VAUDE has been producing high quality backpacks, panniers and lifestyle bags in Tettnang-Obereisenbach since 1980. In 1995 we began specializing in the production of waterproof products at this location.
We are using an ultra-high frequency welding method in which the individual components of the products are joined together with HF electricity. This results in 100 % waterproof "seams" that do not have sewing needle perforations.
We now use PVC-free materials exclusively. What's so bad about PVC? Read more here
The entire production site in Obereisenbach is climate-neutral – as is the rest of our company headquarters. How this works is explained here
Genuine craftsmanship. Piece by piece.
Each product is individually made. About 20 individual operations are required in the process including die-cutting the pattern pieces from the material, welding, finishing, quality control and packaging. Each piece is manufactured by hand on custom machines. Our formula includes first-class quality, innovative technology and modern design. The products often last a lifetime.
Each year about 180,000 bags and backpacks are made meeting highly technical standards in this 1,800 m² facility. VAUDE will continue to expand its Made in Germany production. Of course, the 42 employees who work here are happy about that as well.
»We deliberately decided to strengthen our production at the company's headquarters and to invest here because it stands for our values, our roots and our core competence in the new factory. We are proud on our Made in Germany products which are in demand worldwide. We are also pleased that we now can show visitors our own production facility. The interest level is high.«
Antje von Dewitz, VAUDE CEO
City Backpack Isny
Beautifully stylish. Our urban backpack Isny has been awarded the prestigious Red Dot Design Award.
Bayreuth III
Stylish to the office. This office bike bag Bayreuth III with padded laptop compartment is the perfect companion for bike commuters who make their way to work climate-neutrally. The editors of the German Cycle magazine have also recognized this.
Aqua Back
Absolutely waterproof, premium quality, sophisticated technology. The Aqua Back is our top recommendation for bike touring.
Aqua Series
Robust, light and durable in proven quality. As an environmentally friendly set of bike bags, our Aqua Series was awarded the renowned Outdoor Award.
Comyou Back
Climate-neutral good looks. With its clever construction and climate-neutral production, our Comyou Back Single convinced the jury of the coveted Reddot Award.
Aqua Backs und Aqua Front
PVC-free companion on bike tours. Our waterproof Aqua Series convinced the jury of the all-ride seal with its sustainability, climate-neutral production and high quality standards.
Material remnants: avoidance, upcycling, disposal
As in every production site, our Manufaktur creates waste materials. What should we do with them?
We try to avoid material remnants as much as possible by optimizing the patterns of the individual components. However, it's simply not possible to create no waste at all - not even at VAUDE.
Polyethylene and polyamide remnants are recycled. Residual coated tarpaulin materials must currently be disposed of. This is aggravating and costly from an environmental point of view – which is why we are looking for ways to have these materials recycled as well.
The good news: we are now able to process some of these materials in a truly worthwhile project: In our VAUDE Upcycling Workshop, new products are created from residual materials - all unique and with social benefits! Find out what it's about here.
Climate neutral production
VAUDE "Made in Germany" products are manufactured in a climate neutral process.
High energy efficiency and modern workplaces
After a fire in our manufacturing facility in 2015 caused by a lightning strike, we built a new building in 2016 which includes LED lighting, triple glazing and high-grade insulation for maximum energy efficiency. The wood building is not only more climate-friendly than conventional industrial facilities, but also offers pleasant, healthy workplaces.
VAUDE has a clear commitment to the production site of Obereisenbach near Tettnang. The former manufacturing building that was struck by lightning underwent renovation and now hosts the accounting department, the marketing warehouse and a large space for occupational health management, “Auszeit”. Read more.
The VAUDE Manufaktur and the entire company headquarters are ISO 14001 and EMAS certified. In this way, we ensure the highest environmental standards - in production as well.
As a member of the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF), job security and fair working conditions are not only our concern out in the big wide world, but also right here “at home.”
Why don't we produce everything in Germany?
Germany has a highly specialized industrial structure and a high standard of living. The traditional textile expertise that Germany had up until a few decades ago, however, has largely migrated to Asia. This concerns the entire production of materials, in particular from synthetic fibers.
It also concerns the labor and cost-intensive production of sewn products, which are made often outside of Germany for VAUDE. You can find out how we nevertheless ensure high environmental and social standards here
Material efficiency in the Manufaktur production facility
Description
2013
2017
2018
2019
Production output finished products (t)
108.0
193.6
179.8
213.9
Canvas material input (t)
35.8
86.6
78.5
89.5
Back panel input (t)
36.6
55.1
43.6
69.0
Small parts various materials input (t)
47.2
74.4
56.6
116.1
Total input (t)
119.6
216.1
178.7
205.6
Material efficiency output/input (%)
91%
90%
101%
104%
The VAUDE Manufaktur in Obereisenbach is supplied by a total of 46 suppliers, 26 of them from Germany, 4 from the EU and 16 from Asia. In addition, we have another supplier from Germany and one from the EU for the upcycling workshop. Learn more about our global supply chainhere
