
Gola positioning within the Clothing, Shoes & Accessories
The apparel, accessories, and footwear industry faces deep-rooted sustainability challenges. From energy-intensive production to water overuse, the environmental toll is significant. Social concerns are equally pressing—ensuring fair pay, safe conditions, and respect for workers’ rights across global supply chains remains critical. Governance across the industry still struggles with limited transparency, inconsistent reporting, and ethical oversights, leaving shoppers with little clarity on the real-world impact of the products they buy.
As part of D. JACOBSON & SONS LIMITED, Gola addresses these challenges step-by-step. While the brand is still progressing in lowering its environmental impact, its growing focus on responsible material sourcing and packaging reduction marks a positive shift. Socially, Gola shows encouraging alignment with fair labour expectations through its supplier code of conduct. Governance-wise, the brand lays the foundations for greater supply chain insight and accountability, which are crucial steps towards more open and trustworthy business practices.
Gola delivers footwear and accessories that blend iconic British heritage with contemporary design. Best known for its retro trainers, lifestyle sneakers, and sport-inspired collections, Gola offers styles for men, women, and children. With a focus on comfort, versatility, and bold expression, each product is crafted to be worn daily and loved for years. Whether for the high street or the school run, Gola’s collections are rooted in timeless style and everyday wearability.
Gola recognises that choosing better shouldn't come at a premium. By using a mix of responsibly sourced materials and lower-impact production methods, the brand is making progress without passing the cost onto the shopper. Its commitment includes vegan-certified collections, minimised packaging, and reduced plastic use—while keeping price points accessible. Gola is working towards improvements that are realistic and transparent, ensuring consumers can make more informed choices without compromising on budget, comfort or style.
Under D. JACOBSON & SONS LIMITED, Gola is shaping its sustainability path with a focus on real-world social impact and transparent governance. Through product collaborations that spotlight essential community causes, such as partnerships supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion and mental health awareness, the brand uses its platform to contribute meaningfully beyond the product. On the governance front, Gola has introduced a Supplier Code of Conduct and continues to build stronger oversight across its supply chain, reinforcing its commitment to fair and ethical business practices.
While environmental improvements are still underway, Gola is taking encouraging steps. This includes expanding its vegan-certified range, using less single-use plastic, and reducing packaging waste. These actions are early markers of a brand that’s listening, learning, and making conscious decisions. By aligning its progress with its storied heritage, Gola offers consumers the chance to choose style with substance, without overstating its claims or making promises it can’t yet prove.
D. JACOBSON & SONS LIMITED, the company behind Gola, is steadily building its response to environmental challenges, with a clear awareness of climate-related risks and responsibilities. The brand is taking early steps to reduce its environmental impact, though there remains room for deeper action, especially in tracking and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, Gola does not publish detailed emissions data, which limits its complete visibility in terms of its environmental footprint.
However, its direction signals intent. Gola has introduced more sustainable packaging, reduced single-use plastics, and developed vegan product ranges—all contributing to lower-impact choices. To match its social and ethical ambitions, the next step for Gola lies in setting measurable climate goals and investing in systems that track real progress. Gola can turn intention into long-term impact with greater transparency and accountability, supporting shoppers who value honesty, care, and progress over perfection.
Gola, part of D. JACOBSON & SONS LIMITED, emphasises people—both within its organisation and across the communities it touches. The brand’s recognition for diversity and inclusion reflects a commitment to building a culture where varied voices are valued. This is not just a workplace priority; it’s woven into Gola’s campaigns, collaborations, and partnerships that support underrepresented groups and meaningful causes.
While its internal culture is a strength, there is room to grow in how the brand works with its suppliers. Strengthening supplier engagement—particularly around fair labour standards and shared ethical commitments—can help build a supply chain that reflects Gola’s values. Greater transparency and collaboration will support more resilient operations and give consumers confidence that the positive impact extends beyond the label. With the right focus, Gola can shape a socially responsible path that’s as inclusive as it is enduring.
Governance at D. JACOBSON & SONS LIMITED, the parent company of Gola, presents a picture of transparency and potential. One of its most commendable strengths is business transparency—sharing clear information about its operations, commitments, and ethical policies. This openness lays an important foundation for building trust with consumers, partners, and the wider public.
The company also demonstrates solid corporate compliance, taking legal and regulatory responsibilities seriously. However, to ensure long-term impact and adaptability, Gola would benefit from strengthening its approach to business resilience and integrating sustainability more deeply into governance systems. As environmental and social challenges evolve, so must the structures that support responsible decision-making. By reinforcing these areas, Gola can build a more robust framework that keeps its promises on purpose and accountability as strong as its legacy in design.
Gola’s unique selling point lies in its ability to fuse over a century of heritage with relevant, fashion-led design. The brand is loved for its iconic retro styles that feel nostalgic and fresh, appealing to those who value timeless aesthetics with a modern edge. What sets Gola apart is its balance, offering distinctive, well-made footwear that’s accessible, expressive, and increasingly responsible. With select ranges now vegan-certified and ongoing efforts to lower its environmental impact, Gola is a brand that blends authenticity with action, giving consumers a style choice that doesn't ask them to compromise on their values.
Gola, part of D. JACOBSON & SONS LIMITED, is a heritage brand focusing on the future. While it continues to build stronger environmental strategies, its social impact and ethical business conduct efforts already set a meaningful tone. Gola is open about its sustainability journey—making progress in packaging, materials, and inclusive partnerships—without pretending to have all the answers. For consumers looking for style with integrity, Gola offers a grounded, transparent approach that evolves with each collection.
Every conscious decision matters. By choosing brands that prioritise progress over perfection, you’re helping shape a more sustainable world—one step at a time.
Gola, part of D. JACOBSON & SONS LIMITED, continues to grow its commitment to responsible sourcing, ethical production, and sustainability standards. Explore the verified certifications and initiatives below:
Gola’s vegan range is officially registered by The Vegan Society, ensuring that these products are free from animal-derived ingredients and meet rigorous vegan certification criteria. This provides assurance for consumers seeking genuine plant-based alternatives.
95% of the leather used in Gola products is sourced from tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group (LWG). This certification promotes best practices in responsible leather manufacturing, focusing on environmental stewardship and reduced chemical use.
Gola’s printed marketing materials and wooden point-of-sale displays are sourced from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified suppliers. This supports responsible forest management and helps protect ecosystems for future generations.
Additional sourcing from Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) suppliers ensures Gola’s wooden display materials are sourced through sustainable and responsibly managed forests worldwide.
Gola’s supplier base undergoes Sedex audits, ensuring ethical trade standards are upheld, with a strong focus on workers’ rights, health and safety, and responsible environmental practices across the supply chain.
Selected Gola footwear styles incorporate recycled polyester and polyurethane (PU), offering designs that reduce reliance on virgin resources and contribute to more circular material usage.
Gola’s packaging has been redesigned to be 100% free from plastic, using recycled cardboard shoe boxes and biodegradable alternatives for product protection and shipping materials.
Gola is continually enhancing its sustainability efforts. Consumers are encouraged to visit Gola’s official Sustainability Page for the most current information and detailed sustainability reports to check the latest updates and certifications.
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