100% renewable energy – 69% eco-friendly bluesign® products in the Apparel Collection – 99% recycled paper – 35% of leadership positions filled by women… These are just a few facts from the VAUDE Sustainability Report for 2013 that show how systemic the issue of sustainability is throughout the company. VAUDE, with its headquarters in the southern German region of Tettnang, is Europe’s first outdoor company to publish its sustainability report in accordance with the international Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G4 standards, publicly disclosing its economic, environmental and social performance using comparable performance indicators. VAUDE is innovative and transparent in its communication strategies as well – the report’s most important content will be published on a dedicated website entitled “Moving Mountains” in an understandable and appealing format with plenty of photos and visuals. “Delving deeper into the subject should be fun,” says Antje von Dewitz, VAUDE CEO.
With this GRI report, the company is resolutely pursuing its sustainability strategy and setting new standards in the industry. In 2008, VAUDE was the first European outdoor brand to report on its environmental performance in accordance with the European EMAS environmental standard and has continued to publish this report annually. Since 2011 VAUDE has also submitted a report in accordance with the social criteria of the independent Fair Wear Foundation (FWF), which works worldwide to improve working conditions in the textile industry. Based on this empirical data, VAUDE has published a comprehensive, annual Sustainability Report.
Now VAUDE is taking the next big step and producing its first GRI report in accordance with the latest G4 standards. This international standard provides a framework for transparent, standardized and comparable sustainability reporting – within and outside the organization. In addition to environmental and social indicators, the GRI includes economic indicators, giving a complete picture of the company. With this voluntary initiative, VAUDE is setting its goal of becoming Europe’s most sustainable outdoor outfitter by 2015 on an objective and measurable foundation. In addition, GRI reporting provides an important guide for further improvements. “This has brought us one step closer to our vision of becoming a sustainable company to the core,” says Antje von Dewitz.
Comprehensive Sustainability Strategy
At VAUDE, sustainability is implemented and lived out throughout the company. For years, VAUDE has relied heavily on external audits and certificates. “This gives us security in knowing that we are on the right track. We have taken a hard look at the entire company and our products and continue to undergo audits in all areas by independent experts.” says Antje von Dewitz. As a bluesign® system partner for example, VAUDE meets the strict bluesign® standards in terms of environmental protection, resource conservation, minimizing pollution, work safety, etc. along the entire production chain. Since 2012, the VAUDE headquarters in Tettnang have been climate-neutral, including the production facility based there. Since there is no uniform certification for environmentally friendly textile products, VAUDE decided to introduce its own rating system called “Green Shape” in 2010. In the 2013 Summer Collection, 69 percent of apparel had the VAUDE Green Shape logo, guaranteeing an environmentally friendly product made from sustainable materials and resource-saving production. In the summer season 2014, this share has been increased to 79 percent.
“Moving mountains…” – new sustainability website
“Moving mountains – and protecting the environment with sustainable management” is the maxim at VAUDE’s new sustainability website, which presents the main content of the comprehensive GRI report in an understandable and clear format. The website presents a quick overview of company’s various areas of involvement, while detailed information can also easily be found. For example, that Chinese producers of VAUDE products pay their employees an average of 50% more than the local minimum wage or that our Vietnamese producers pay an average of 115% more. You might find out that our employees have commuted 44,335 km by bike to work in the last year or that VAUDE has consumed renewable energy exclusively since 2009. In-depth background information on issues like organic cotton, Green Shape or fluorocarbons make the site a valuable source of information on sustainability. “We want to give everyone – with or without prior knowledge – a chance to get an accurate picture of VAUDE. This reflects the growing consumer desire to find out – before making a purchasing decision – what the manufacturer has done to meet its responsibilities. We want to be Europe’s most sustainable outdoor brand – clearly and objectively for everyone.” says Antje von Dewitz.
Link to the new VAUDE sustainability website (Responsive website designed for all devices, including tablets and smartphones.)
More info about CSR commitment at the VAUDE Website
