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Complex supply chain
Production primarily in the Far East
VAUDE develops, manufactures and sells outdoor equipment such as performance apparel, backpacks and bags, shoes, sleeping bags, tents and camping accessories.
The basic sequences in the supply chain are the production of raw materials by primary producers, which are then used to manufacture the various materials. These materials are then processed into various products.
Production by external contractors
In 2013, about 5 percent of our sewn products were manufactured in Obereisenbach (measured in total spending for our products) with carbon neutral manufacturing at the company headquarters. The majority of our articles were produced by external contractors and sold by VAUDE. For this, all products for the European market arrive first at our warehouse in Obereisenbach.
From there, the products are delivered to retailers and ultimately bought by end customers. This is achieved primarily through independent outdoor retailers. There are, however, a total of eleven VAUDE stores in Germany that are operated by a franchise partner in collaboration with VAUDE Franchise GmbH. All deliveries are carried out by external contractors - see "Transport".
VAUDE’s supply chain and value chain
VAUDE uses a wide variety of materials for its products, which leads to a very complex supply chain. The path from raw materials to process-ready materials alone goes through numerous processes.
The flow of fabric production
This procedure (for example for material production) is as follows: Raw material production - the production of fibers / plastics, also in granules - possibly a chemical treatment - yarn - weaving / knitting / knitting - dyeing / any treatment including coating & laminating - finishing.
In general, the textile and clothing industry is very labor intensive. In the outdoor industry, highly sophisticated and complex products are, as a rule, manufactured, requiring qualified personnel and modern machinery.
Number and location of suppliers
We at VAUDE traditionally cultivate business partnerships and always work directly with all producers. Most of our 49 producers are located in China and Vietnam.
Close work with producers
From our products, we require durability, high functionality and quality, and that they are made from materials that are as sustainable as possible. That is why we work closely with our producers and concern ourselves with the selection of material suppliers as well.
Overall, VAUDE has nominated about 150 material suppliers who provide our producers with the various "basic ingredients" such as fabric, buttons, rivets, buckles, as well as packaging material, labels and product features.
Most material suppliers are based in Asia, especially in Taiwan, China and Korea. But we also have material suppliers from Europe, for example from Germany, Italy and Switzerland as well as from the USA. For the on-site production in Obereisenbach we have around 50 suppliers. Most have their headquarters in Germany as well.
Review by regular random sampling
Our foreign producers sometime depend on local suppliers. The exact number of local suppliers cannot be calculated. However, all of our suppliers have agreed to comply with our quality standards and emission limits.
This is confirmed with a signature on our "Restricted Substances List" (RSL). The producers are thus obliged to meet our stringent requirements, even in the self-selection of material suppliers. This is checked by periodic random sampling of products.
Work is already underway on developing a broader collection of information on all material suppliers and also on our producers with respect to harmful substance issues. - see "Management of harmful substances".
In the medium term, figures should be available
VAUDE is working hard to replace the number of local material suppliers from season to season with nominated suppliers; ultimately, we want to completely avoid using local material suppliers that have not been nominated by VAUDE. Figures cannot be determined at the moment, but this is to be implemented in the medium term. Only then can concrete target values be set.
Partner
Brand alliance
