Our contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals

1. How do we perceive our responsibility in Germany and on a global level?

As an employer, we are responsible for providing our employees with a fair living wage.
In the supply chain we are working with independent companies, which means that our influence on fair wages is lower here. Nevertheless, we see it as our job to support our producers and material suppliers, working closely together with them to establish a living wage.

2. How are we contributing?

In our company

• The VAUDE wage system provides the basis for fair remuneration. Almost 90% of our employees have employment contracts for an indefinite duration. More at: Our employees
  
• At the moment, we are exploring how we can help support the socially disadvantaged. Against the backdrop of rising rental rates, one issue is how to balance opportunities for creating affordable housing.
  

In our supply chain

• Social responsibility is also very important to us in our supply chain. As a member of the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF), VAUDE commits itself to establishing a living wage in its production facilities over the longterm. More at: Fair wages and Social responsibility in the supply chain

1. How do we perceive our responsibility in German and on a global level?

Healthy work also includes good nutrition. We believe that it is important to provide our employees with access to nutritious meals for a well-balanced, sustainable lifestyle and to support organic farming. At the same time, we acknowledge that it’s our responsibility to support organic agriculture and the use of natural resources in the selection of our materials.

2. How are we contributing? 

 
In our company

• We are raising the awareness of our employees by offering 100% organic products in our canteen, providing incentives for sports and on-going training in the VAUDE Academy for a well-balanced, sustainable lifestyle. At the same time, we support decentralized agriculture and sustainable farming methods with our canteen purchasing. More at: Health management is a matter of course, Future oriented working environment and Training and professional development for all employees
  

In our supply chain

• We support sustainable farming methods in our supply chain with our Green Shape Criteria and Material Policy. More at: VAUDE Green Shape and Respect for people and nature 
  
• We are actively engaged for fair social standards in the supply chain. As a member of the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF), VAUDE commits itself to establishing a living wage in its production facilities over the long term. A living wage forms the foundation for access to healthy nutrition. More at: A living wage and Social responsibility in the supply chain
  

In our society

• We have implemented a comprehensive Biodiversity Concept at our company headquarters to protect the biodiversity of our region. More at: Pioneer in the Biodiversity Check
  

1. How do we perceive our responsibility in Germany and on a global level?

As an employer we see ourselves as responsible for creating healthy, trust-based working conditions in which our employees feel well.

In our supply chain, we require that globally secure working conditions and health protection is established at our production facilities, monitored and continually improved. The next step is expanding this to our material suppliers. By closely examining the national health goals in our countries of production, we would like to align our future collaboration even more specifically.

For us, contributing to a sustainable, healthy living environment by engaging in environmentally friendly business is a given.

2. How are we contributing?

In our company

• At our company headquarters in Obereisenbach, we provide support with a comprehensive Health Management System with approx. 8-10 sports courses per week, our organic canteen, ergonomic office furnishings and presentations for an independent, healthy lifestyle of our employees. More at: Health promotion is a matter of course
  
• Workplace safety is important to us. We focus on prevention and in 2016 we offered training on workplace safety at our Academy. More at: Safety first!
  
• Our working relationships are based on a culture of trust and value as the foundation for employee satisfaction. More at: Culture of trust and Satisfied employees are committed and motivated
  

In our supply chain

• Our production facilities must provide their employees with a safe and hygienic working environment. In addition, they are required to strive for the best solutions regarding worker safety and occupational health, taking into consideration currently available knowledge of particular dangers in the industry. Together with the Fair Wear Foundation, VAUDE employees monitor occupational health and safety on-site on a regular basis. If there are grievances, we discuss these immediately with our suppliers in order to find joint solutions. More at: Worker health and safety at our producers
  

In our society

• We manufacture sustainable products for outdoor sports and offer our customers equipment for active recreation in harmony with nature. 
  
• Environmental protection is a part of safeguarding a healthy life. Therefore, we are engaged across the entire value chain, from production development to design of our company headquarters to the minimization of our greenhouse gases, waste and wastewater. More at: For a clean world: climate neutral business operations, Greenhouse gas emissions in detail and Waste and wastewater
  

1. How do we perceive our responsibility in Germany and on a global level?

For us, it is of fundamental importance that our employees continually pursue ongoing professional development through internal and external occupational educational opportunities. We see the advancement of young people as a basis for safeguarding equal prospects for the future. 

 
Because our producers and material suppliers are independent companies, we have a limited influence on their professional development measures in the supply chain. Nevertheless, we see it as our responsibility to encourage our production partners around the world to train their employees and to contribute to their employees’ self-empowerment. It is also important for us to pass on our expertise to others, using it as a multiplier effect.

2. How are we contributing?

In our company

• Each year, our employees have access to 134 events covering a wide range of issues for personal and professional development at our VAUDE Academy. We arrange tailor-made classes on a regular basis. The events are equally available to all of our employees using our social intranet. More at: Vocational training and professional development for all employees
  
• We contribute to early childhood education with our company childcare center. More at: Kinderhaus Childcare Center
  
• 11 interns gained insight about VAUDE in 2016. 
  
• VAUDE offers apprenticeships. In general, we supervise 20 apprentices on a regular basis. About 50% of these are then employed at the end of their training period. In addition, this year we are heading into the second year with three dual-study students in the fields of Business Informatics, Business Administration Industry as well as Business Administration Retail Textile Management. More at: Vocational training and professional development for all employees
  
• We are actively engaged in the integration of refugees. In 2017 we hired nine refugees. (Status: April 2017). 
  
• With the Green Shape Campus, we offer our retailers training on sustainability. 123 colleagues are participating in our workshops in 2017. More at: Raising awareness with sustainable communication
  

In our supply chain

• VAUDE offers on-site training for its production facilities to provide targeted support and to fill any existing gaps in knowledge. The Fair Wear Foundation offers, for example, Workplace Education Training (WEP) in a variety of countries. More at: Production in Myanmar – loyal partnership and Social responsibility in the supply chain, Worker health and safety at our producers 
  
• Within the framework of the Deutsche Entwicklungsgesellschaft DEG, which promotes the “develoPPP.de" program, VAUDE supports material suppliers in introducing sustainable systematic environmental protection and in continuing to improve the measures they already have in place. More at: Suppliers as partners
  

In our society

• Based on our specialized expertise in the field of sustainability, we are contributing to the promotion of education in sustainable development through collaborations with schools, youth organizations, by offering an ecological “gap year” program for young adults, in our company management, external lectures and participation in conferences. Antje von Dewitz is a member of the National Platform for Education for Sustainable Development.
  
• At the moment, we’re looking at how we can further expand upon the transfer of our expertise. 
  
• With our comprehensive sustainability reporting, we make our actions transparent and increase society’s awareness of the relevance of sustainability. More at: Raising awareness with sustainable communication, Material aspects of "sustainability based on conviction"
  

1. How do we perceive our responsibility in Germany and on a global level?

In Germany the focus is on women’s equal participation in the workforce. ** We can ensure gender equality in our company with pay equity and measures for reconciling professional and private life. Throughout our supply chain worldwide, basic principles of equal treatment and equal opportunity apply for VAUDE as well.

2. How are we contributing?

In our company

• Equal opportunity in our company is ensured by the VAUDE Wage System, flexible working hours, part-time options and an on-site childcare center for reconciling professional and private life. 68% of our employees and 42% of our management are women. In 2015 we launched a management program for women; currently we are in the process of systematically integrating a comprehensive Diversity Management program. At the VAUDE Academy, we provide training for raising awareness of diversity themes and on May 30, 2017 we will celebrate German Diversity Day within the company. More at: Diversity in a world that's worth living in and Balancing career and family
  

In our supply chain

• VAUDE requires its producing facilities to engage in gender equality. All aspects related to employment relationships must be based on the foundation of equal treatment and equal opportunity. This applies to recruiting new employees and wage policies as well as to advanced training opportunities, opportunities for promotion, termination or retirement schemes. These themes are regularly monitored by both VAUDE employees on site in the producing countries and by the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF). When a deficiency is found, it is immediately discussed with our producers in order to find joint solutions. Implementation is supported and monitored until the deficiency is rectified. More at: Equal treatment and opportunity in the supply chain

1. How do we perceive our responsibility in Germany and on a global level?

Wastewater is created in almost all process steps of textile production. Therefore, we see ourselves as responsible of reducing the negative effects of our business activity on water quality by means of efficient water management. Our producers are independent companies. We therefore have a limited influence on their handling of water in the supply chain, but we are actively taking responsibility where we can.

2. How are we contributing?

In our company

• In Obereisenbach we implement an effective water management program. This is tested annually by EMAS and ISO 14001 audits. We do not need water for our production processes there. We use rainwater for our sanitation facilities. More at: Waste and wastewater, Water – the source of life
  

In our supply chain 

• We indirectly promote water conservation at our producers by means of material specifications. More at: Water consumption in the supply chain
  
• Data transparency creates the basis for the direct impact on water consumption in the supply chain. For this purpose, by expanding the bluesign® system and participating in the Higg Index, we are working on building a database on all environmentally relevant information in the supply chain. More at: bluesign® system and Higg Index 
  
• Within the framework of the Deutsche Entwicklungsgesellschaft DEG, which promotes the “develoPPP.de" program, VAUDE supports material suppliers in introducing sustainable systematic environmental protection and in continuing to improve the measures they already have in place. More at: Suppliers as partners
  
• One piece in the puzzle of our sustainability commitment is the Greenpeace Detox Commitment, in which we commit ourselves to abstaining from the use of harmful chemicals and to continuously promoting the implementation of sustainable production cycles and responsible consumption. This also includes carrying out regular wastewater tests on pollutants. More at: VAUDE Greenpeace Detox Commitment 
  

In our society 

• As part of our biodiversity concept in Obereisenbach, we have renaturated a stream and are implementing a project to restore the banks at the local pond. More at: Supporting nature protection projects, Maintaining Obereisenbach's natural diversity, and Biodiversity Check Pioneer

1. How do we perceive our responsibility in Germany and on a global level?

We believe that it is essential for VAUDE to be climate-neutral by means of maximum energy efficiency and the use of renewable energies.
In the supply chain, we are pursuing the goal of gradually extending the VAUDE corporate footprint to other production sites and other products. So far we have no information on energy consumption in the supply chain.

2. How are we contributing?

In our company

• Based on a comprehensive energy concept, our operations at our Obereisenbach location are climate-neutral. We compensate for unavoidable emissions by investing in a gold standard climate protection project from the non-profit organization, myclimate. More at: For a clean world: climate neutral business operations, Greenhouse gas emissions in detail
  
• Since 2009 VAUDE has only used electricity from renewable energy and primarily from its own photovoltaic installation. More at: Starting the energy revolution ourselves: 100% green energy since 2009
  
• Since 2013 VAUDE has used almost exclusively biogas for heating. More at: Thermal energy from sugar beets 
  
• Our entire headquarters in Obereisenbach was remodeled in accordance with DGNB criteria in 2015. More at: Sustainable working environments at the VAUDE headquarters 
  
• Our Mobility Concept helps us provide motivation for employees to choose sustainable transporation. More at: Climate neutral mobility at VAUDE, Over 50.000 kilometer of bike commuting, Mobility Lottery Incentive, One third of all emissions for business travel 
  

In our supply chain

• Since 2001 VAUDE has worked with bluesign® technologies. The bluesign® system is the world’s strictest standard for environmental and consumer protection and the optimization of energy, water, raw materials and chemicals in the supply chain. More at: bluesign® system: the world’s strictest textile standard
  
• In order to measure the environmental effects of our products throughout the value chain, we have been working on the development of the Higg Index since it was created. More at: Higg Index
  
• Within the framework of the Deutsche Entwicklungsgesellschaft DEG, which promotes the “develoPPP.de" program, VAUDE supports material suppliers in introducing sustainable systematic environmental protection and in continuing to improve the measures they already have in place. More at: Suppliers as partners
  

In our society

• We provide our consumers with information on how to reduce energy consumption in the use of our products with instructions on care. More at: Product use and care
  
• With our compensation payments to myclimate, we support the Gold Standard climate protection project for reducing emissions in the eastern Chinese province Shanxi. More at: Corn saves coal! 
  

1. How do we perceive our responsibility in Germany and on a global level?

For us, entrepreneurial success encompasses the entire social, ecological and economic contribution of VAUDE to the common good. In the upstream value chain, it is important for us to work in partnership with our producers and material suppliers and to support them in securing decent work.

2. How are we contributing?

In our company

• Our vision is to be the most sustainable outdoor outfitter in Europe. The VAUDE Ecosystem vision is our holistic sustainability strategy. It shows how we are systematically taking on responsibility for people and nature. More at: The VAUDE Ecosystem
  
• To ensure our growth, we use sustainable performance indicators such as the GRI, the Economy for the Common Good Balance, EMAS and ISO 14001. More at: Sustainable business is worth it, Business for the benefit of all, VAUDE invests in environmentally friendliness
  
• With our wage system, part-time jobs, flexible working hours and on-site childcare center, we ensure a good balance between professional and private life and support equal opportunity and diversity in our company. More at: VAUDE as employer in Germany, A diverse world worth living in, Our employees 
  
• Trust and values create the foundation of our company culture. More at: Culture of trust
  
• With 130 courses each year, daily sports options, sustainable office designs, our organic canteen and culture of trust, we are actively committed to satisfied employees. More at: Satisfied employees are committed and motivated
  
• We have established a systematic process for the prevention, detection and remediation of physical and psychological stress. More at: Safety is important
  
• We have developed our own evaluation system for environmentally friendly outdoor products. More at: VAUDE Green Shape
  

In our supply chain

• As a founding member of the textile alliance and in cooperation with the Fair Wear Foundation, we are committed to the implementation of social and environmental standards along the value chain. More at: VAUDE – active founding member in the Association for Sustainable Textiles 
  
• All of our producers are required to sign and follow the Code of Labor Practice. In order to ensure good working conditions, we support them in the implementation of our working standards and monitor them in cooperation with the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF). Every year we are monitored on how we are working on the improvement of working conditions and whether we are meeting all requirements. VAUDE has achieved Leader Status - the best possible category at the FWF. In the next step, we are discussing the expansion of the auditing processes to the material suppliers and upstream value chain stages. More at: Social responsibility in the supply chain, Occupational health and safety at our producters, Together for fair working conditions, Freedom of association – a learning process for employees and management, Production in high risk countries, FWF Code of labor practices
  

In our society

• We promote sustainable consumption with product labeling, our repair service and our sustainability report. At the moment we are creating an “IRentit” program for our products. More at: Responsibility for the product “end of life”, IRentit, Sustainable Communication
  

1. How do we perceive our responsibility in Germany and on a global level?

VAUDE sees itself as a regionally anchored company with a responsibility of contributing to the sustainable development of the local infrastructure. We are setting a good example for this.

Based on our corporate goal of offering our customers sustainable, innovative products, we promote innovation with our solutions and services. Our innovative approach applies to the entire value chain. As a pioneer in social and environmental sustainability, we have the mission to pass on our knowledge in the supply chain, industry and beyond.

2. How are we contributing?

In our company

• Sustainable local infrastructure is supported by the sustainable design of the VAUDE headquarters, a production facility that is on location, an environmentally-friendly mobility concept and the initiation of a public transport option for Obereisenbach. At the same time, we create a future-oriented working environment for our employees through modern office concepts, a climbing wall, a green campus and organic canteen. More at: Sustainable remodeling of the company headquarters, For a clean world: climate neutral business 
  
• With our Green Shape concept, we are implementing an evaluation concept for environmentally friendly optimization of our outdoor products along the entire product life cycle. More at: Green Shape Concept 
  
• All employees are actively encouraged to contribute to the innovation process through our internal ideal management program, “Steps”. More at: Diversity in a world worth living in 
  
• Our products win awards for innovation. More at: Awards
  

In our supply chain

• Green Logistics: We analyze our emissions along their transportation flow, derive appropriate measures and minimize our transport emissions. More at: Half way around the world – yet still environmentally friendly
  
• Within the framework of the Deutsche Entwicklungsgesellschaft DEG, which promotes the “develoPPP.de" program, VAUDE supports material suppliers in introducing sustainable systematic environmental protection and in continuing to improve the measures they already have in place. More at: Suppliers as partners
  
• In order to measure the environmental effects of our products throughout the value chain, we have been working on the development of the Higg Index since it was created. More at: Higg Index
  
• One piece in the puzzle of our sustainability commitment is the Greenpeace Detox Commitment, in which we commit ourselves to abstaining from the use of harmful chemicals and to continuously promoting the implementation of sustainable production cycles and responsible consumption. More at: VAUDE Greenpeace Detox Commitment
  

In our society:

• As co-initiators of a bus line, we are committed to the local infrastructure. More at: Creating added value with commitment 
  

1. How do we perceive our responsibility in Germany and on a global level?

As an employer, we see ourselves as responsible for the fair wages and equal opportunity of our employees. Equal pay for equal work is a basic principle. In addition, we see it as our responsibility to advocate the integration of refugees into the German labor market. 

 
A large proportion of our products are made in developing countries. It is self-evident for us to work on equal footing with our production partners.

2. How are we contributing?

In our company

• With our VAUDE Wage System, we guarantee fair wages for our employees. More at: Our employees
  
• All employees, regardless of gender, skin color, lifestyle or ethnic origin, receive equal opportunities for advancement. More at: Diversity in a world that’s worth living in 
  
• In 2017, we employed nine refugees at VAUDE. In addition to offering training and internship positions as well as permanent positions, employees began to set up projects in 2015 that focus on personal interaction. Examples include in-house sports courses or the joint production of sustainable bags made of remnants from production. More at: Start-up assistance for refugees through work and leisure offers

In our supply chain

• Our internal processes for partnership with our production partners are regularly verified by the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF). Since 2014 we have achieved Leader Status - the best possible category at the FWF. More at: Leader status at the Fair Wear Foundation 
• We are actively promoting the improvement of social standards. We are committed to ensuring a living wage at all of our production sites. In Myanmar, we have independently implemented a Workplace Education Program for the self-empowerment of our employees. More at: Fair wages, Production in Myanmar – loyal partnership
  
• In our countries of production, the Fair Wear Foundation and VAUDE CSR inspect the equal opportunities and equal treatment of all employees in the employment relationship with our producers. For example, recruitment, wage policies, further training, career prospects and protection against dismissal are examined. In case of complaints, we work together with our partners to work out solutions and support them with their implementation. More at: Equal opportunity and equal treatment in the supply chain, Production in high risk countries

1. How do we perceive our responsibility in Germany and on a global level?

We are committed to our main location in Obereisenbach near Tettnang and see ourselves as responsible for creating local value through our commitment. This includes the sustainable organization of our company headquarters and the support of the local infrastructure through cooperative ventures.

2. How are we contributing?

In our company

• We completely remodeled our company headquarters in 2015. More at: Sustainable remodeling of the company headquarters 
• Our Made in Germany Collection features climate neutral manufacturing at our Manufaktur production facility. More at: Product palette “Made in Germany” 
• In the context of our mobility concept, we encourage our employees to choose sustainable mobility solutions. More at: Climate neutral mobility at VAUDE, Over 50,000 kilometers of bike commuting, Mobility lotto incentive, One third of all emissions for business travel 
• Against the backdrop of generally rising rental prices, we are discussing possibilities for creating affordable housing.

In our supply chain

• Green Logistics: We analyze our emissions along the flow of goods, derive suitable measures and minimize transportation emissions. VAUDE products travel the longest distances by container ship and train. Only few emissions are produced per product. More at: Half way around the world – yet still environmentally friendly
  

In our society

• To protect biodiversity in the region at our headquarters, we have implemented a comprehensive biodiversity concept. More at: Pioneer in the Biodiversity Check
• At our head office in Obereisenbach, we are active as a tenant of the local swimming pool, operator of a childcare center and a local kiosk and the co-initiator of the "Bähnlelinie", a local bus connection for our region. More at: Creating added value with commitment

1. How do we perceive our responsibility in Germany and on a global level?

Sustainable consumption and production patterns form the core of our sustainable corporate strategy. This is based on our willingness to go down unknown paths and invest in sustainable innovation.

2. How are we contributing?

In our company

• The VAUDE Ecosystem is our holistic sustainable strategy. It shows how we are accepting our social and environmental responsibility. More at: The VAUDE Ecosystem
• “Performance meets Ecology” is our guiding principle in the selection of materials and in production. This includes the optimization of the materials we use in collaboration with bluesign® technologies, the use of recycled products, resource efficiency and minimizing the use of chemicals. Some examples include Tencel® fabrics made from eucalyptus or beech wood and organic cotton. More at: Highly functional yet ecologicaly compatible, Environmentally friendly material use, bluesign® system, Making clothes from trees, Organic cotton – better for people and nature, Thermal warmth as light as a feather – a miracle of nature, Challenge: "PVC-free"
• With our own Green Shape concept we are implementing an innovative evaluation concept for environmentally friendly outdoor products as a pioneer. More at: Green Shape Concept 
• We are optimizing our sales packaging in accordance with ecological aspects. We primarily use recycled cardboard and avoid the use of plastic. Our current goal is to reduce packaging materials. More at: As little packaging as possible
• We are developing sustainable business models such as gear rental with iRentit by VAUDE
• We are working on innovative product ideas from Vaude’s residual materials. Upcycling@VAUDE

In our supply chain

• In collaboration with the Fair Wear Foundation we are actively committed to fair working conditions. More at: Leader status at the Fair Wear Foundation, Equal opportunity and equal treatment in the supply chain, Production in high-risk countries
• In order to measure the environmental effects of our products throughout the value chain, we have been working on the development of the Higg Index since it was created. More at: Higg Index
• The Greenpeace Detox Commitment is another piece in the puzzle within our commitment to sustainability. We have committed ourselves to the elimination of hazardous chemicals and are continually driving forward the implementation of sustainable production loops and responsible consumption. More at: VAUDE Greenpeace Detox Commitment 
• VAUDE products are transported the farthest by container ship and by train. This type of transportation is responsible for a low amount of emissions per individual product. More at: Half way around the world – yet still environmentally friendly 

In our society

• We report transparently and objectively about our business activities. We use the standards of the Economy for the Common Good, EMAS and the German Sustainability Code. More at: Material aspects for “sustainability from conviction”, Transparency across all channels 
• Our product labels are very informative. For example, information about the ecological and technical product features and information on our system suppliers such as Polartec® and Sympatex® are included. More at: Transparent information on the product for customers who want to make responsble choices
• With instructions about the low-energy use of your product along with care and maintenance tips and our Repair Service, we support you in prolonging the lifespan of your product. More at: Product use and care, Real outdoor adventures leave traces behind
• In cooperation with FairWertung and the ebay Second Use Shop, we are committed to re-using and enable customers access to discounted VAUDE products. More at: More responsibility for the product “end of life” 
• In addition to our recycling measures we are working on upcycling measures as well.

1. How do we perceive our responsibility in Germany and on a global level?

At our headquarters in Obereisenbach we are taking on responsibility for engaging in climate-neutral business and using a comprehensive energy and mobility concept to minimize our negative environmental impacts. We work with independent companies in our supply chain. Nevertheless, our goal is to improve the climate-friendliness of upstream production steps.

2. How are we contributing?

In our company

• We have published a complete carbon footprint for our location in Obereisenbach, Tettnang since 2011. Since 2012 this location has been fully climate-neutral. More at: For a clean world: climate neutral business
• We are implementing a comprehensive energy concept. This includes the reconstruction of our company headquarters in accordance with DGNB criteria, EMAS and ISO 14001 certification and the use of our own photovoltaic renewable energy. More at: Sustainable remodeling of the VAUDE headquarters, EMAS Index, Starting the energy revolution ourselves: 100% green energy since 2009
• Unavoidable emissions are compensated for in cooperation with the non-profit organization myclimate. More at: For a clean world: climate neutral business, Corn saves coal 
• Our mobility concept helps us raise employee awareness of smart driving techniques and provides motivation for sustainable mobility solutions. More at: Climate neutral mobility at VAUDE, Over 50,000 kilometers of bike commuting,Mobility lotto incentive, One third of all emissions for business travel

In our supply chain

• Green Logistics: We analyze our emissions along the flow of goods, derive suitable measures and minimize transportation emissions. More at: Half way around the world – yet still environmentally friendly
• Since 2001 VADUE has been working with bluesign® technologies. The bluesign® system is the world’s strictest standard for environmental and consumer protection for the monitoring and optimization of the use of energy, water, raw resources and chemicals in the supply chain. More at: bluesign® system: The world’s strictest environmental standard
• In order to measure the environmental effects of our products throughout the value chain, we have been working on the development of the Higg Index since it was created. More at: Higg Index
• In the “Environmental Stewardship in the textile Supply Chain” program we support our material suppliers in implementing an environmental management system. More at: Suppliers as partners

1. How do we perceive our responsibility in Germany and on a global level?

We do not manage marine resources, but we do take responsibility for the indirect impact of our business activities. We consider is self-evident that no waste or sewage is discharged into the sea. We see it as our responsibility to set a good example with our ability to manage and efficiently manage our workplace at our headquarters in Obereisenbach.

2. How are we contributing?

In our company

• Indirectly, we contribute to the protection of marine resources through our VAUDE ecosystem. The VAUDE Ecosystem includes our holistic sustainability strategy along all phases of the product life cycle. This also includes careful handling of water and minimizing emissions. More at: The VAUDE Ecosystem 
• We use a recycled material from old fishing nets to produce some of our clothing. These ghost nets wreak great damage in the world's seas. We produce high-quality functional clothing with this recycled material. More at: New clothes from used fishing nets. 
• In our organic canteen we use 100% organic fish. More at: Future oriented working environment

In our supply chain

• Within the framework of the Deutsche Entwicklungsgesellschaft DEG, which promotes the “develoPPP.de" program, VAUDE supports material suppliers in introducing sustainable systematic environmental protection and in continuing to improve the measures they already have in place. More at: Suppliers as partners
• One piece in the puzzle of our sustainability commitment is the Greenpeace Detox Commitment, in which we commit ourselves to abstaining from the use of harmful chemicals and to continuously promoting the implementation of sustainable production cycles and responsible consumption. More at: VAUDE Greenpeace Detox Commitment

1. How do we see our responsibility in Germany and globally?

Our products are made for enjoying the outdoors so the conservation of biodiversity is naturally a personal concern for us. At our headquarters we have taken on responsibility for the conservation of regional diversity of plants, animals and habitats.
In our value chain, we can contribute to environmental protection by means of material selection, eco-friendly manufacturing and production processes and low-impact transportation methods.

2. How are we contributing?

In our company

• We follow the guiding principle of manufacturing products that are not just highly functional, but also ecologically sound. This is based on measuring our impact. More at: Highly functional yet ecologically compatible
• We engage in eco-friendly purchasing in our administration department. This includes, for example the use of recycled paper, sustainable trade fair stands and procurement for our organic canteen. More at: Environmentally friendly use of materials
• We are optimizing our sales packaging in accordance with ecological considerations. We primarily use recycled cardboard and avoid the use of plastic. More at: As little packaging as possible

In our supply chain:

• Since 2001 VAUDE has worked with bluesign® technologies. The bluesign® system is the world’s strictest standard for environmental and consumer protection and the optimization of energy, water, raw materials and chemicals in the supply chain. More at: bluesign® system: The world’s strictest environmental standard
• In order to measure the environmental effects of our products throughout the value chain, we have been working on the development of the Higg Index since it was created. More at: Higg Index
• Within the framework of the Deutsche Entwicklungsgesellschaft DEG, which promotes the “develoPPP.de" program, VAUDE supports material suppliers in introducing sustainable systematic environmental protection and in continuing to improve the measures they already have in place. More at: Suppliers as partners
• We are currently examining how we can take biodiversity aspects into account in the supply chain.

In our society

• We have implemented a comprehensive Biodiversity Concept to protect the diversity of the region at our company headquarters. For example, we have planted a wild flower meadow and bushes, renaturated a stream and installed “insect hotels.” More at: Pioneer in the Biodiversity Check
• We are a member of the advisory council of the TEEB Initiative. (The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity). More at: Why biodiversity is important to us
• VAUDE is also working for the conservation of biodiversity with the support of nature conservation projects. More at: Supporting nature protection projects
• As a sponsor of the German Alpine Club, we support the responsible enjoyment of mountain and biking sports. More at: Responsible communication and business

1. How do we perceive our responsibility in Germany and on a global level?

Legal conformity at VAUDE and in the supply chain is a top priority. Above and beyond our legal regulations, we want to take on social and environmental responsibility. 

 
In our supply chain, audits and support in meeting human rights and child protection have priority.

2. How are we contributing?

In our company

• Compliance with all laws is a matter of course for us. More at: Legal compliance
• Our guiding principles put ecological social and economic sustainability front and center of our value system and our daily work. More at: Corporate philosophy
• As the first company in the outdoor branch to do so, we created and published an Economy for the Common Good balance sheet. More at: Business activities for the benefit of all
• With our VAUDE Wegweiser in the Intranet, our employees have full access to our code of conduct. 
• We launched a program of employee representatives in December 2016 to better anchor our culture of trust in company structures. More at: Culture of trust
• All employees can use the internal idea management program, “Steps” to get involved and provide feedback for new ideas and suggestions for improvement. More at: Diversity in a world that’s worth living in

In our supply chain

• We are fully committed that the workers who make our products can actively participate in creating fair and good working conditions. Compliance with human rights is monitored in cooperation with the Fair Wear Foundation. Findings are discussed with our suppliers and we work together to find solutions. VAUDE has FWF Leader Status. More at: Our responsibility, Production in high risk countries, Saying no to child labor, Saying no to forced labor
• Our next step is the expansion of the audit process to our material suppliers and upstream supply chain. 

In our society

• We feel obligated to provide our customers with first class customer service, privacy policies and transparent product information. More at: Transparent information on the product for customers who want to make informed choices, Data privacy
• In order to guarantee product safety, we do more testing than required by law. More at: Comprehensive random sampling for higher product safety
• We are collaborating with Save the Children for the protection of children. With company donations, VAUDE calls attention to the needs of children in humanitarian crises and challenges its customers to donate for assistance. We sponsor two children with Plan International.

1. How do we perceive our responsibility in Germany and on a global level?

We can only achieve significant change by working together with other outdoor and textile manufactures and in associations with strong initiatives. Along the value chain is the demand of working closely together with material suppliers and to help them in their responsibilities.

In our branch we see ourselves as responsible to work actively as a sustainability pioneer in the implementation of environmental and social standards and to use our expertise as a multiplier effect on others.

2. How are we contributing?

In our company

• We follow a multi stakeholder approach and are an active member of numerous initiatives and associations in the field of sustainability. This includes the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles, the Economy of the Common Good and the German Sustainability Code. More at: Stronger together, VAUDE – active founding member of the Association for sustainable textiles, German Sustainability Code (DNK)
  
• We have our social and ecological sustainability certified by independent partners. This includes audits of the Fair Wear Foundation, the Economy for the Common Good balance sheet, EMAS and the certification of our apparel in accordance with the new down standard RDS 2.0. More at: Leader status at the Fair Wear Foundation, Business activities for the benefit of all, EMAS-Index, Only the highest down standards is good enough for us
  
• In order to measure the environmental effects of our products throughout the value chain, we have been working on the development of the Higg Index since it was created. More at: Higg Index
  
• We cultivate dialog on sustainability issues with anyone who is interested. All feedback from suppliers, customers and organization is valuable to us. You are welcome to contact us by phone or email. The number of VAUDE’s customer service is +49 (0)75425306-0.

In our supply chain:

• In our supply chain we are following a multi actor approach in order to support our producers and material suppliers to do business that is ecological and socially sustainable. Examples of this are our membership in the Fair Wear Foundation and the collaboration with the German Investment and Development Company. More at: Suppliers as partners

In our society

• As speakers, we are committed to sustainable business and the achievement of global sustainability goals in our company tours, events and conferences. 
  
• At the moment we are looking at other formats in order to share our knowledge and experience externally. We are also questioning the form in which we can increasingly engage and position ourselves politically in the future.