Once again in 2022, VAUDE made significant progress with regard to sustainability and we have taken some important steps forward.
Corporate goals that are directly related to sustainability are published in our report. We do not publish our economic goals for competitive reasons.
This is our conviction: we will continue to work on taking holistic responsibility and reducing our environmental footprint.
Our vision is:
“Improving the quality of life with sustainable outdoor products and future oriented business strategies.”
You can find out more about VAUDE's sustainability strategy here.
Meeting this high standard that we have set for ourselves presents us with new challenges time and again. We are facing up to these challenges and tackling them head on. More at – Our Challenges
We also listen to and consider the comprehensive feedback that our stakeholders give us. We are proactive in analyzing our strategies with regard to their concerns and examine how we can improve both our CSR services and our communication. Read more at – "Involving Stakeholders".
We continually and consistently measure our sustainability performance. Our goals are defined with specific target figures and timeframes. Regular analysis of how well we are reaching our goals ensures that the iterative process continues to develop and improve.
More about this here
As we are analyzing our goals, we use the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) method. This means that we carefully identify specific measures for achieving our goals. (»SMART«) After one or more measures for achieving the goal have been implemented ("do"), the procedure and the target values ("check") are always reviewed. Action includes reviewing the results, which are then included in future objectives, target figures and measures (“act”). This ensures the achievement of a systematic, continuous, improvement process.
Read more about VAUDE energy management here
1. We are strengthening the VAUDE brand and the development of sustainable, innovative products.
We are securing our sustainable, pioneering position by investing in innovation, setting ambitious goals for transitioning to recycled and biobased materials. To maximize the potential of our brand, we are continuing to focus on high-quality products for specialists, while strengthening both our range of versatile products and our urban sector. In addition, we are supporting our brand perception by rejuvenating targeted communications and certain segments of our collection.
2. As an outdoor sports brand, we are pursuing sustainable growth by balancing our economic, environmental and social goals as well as maintaining a healthy balance of multiple revenue streams
We are investing in our Made in Germany production and in the expansion of our European markets. In order to achieve continuous growth with as few resources as possible, we are striving for sustainable quality leadership and are expanding our services with the Sustainability Academy. We are committed to a transformation of the economic system.
3. We work in partnership with our specialist retailers.
We support omnichannel retailing, the optimization of floor-space management, and the development of useful services to support the sales process (including a holistic training concept).
4. We are an attractive and responsible employer.
Our company culture is the heart of our brand; we promote a culture of trust, self-efficacy and diversity. We work continuously to offer modern and attractive working conditions as well as professional and personal development opportunities.
5. To be economically fit for the future, we are strengthening our earning power through greater efficiency and investments in growth areas.
We want to become less dependent on seasonal sales, volatile key customers, fluctuations in the dollar, concentration processes in the industry and climate change. We are improving our profits and cost structures through increased efficiency. We are exploring automation in manufacturing, logistics and our repair shop.
6.We are strategically focused on our supply chain.
In order to master the challenges of sustainability and the future viability of our supply chain, we are working intensively on the transparency and ongoing development of our supply chain with regard to environmental and social responsibility as well as quality.
7. We are strategically focused on internationalization.
We are continuing to develop organizational structures for the needs of our international key markets and are focusing on Europe.
8. We design IT that is fit for the future.
We are introducing digitalized, future-proof business management software that features standardized and efficient processes. The successful implementation of our largest project to date, Expedition 2020, has top priority and full support from management, the HR team and staff.
9.We are strategically focused on digital transformation.
Our interdisciplinary team is well connected and analyzes trends with expertise in order to design a future-oriented digitalization strategy for VAUDE. To expand our business model, we are developing a strategy for digital services with a focus on sustainability and expanding our end customer base.
10. We are professionalizing our contact with consumers and our knowledge of their needs. We strive for an individualized customer approach (B2C and B2B) that focuses on the perspective and enthusiasm of our customers.
To this end, we are focusing strategically on our customer service expertise and making conscious use of methodologies such as Design Thinking Processes. To improve our access to consumers, we are seizing opportunities offered by digital marketplaces and developing an end-customer data strategy.
