Glossary
AFW
Asia Floor Wage, an organization that fights for living wages. Link: http://asiafloorwage.org (Asia Floor Wage)
A-Customers
A-Customers are our most important customers. Other customer groups are called B- Customers and C-Customers. "The criteria for revenue, revenue potential and the image factor are decisive for the classification."
Audit
Designation for monitoring by external (or internal) experts regarding the fulfillment of requirements and guidelines.
Balanced Scorecard
A concept for measuring, documenting and monitoring the activities of a company or an organization in terms of its vision and strategy.
BAT
Best Available Technology, the term corresponds to the concept traditionally used in Germany of "Standes der Technik“ (SdT).
B.A.U.M.
German abbreviation for German Association of Environmental Management e.V., an environmental initiative founded in 1984. Link: http://www.baumev.de/global/download/Netzwerkmappe_Engl___jk.pdf (B.A.U.M.)
berufundfamilie
The berufundfamilie GmbH, (career and family) founded in 1998 by the Hertie Foundation, compiles all of the foundation’s activities in one area. Link: http://www.beruf-und-familie.de (beruf-und-familie)
Biodiversity Check of the EU Business & Biodiversity Campaign
Developed by the Global Nature Fund and other organizations. This audit serves as a first orientation to identifying impacts and dependencies of the different divisions of biodiversity. Link: http://www.business-biodiversity.eu/ (Biodiversity Check)
bluesign® Standard
The world's strictest textile standard for environmental protection and consumer protection in textile production; VAUDE has been working with bluesign® since 2001. Link: http://www.bluesign.com/ (bluesign®)
Brand Performance Check
The Fair Wear Foundation annually assesses how well VAUDE is meeting its strict conditions for membership. To this end, the execution of the Works Plan and the results of the audits are evaluated using a point system. The BPC is published at the FWF’s website.
BSI
German abbreviation for Federation of German Sporting Goods Industry, which represents the interests of sporting goods manufacturers, importers and wholesalers in Germany. Link: http://www.bsi-sport.de (BSI)
BSSL
Abbreviation for “bluesign® System Substance List ", a list of all substances prohibited or limited by the bluesign® standard.
BUND
German abbreviation for the Association for the Environment and Nature Conservation Germany e.V.", an association founded in 1975 that is committed to the protection of nature and environment. Link http://www.bund.net/ueber_uns/bund_in_english/ (BUND)
CAP
Corrective Action Plan; it outlines which improvements need to be achieved within the next three years to ensure higher social standards in production.
CCC
Clean Clothes Campaign, an NGO founded in 1989 that advocates for the improvement of working conditions in the international textile and clothing industry and in the sporting goods industry. Link: http://www.cleanclothes.org/ (Clean Clothes Campaign)
CE
The CE marking is the manufacturer's declaration that the product meets the requirements of the applicable EC directives and of free marketability in the European Economic Area.
CIR
Christian Initiative Romero e.V. is an association founded in 1981 with headquarters in Münster, which campaigns for labor rights and human rights in Central America. Link: http://www.ci-romero.de/start-en/ (CIR)
CO2e
Unit of CO2 emissions, pronounced “carbon dioxide equivalents.”
CoC
Code of Conduct, a set of rules for certain behaviors. As a member of the Fair Wear Foundation, VAUDE complies with their strict CoC.
CoLP
Code of Labour Practices, used by the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF).
Complaints Handler
Local contact person for human rights and working conditions in "high risk countries". Read more: Independent Grievance System
Complaint Mechanism
The complaint mechanism of "Fair Wear Foundation" (FWF).
Cost Break Down (CBD)
Cost breakdown is the systematic process of identifying the individual elements that comprise the total cost of a good, service or package.
Covenant
Refers to clauses and collateral agreements in credit agreements where the debtor is contractually committed during the contract period.
CPSIA
Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a U.S. law that regulates product safety.
CrVI
Chromium VI compounds can form in leather tanning and are considered allergenic, in higher doses as a carcinogen. With due diligence in the tanning process, chrome-VI compounds can be avoided.
CSR
Corporate Social Responsibility refers to the corporate responsibility for humans, society and nature with which we want to establish a healthy balance between our economic, environmental and social objectives. Read more: CSR team.
Cubic Inches (cu in)
A measured size of volume; used for down fillings, which roughly corresponds to 16.40 cubic centimeters.
DAV
German abbreviation for the German Alpine Club, the world’s largest mountaineering club. Link: http://www.alpenverein.de (DAV)
DEHP
Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is a plasticizer for PVC, which is classified as teratogenic and harmful to human fertility.
DIN standards
These are standards that are set by the German Institute for Standardization. Link: http://www.din.de/cmd;jsessionid=RHDY22A5RR4199FN19ABLZSA.4?level=tpl-home&languageid=en (German Institute for Standardization)
DGNB
German abbreviation for German Society for Sustainable Building Council, a nonprofit organization that promotes sustainable building. Link: http://www.dgnb.de/en/ (DGNB)
DNK
German abbreviation for the German Sustainability Code, a recommendation of the Council for Sustainable Development (RNE) for politics and business. Established by the Federal Government in 2001; DNK members are appointed for three years. VAUDE was one of the first 10 companies to sign the DNK.
Link: http://www.deutscher-nachhaltigkeitskodex.de (German Sustainability Code)
DTB
German abbreviation for Textile Clothing Dialogue, a textile and clothing industry association which has set itself the goal of improving the quality of products, headquartered in Munich. Link: http://www.dialog-dtb.de/ (Textile Clothing Dialogue)
ECHA
European Chemicals Agency, a Helsinki-based EU agency that regulates the technical, scientific and administrative aspects of the registration, evaluation and authorization of chemicals and the central hub of Reach. Link: http://echa.europa.eu (ECHA)
ecoinvent
A non-profit organization that collects life cycle data worldwide. Link: http://www.ecoinvent.org (ecoinvent.org)
EMAS
Eco Management and Audit Scheme, a system developed by the EU to improve the environmental performance of companies. Link http://www.emas.de (EMAS Germany)
EOCA
European Outdoor Conservation Association, the conservation organization of the European outdoor industry. Link: http://www.eoca.de (EOCA Germany)
EOG
European Outdoor Group, a transnational representation of the outdoor industry. Link: http://www.europeanoutdoorgroup.com/de/ (European Outdoor Group)
FairWertung
Umbrella organization for non-profit and church organizations which campaigns for greater transparency and accountability in the collection and recycling of used clothing. Used clothes containers, bearing the logo of FairWertung belong to organizations that adhere to the required standards. Link: http://www.fairwertung.de (FairWertung)
familyNET
An institution for informing, coaching and advising family-friendly companies on themes relating to the balance of work and family. Link: http://www.familynet-bw.de (familyNET)
FESI
Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry, a representative of the European Sporting Goods Industry to EU institutions and authorities. Link: http://www.fesi-sport.org (FESI)
Forecast
Forecasting refers to predictions about the economic development of a company in consideration of the internal and external factors.
FSC
Forest Stewardship Council, an international non-profit organization that certifies products from sustainably managed forests. Link: http://www.fsc-deutschland.de (FSC Germany)
FWF
Fair Wear Foundation, an organization that campaigns for better working conditions in the textile and clothing industry. Link: http://www.fairwear.org/ (Fair Wear Foundation)
G8 States
The "Group of Eight" (G8) was a merger of the industrialized countries USA, UK, Canada, Japan, France, Germany, Italy and Russia until March 25, 2014. In the course of Crimean Crisis, Russia was excluded from the circle. Currently, the G7 is in effect, as it was between 1967-1998.
GermanFashion
A fashion association which represents the German fashion industry and their interests. Link: http://www.germanfashion.net (Modeverband Germany)
GTZ
GTZ is used to calculate the heating requirements of a building during the heating season.
Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol)
The instrument most widely used to calculate and manage GHG emissions. Link: http://www.ghgprotocol.org (GHG Protocol)
Greenpeace
An independent, global organization in over 40 countries with the goal to “ensure the ability of the Earth to nurture life in all its diversity”. Link: http://www.greenpeace.de (Greenpeace Germany)
Green Shape
Green Shape is your VAUDE guarantee for environmentally friendly products - from sustainable materials and resource-saving production. Our goal is the best for man and nature. Read more: VAUDE Green Shape
GRI
Global Reporting Initiative, an organization founded in 1997 promotes the use of sustainability reporting as a way for organizations to become more sustainable and contribute to sustainable development. Link: https://www.globalreporting.org/ (Global Reporting Initiative)
GS
German abbreviation for Tested Safety. The GS seal certifies products that meet the requirements of the Product Safety Act.
GWÖ
German abbreviation for Economy for the Common Good, a movement launched in 2010 that is an alternative economic system built on values that promote the needs of the entire population. It is a tool for economic, political, and social change – a bridge to a better future. Link: https://www.ecogood.org (GWÖ)
Higg Index
An instrument for the apparel and footwear industry to assess the sustainability of products. It was established in 2012 by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, a non-profit organization. Link: http://www.apparelcoalition.org/higgindex/ (Sustainable Apparel Coalition).
High Risk Countries
Countries where there is a high risk of human rights abuses and poor working conditions. Read more: "Strict control in high-risk countries" Link auf 4-Produktion-in-Risikoländern
IHK
German abbreviation for Industry and Commerce, professional bodies governed by public law, consisting of the companies in each region. Link: http://www.dihk.de (DIHK)
ILO
International Labour Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations, which promotes social justice, human rights and labor rights. Link: http://www.ilo.org/berlin/lang--de/index.htm (ILO in Germany)
Inkota
INKOTA-netzwerk e.V., a development organization with headquarters in Berlin. http://www.inkota.de (INKOTA)
Input Stream Management
All the ingredients used in the entire manufacturing process of the fabric are examined for environmental and consumer safety prior to use. In particular, the upstream supply chain is taken into account in the production countries (not just the finished product). In contrast, only the pollutant concentrations are tested in the finished product for compliance with the limits of many other textile labels. With these labels, the impact on people and the environmental that arise during production are not taken into account.
i.O.
German abbreviation for OK
IPCC
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, an intergovernmental organization with the goal of summarizing the state of science on climate for policy makers. Link: http://www.ipcc.ch (IPCC)
ISO 14001
International environmental management standard that provides internationally recognized requirements for an environmental management system.
Category A species
German category for endangered species, usually isolate, mostly unstable or acutely threatened occurrences, for which conservation assistance is needed immediately.
LCA
Life Cycle Assessment, analyzes the environmental impacts of products throughout their life cycle. Link: http://www.lci-network.de/cms/content (German Network on Life Cycle Inventory Data)
Living Wage
A wage that is high enough to maintain a normal standard of living – often more than the minimum wage in effect in many countries.
LRA
German abbreviation for a Provincial Administrative Office
myclimate
A non-profit Swiss foundation that promotes climate protection on three levels - prevention, reduction and compensation. Link: http://www.myclimate.org/ (myclimate.org)
NABU
German abbreviation for Nature Conservation Association Germany, a German non-governmental organization founded in 1899, which is primarily dedicated to specific objectives of nature conservation at Germany and abroad. Link: http://www.nabu.de (NABU)
Naturkapital Deutschland – TEEB DE
An interdisciplinary project, which aims to apply the issues and research approaches of the international TEEB study on the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services in Germany. Link: http://www.naturkapital-teeb.de/ (natural capital Germany - TEEB)
NGO
Non-governmental organization
n.i.O.
German abbreviation for “not OK”
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100
An independent testing and certification system for textile raw materials, intermediate materials and end products at all stages of processing. Link: https://www.oeko-tex.com/de/manufacturers/concept/oeko_tex_standard_100/oeko_tex_standard_100.xhtml (OEKO-TEX ® Standard 100)
OIA
Outdoor Industry Association, was established in 1989 and is based in the U.S.; represents the interests of the international outdoor industry. Link:http://outdoorindustry.org (Outdoor Industry Association)
PBT Substances
Persistent (non degradable), Bioaccumulative (accumulates in the body), Toxic (poisonous) substances: Properties of particularly hazardous chemicals.
Pestizids-Aktions-Netzwerkes e.V. PAN
"PAN Germany" is a nonprofit organization that provides information on the negative consequences of the use of pesticides, is committed to environmentally sound and socially just alternatives and acts as part of the "Pesticide Action Network" (PAN). Link: http://www.pan-germany.org (PAN Germany)
PFC
Abbreviation for per or poly fluorinated chemicals, also known as fluorocarbons, practically non-degradable, toxic chemicals, which are used for waterproofing.
QC
Quality Control
REACH
Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals, an EU regulation. REACH compliant means that the product complies with EU legislation.
RP
German abbreviation for a regional council: state intermediate safety authority that mediates between ministries and district offices, cities and communities.
RSL
Abbreviation for Restricted Substances List, a VAUDE list of substances whose use is strictly regulated or banned altogether because of their potential harmfulness.
Scope 1
GHG emissions generated by a company’s own activities.
Scope 2
GHG emissions resulting from purchased energy.
Scope 3
GHG emissions resulting from upstream and downstream activities.
Shrink Foil
Shrink wrapping of polymeric plastics, which is very closely wrapped around the pallets to protect the items during transport.
Supply Chain
The sequence of processes involved in the production and distribution of a commodity.
Stakeholder
Refers to people or groups who have a legitimate interest in a company.
Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC)
Worldwide association of textile and shoe manufacturers that has the goal to reduce the environmental impacts of production and to improve social situation. Link: http://www.apparelcoalition.org (Sustainable Apparel Coalition)
SWOT
"Strengths - Weaknesses - Opportunities - Threats" is a tool for strategic analysis and planning, with which scenarios based on these parameters are investigated.
TEEB
The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) is a global initiative focused on drawing attention to the economic benefits of biodiversity including the growing cost of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. Link: http://www.teebweb.org (TEEB)
THG (GHG in English)
German abbreviation for Greenhouse Gas, a gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation.
Tier 1
Tier 1 denotes the first upstream stage of the value chain, manufacturing of the product.
Tier 2
Tier 2 denotes the second upstream stage of the value chain, manufacturing of raw materials.
VAUDE Material Policy
Internal guidelines that give the VAUDE product developers clear guidance for the selection of materials and processes.
Four Paws
An international animal protection organization with its headquarters in Vienna. Link: http://www.vier-pfoten.de (Four Paws)
Preventative Approach
Or even Preventative Principle, an essential part of the environmental and health policy in Europe should be reduced or avoided by the impact on people and nature in advance.
Wage Ladder
An instrument of Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) for the calculation of a living wage.
WRI
World Resources Institute, a global research institution, which is now working with more than 450 employees in more than 50 countries to conserve natural resources. Link:http://www.wri.org (World Resources Institute)
WWF
The World Wide Fund for Nature, founded in Switzerland in 1961 – the largest conservation organization in the world. Link: http://www.wwf.de (WWF Germany)
ZDHC
The ZDHC is an association of textile and shoe manufacturers who have set themselves the goal of completely eliminating pollutants from their production. Link: http://www.roadmaptozero.com (Roadmap to Zero)
