Ethics and Integrity
Responsible business practices as a guiding principle
Our values are an important basis for our work, both within the company and with our external partners. VAUDE’s day-to-day operations are guided by a clear vision of our values. They determine our thinking and our actions within and outside our company:
- Socially sustainable commitment
- Ecologically sustainable commitment
- Economically sustainable commitment
| GRI: | G4-56 |
Responsibility for our environmental footprint
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.
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»We full-heartedly accept our social and environmental responsibility.« Antje von Dewitz, CEO
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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.
Value orientation rather than profit maximization
The strength of our brand and the value of our products are our most valuable resources. Therefore, we at VAUDE focus on our defined values 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.
Guidelines are based on an understanding of values
In addition, many issues are regulated by specific guidelines that are based on these understandings of values. For example:
- 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“.
