Business philosophy

Our guiding principles are particularly important for our value-based corporate strategic alignment. We updated our guiding principles in 2014. Short and sweet they highlight the most important aspects of our philosophy.

Mountaineering/ Passion

1 ORIGINS: “THE MOUNTAIN”

The exhilaration we experience on the ascent, the peace we find at the top, a farsighted view and the joy of the descent are what drive us. The mountain stands for the high, clearly defined standards of our products and experiencing nature passionately.
We accept the challenges that the mountain presents to both us as people and to our products.

“The Mountain” describes both the birthplace of our company and it’s calling. It is also our most important point of reference in everything we do. It refers both to typical mountain sports activities as well as to a symbol of our connection with nature and the high functional demands on our products. The mountain inspires our actions both in the mountains and in our everyday actions.

We – People and Nature. 

2 VALUE “WE”

Mountain. Nature. Team. Partnership. Fun. Family. We.
VAUDE stands for a partner-based dealing with nature and with people.

The value describes our central idea of how we see ourselves as a company, what kind of culture we want to realize, and how we want to treat each other. A key factor in our understanding of values is team spirit. The team spirit that is embodied in a roped team in mountain sports as well as in a partnership, in a family, in the (family-owned) company and also in harmony with nature.

Forward to nature – Optimistic, innovative, solution oriented!
3 DRIVERS “FORWARD”

Trends change as fast as the weather in the mountains. Sustainability persists.
We are on the way to becoming Europe’s most sustainable outdoor outfitter, so that the people of tomorrow can enjoy nature to the fullest. 

 
We are pioneers along this path, questioning conventions and the limits of what is possible – creating future-oriented products and solutions with sustainable innovations: forward to nature!
The “Drivers” describe how we do business and what guides us. We are open for new technologies and new types of sports. We are optimistically looking for solution-oriented opportunities to manufacture innovative, sustainable products. 

In everything we do, we take responsibility towards our fellow human beings, our environment and future generations. As a company that acts sustainably, we focus on long term/sustainable environmental, social and economic objectives.

We are aware that our business activity goes hand in hand with environmental burden. We accept this responsibility and are constantly working to keep our environmental footprint as small as possible.

To do this, we employ the best available technology (BAT) in an ecological sense. In addition, we work with passion towards innovative and sustainable solutions; we want to be the first to take this path, staying ahead of the crowd and blazing a sustainable trail for others to follow.

The strength of our brand and the value of our products is our most valuable resource. Therefore, we at VAUDE focus our guiding principles across the board – and not on short-term profit maximization.

In order to be able to continue this path freely and over a long time, we maintain our financial independence (see „Economic performance“). Therefore, it is important that we distribute our resources intelligently and that optimize what we have – rather than engage in a constant modernization process.

In addition, many issues are regulated by specific guidelines, based on our understanding of values, such as:

• Travel Policy: business travel as eco-friendly as possible – see „Business travel“.
  

• VAUDE guidelines for eco-friendly supply purchases for office, computer, tradeshows and sanitary facilities.

• Leadership at VAUDE: responsible leadership – management roles and management philosophy.

• VAUDE guidelines for film briefing (no filming from helicopters, bikers stay on paths, etc.) – see "Environmentally friendly communication".
  

• Guidelines for VAUDE drivers: Code of Ethics for drivers and thinkers.

• “Code of Conduct” of the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF), which is included in supplier agreements.

• Statement of responsible paper purchasing – see „Material consumption“.
  

• Material Policy: regulation of the use of materials in product development – see „Material policy“.