As a sustainable and innovative outdoor brand, VAUDE is contributing to making the world a better place so that the people of tomorrow can enjoy nature with a clean conscience. The family-owned business is committed to high ecological and social standards along the global supply chain. The environmental management system at VAUDE has been EMAS-certified in accordance with EU guidelines since 2008.
Easy Engineering: A brief description of the company and its activities.
VAUDE: The company headquarters in Tettnang and all products manufactured there have been climate neutral since 2012. Since 2022, VAUDE has been climate neutral with all products manufactured worldwide. The percentage of the VAUDE Green Shape products that are made in an environmentally friendly, resource-saving and fair manner is constantly growing. Since the introduction of the state sponsored textile seal Grüner Knopf (Green Button) in 2019, a large percentage of VAUDE’s product range has qualified for the insignia. The Grüner Knopf identifies socially and ecologically produced textiles. VAUDE is committed to fair working conditions around the world, including as a member of the independent Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) where VAUDE has achieved the Leader status for its high level of commitment to social and environmental issues.
As an employer, the company supports its employees in balancing their work and family/private lives. For example, VAUDE offers in-house childcare in cooperation with the city of Tettnang, flexible working hours, part-time solutions and home office facilities. As a result, the proportion of women in management positions is high at over 40 percent.
E.E: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
VAUDE: VAUDE makes functional and innovative products for mountain and biking sports activities. As a sustainable and innovative outdoor outfitter, VAUDE is contributing to making the world a better place so that the people of tomorrow can enjoy nature with a clean conscience. In doing so, the family-owned company sets ecological and social standards worldwide. VAUDE (pronounced [fau’de]) stands for environmentally-friendly products made from fair manufacturing. At the company headquarters near the southern German town of Tettnang, the company employs approximately 550 people.
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
VAUDE: VAUDE Brand Divisions:
- Outdoor Sports: Functional Apparel, Shoes, Backpacks, Tents, Sleeping Bags, Children’s Clothing, Children’s Gear, Accessories
- Bike Sports: Bike Apparel, Bike Shoes, Backpacks, Bike Bags, Accessories, Bike Apparel and Backpacks for Children
- Packs ‘n Bags: Bags, Backpacks, Travel Bags, Children’s Backpacks and Bags
At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
VAUDE has been growing at an above-average rate for years in the highly competitive outdoor market.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2022?
VAUDE: CO2 emissions must be reduced quickly and drastically, otherwise we will lose our chance to achieve the 1.5 target – with dramatic consequences for humanity and for future generations. This is the alarming conclusion of scientists in the recently published IPCC report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. “This is an urgent wake-up call. We must take action – for our climate, for our future, for our children! Climate protection must be given the highest priority to keep our planet healthy!” appealed Antje von Dewitz, VAUDE Managing Director. The outdoor company has been actively committed to climate protection for years – the company headquarters in Tettnang has already been climate neutral since 2012. Now VAUDE has set everything in motion to reach another major milestone. Since January 1, 2022, VAUDE has been climate neutral with all products manufactured worldwide!