About Us
The VAUDE History
A great Passion's History
The best stories are those that tell of a great passion. As the history of VAUDE.
1974
1974
Company founded by Albrecht von Dewitz
Albrecht von Dewitz founds the company VAUDE, which sells mountain sports equipment and produces its own backpacks.
1980
New headquarter in Obereisenbach near Tettnang, Germany
VAUDE moves the company headquarters to Obereisenbach in Southern Germany, dedicating its new building, which has since then been continuously expanded, adapting to the growing company.
2001
Opening of the company's own VAUDE children's house
Opening of the company's own VAUDE Kinderhaus, which supports employees in balancing work and family life.
Watch Kinderhaus-Website here (in german).
2002
Partnership and sponsoring of the German Alpine Club
VAUDE becomes an official partner of the German Alpine Association (DAV).
2009
Antje von Dewitz takes over Company Management
Albrecht von Dewitz’ daughter Antje von Dewitz takes over Company Management at VAUDE.
2010
Introduction of Green Shape
Green Shape is your VAUDE guarantee for environmentally-friendly products – made from sustainable materials and resource-conserving manufacturing.
2015
Leader status at the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF)
In 2015, VAUDE reached the highest possible performance category as "Leader". This status is attained when companies have at least 90% of their total production manufactured in facilities that are monitored in accordance with FWF requirements.
2016
VAUDE signs the Greenpeace Detox Commitment
VAUDE signs the Greenpeace Detox Commitment agreeing to eliminate all harmful substances from the entire supply chain and manufacture its entire collection completely PFC-free (without fluorocarbons) by 2020 at the latest.
2017
Made in Germany
The newly built VAUDE Manufaktur production facility at the company headquarters in Tettnang begins operation, helping VAUDE to expand its Made in Germany production which includes high quality panniers and bags. Production in this facility is 100% climate neutral as well as EMAS and bluesign certified. Discover Made in Germany bags and packs.
2018
VAUDE founds an Upcycling Workshop
New products are made out of material remnants from the VAUDE Manufaktur by refugees who are permanent employees – a successful project for integration and sustainability.
2019
For our climate: Science Based Targets
VAUDE has set itself ambitious, science-based targets for the future climate-neutral production of all its products worldwide. VAUDE intends to use these do its part toward limiting global warming to a maximum of 1.5 degrees in accordance with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. Read more about the company VAUDE.
2020
Founding of the VAUDE Academy
Founding of the VAUDE Academy for Sustainable Business, which supports other companies with sound expertise in making their organizations sustainable and fit for the future.
2021
PFAS-free
Since 2021, all VAUDE materials for clothing, backpacks and shoes have been completely PFAS-free. VAUDE has been voluntarily committed to switching to environmentally friendly PFAS-free alternatives for many years, without any legal requirements. As a pioneer and trailblazer, the outdoor brand shows that it is possible to make functional outdoor products PFAS-free, water and dirt repellent.
2022
30 % less emissions
VAUDE was able to reduce its global greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent in 2023 compared to the base year 2019, while company sales increased by 32 percent in the same period. VAUDE has thus succeeded in decoupling resource consumption from corporate growth. Read more about this.
2023
RETHINK! Products rethought for circular concepts
VAUDE develops the single-origin, recyclable RETHINK products made from recycled PET polyester, which are recycled back into textiles at the end of their life cycle. As a pioneer, VAUDE is thus taking another major step towards a circular economy.
2024
VAUDE celebrates 50 years!
From a one-man business to one of Europe's leading outdoor brands! As a pioneer in the outdoor industry, VAUDE has been combining sustainable innovation with a closeness to nature for five decades, from pioneering backpack developments to becoming a full-range supplier of environmentally friendly outdoor equipment made from recycled materials and circular economy business models. Read more.
Diversity at VAUDE: Living diversity as a strength
Diversity at VAUDE: Colorful. Genuine. Valuable.
At VAUDE, diversity is not only written in the Sustainability Report - we live it every day. And we do so with conviction. For us, diversity means that people of different origins, genders, religions, age groups and realities of life work together with us - and that is exactly what makes us strong.
For us, for outside and *inside is more than just a play on words - it's a promise: We create space for diversity. We listen. We encourage potential. And we shape an inclusive, fair and sustainable future together. Thank you to all our colleagues who contribute their perspectives and make our working world more colorful, fairer and more sustainable!
Equal rights start with us in the company
Women hold management positions in many departments at VAUDE - from purchasing to production to marketing. Our management team also has a balanced gender ratio. To achieve this, we rely on flexible working time models, family-friendly offers and a corporate culture in which every opinion counts - regardless of gender.
People from over 30 nations work together at our in-house VAUDE Manufaktur in Tettnang. Among them are many women with refugee experience, who have quickly become part of our team thanks to targeted training and support with language courses. People with disabilities are also a natural part of our team - not as an exception, but as an enrichment.
Why are we publicly committed to diversity?
Because we realize that there is a lot of social headwind at the moment. That's why we have formulated a clear diversity statement within the company and regularly publish articles - such as recently on LinkedIn - to show our stance. Because diversity needs visibility.
We are convinced that a diverse team is a strong team. And only when everyone is allowed to be themselves can the ideas that move VAUDE forward emerge. That's why we continue to invest in inclusive processes, non-discriminatory language and a corporate culture that truly embraces openness.
Green Shape products
We are convinced that a diverse team is a strong team. And only when everyone is allowed to be themselves can the ideas that move VAUDE forward emerge. That's why we continue to invest in inclusive processes, non-discriminatory language and a corporate culture that truly embraces openness.
Green Shape products
Our planet needs action. And outdoor gear shouldn't add a burden to the environment. Green shape is our proof that this is possible.
Green Shape is a standard for environmentally friendly outdoor products. Because there is no comparable system that is equally comprehensive and rigorous, we have developed our own seal Green Shape. After all, every social movement begins with someone taking that first step and not only talking smart, but taking concrete action.
Designed for life. Not for trend setting.
Functionality. Style. And foresight. When designing our products, we make sure that they are timeless, long lasting and easy to repair. It is also important that waste during production is kept to an absolute minimum and that the product can be easily recycled at the end of its life cycle.
We make sure your product can be worn timelessly, lasts a long time, and is easy to repair.
Less water. Less chemicals. Less CO2.
Choose wisely, not wastefully: in order to earn the Green Shape label, a product must consist of more than 50% renewable or recycled materials. With these climate-friendly alternatives to newly extracted petroleum-based materials, we rely on natural materials such as hemp and organic cotton, and fibers obtained from wood. In keeping with the circular economy, we also use innovative recycled materials such as polyester from PET bottles, polyamide from post-consumer tires and plastic from recycled household packaging.
It's not just our fabrics that have to be environmentally friendly – the suppliers of yarns, zips and buttons are also environmentally certified. In addition, we use the bluesign® system to achieve energy-efficient and resource-conserving processing for Green Shape products – without harmful substances.
We use recycled material for high-quality products. This conserves valuable resources and saves energy.
We use recycled material for high-quality products. This conserves valuable resources and saves energy.
Made for you. Under fair conditions.
Working conditions are notably controversial in the textile industry. We are certain that the decisive factor is not where production takes place – but how. We ensure fair wages and good working conditions – whether in Germany, Europe or the Far East. Our status of Leader at the Fair Wear Foundation proves that we are taking this issue seriously. In addition, you can find the country of manufacture on our webshop as well as here.
The Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) is a non-profit organization with a clear goal: to improve working conditions in the garment industry.
The Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) is a non-profit organization with a clear goal: to improve working conditions in the garment industry.
Long-term use. Good care. And repair when necessary.
Green Shape products are made to be used for a long time, and we'll help you take good care of them. All products with this label can be washed at low temperatures to save energy and never require dry cleaning. Green Shape products can be easily repaired if necessary. We make the necessary Spare parts, repair and instructions available. And if you're still at a loss, the VAUDE Repair Service is there to help.
Green Shape Produkte lassen sich einfach reparieren. Denn erst durch eine lange Nutzung wird ein Produkt nachhaltig.
Green Shape Produkte lassen sich einfach reparieren. Denn erst durch eine lange Nutzung wird ein Produkt nachhaltig.
Green Shape products bear the Grüner Knopf label
The Grüner Knopf (Green Button) label provides guidance for consumers who want to shop responsibly for their clothing. The strict criteria of our Green Shape label have been recognized for the Grüner Knopf. Independently audited and state certified. Find out everything about the Green Button here.
Resell or donate, just don't discard.
The most sustainable products are those that are used the longest. However, should you ever part with your product, we participate in industry-wide return and recycling systems. But even better – when you've stopped using your gear, give it away, sell it or donate it. Because high quality products have a long lifespan and are sure to be appreciated by their next owners.
Resell your product when you are done using it.
To ensure that we not only claim a lot, but also prove it, we cooperate with numerous independent organizations and seals.
Fair production
Resell your product when you are done using it.
To ensure that we not only claim a lot, but also prove it, we cooperate with numerous independent organizations and seals.
Fair production
We are taking initiative. Fair production is also possible in Asia.
Ever wondered why a large part of the VAUDE product range is manufactured in Asia, even though the quality of working conditions there is controversial? You might not be aware of it yet, but fair and ethical production is also possible in Asia.
Much of the textile industry has moved to Asia since the '80s, and major textile production facilities no longer exist in Germany. And even if they did, the significantly higher labor costs in Europe would pose a major problem. Our fairly produced VAUDE gear and apparel would cost twice as much for you, our customers. We are certain that the decisive factor is not where production takes place – but how. In our fair production facilities, we are committed to fair wages in Asia and are ensuring good working conditions for the people who make your gear and apparel.
VAUDE has been a Fair Wear Leader since 2015. This is your seal for products from fair production.
This means we are committed to good working conditions and fair wages for all. As a member of the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF), we are committed to continuously improving working conditions in all production facilities. These are regularly monitored. VAUDE has achieved the highest status as an FWF member with Leader Status.
True partnership. Forging new pathways with our producers.
Instead of constantly replacing producers in a battle for the lowest price, we at VAUDE treat our manufacturers in Asia as equals. We believe that trust-based, long-term relationships are the only way to design our production processes sustainably and to ensure steady improvement. The producers we work with can rely on us because we give them real planning security. With collaborations that are candid and constructive, we are adopting a novel approach in order to consistently implement sustainability and fair working conditions in our Asian production facilities.
Fair working conditions in production and high social standards
Are fair working conditions and fair wages important to you? This is exactly what we're striving to ensure throughout our supply chain. And it's why we at VAUDE are facing up to our social responsibility – not only with producers, but also with their subcontractors and suppliers. We carefully select our partners for our fair production and require compliance with clearly defined environmental and social standards. We also require all our producers to pay their employees a living wage. We want to set a good example and be resolute in our actions so that your VAUDE gear and apparel is produced under fair conditions.
Trust is good. External verification even better.
We really mean it. Since 2010, VAUDE has been a member of the Fair Wear Foundation (FW), an independent non-profit organization that aims to improve working conditions in the textile industry worldwide and applies strict criteria. To this end, we have ourselves and all our producers in Asia audited every year by Fair Wear. VAUDE achieves top scores in these audits year after year and has been considered a leading brand in Fair Wear since 2015. You can rest assured that we take our social responsibility for fair production very seriously.