"German Sustainability Award 2024": VAUDE Wins in Two Categories

Double Success: Two Awards for VAUDE 

  • VAUDE: Germany's Most Sustainable Textile Company
  • Special Award "Value Chain"  
  • Prestigious Award Ceremony in Düsseldorf

27.11.23 - At the prestigious award ceremony of the German Sustainability Award (GSA) on November 23 and 24 in Düsseldorf, VAUDE proudly accepted two coveted Silver Balls. The outdoor brand secured the GSA 2024 in two categories: Value Chain and Textiles. VAUDE emerged victorious in the cross-industry competition for the special award in the "Value Chain" transformation field. Previously, VAUDE had already won the top prize in the "Textiles" category. In the GSA Sport category, VAUDE is among the four finalists with its recyclable "Rethink" products. 

"I am proud that we managed to win in two challenging categories. Proud of my VAUDE colleagues who made this success possible through their dedication, expertise and hard work. I am also proud to be able to demonstrate that a sustainable transformation is possible," said Antje von Dewitz, VAUDE Managing Director. This marks VAUDE's second win of the German Sustainability Award – the company was previously recognized as Germany's Most Sustainable Brand in 2015. The GSA 2024 holds special significance for the family-owned company as it coincides with its 50th anniversary. 

The German Sustainability Award, presented for the 16th consecutive year, is considered Europe's most significant accolade for ecological and social commitment. The award ceremony was attended by over 1,200 guests and distinguished award winners. In collaboration with the Federal Ministry for the Environment, the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the "Pioneers of Transformation" in 100 sectors were honored with the GSA Companies award. In addition, four winners across all sectors in the industry received a Special Award for particularly exemplary achievements in the transformation fields of Resources, Value Chain, Nature and Climate. The GSA focuses on these areas where change is most urgently needed in order to achieve comprehensive sustainable development. 

Special Award "Value Chain"

VAUDE was honored with the Special Award in the "Value Chain" transformation field for its long-standing commitment to the global supply chain. "VAUDE not only adheres to its own, industry-leading environmental standard, Green Shape, but also practices comprehensive environmental management based on recognized standards. By voluntarily avoiding harmful chemicals, the company actively contributes to environmental conservation, prioritizes animal welfare, and upholds the highest social standards throughout its supply chain. VAUDE is transparent and proactive about sensitive issues such as working conditions in Asia and actively advocates for socially just changes, such as a strong European supply chain law or the CSRD directive," the jury concluded. The recently established VAUDE Academy for Sustainable Business, founded in 2020, was also commended for supporting other companies in their transformation processes.

Jan Lorch, VAUDE Director of Sales & CSR, expressed his joy on behalf of the entire VAUDE team for this special award: "The GSA jury has acknowledged our commitment to a fair and environmentally friendly supply chain. We are demonstrating that even in the challenging textile industry, solutions that we need for transformation do exist." 

VAUDE Takes First Place in the Textile Industry

VAUDE emerged as the winner in the "Textiles" category of the GSA Companies. "We are delighted to be recognized as a sustainable pioneer in the textile industry. Cheers to the entire VAUDE team and our long-standing commitment to producing environmentally friendly and fair products. We thank the German Sustainability Award jury for their appreciation of our work," said Uwe Gottschalk, VAUDE Director of Products. The ecological and social challenges in the global textile industry are significant and highly relevant for comprehensive transformation. VAUDE has been advocating for high social standards and environmentally friendly, energy-efficient production throughout the entire global supply chain for many years. The focus is on producing innovative, environmentally friendly and fair products. Equally important to the outdoor brand is the longevity, repairability, and reusability of products. 

Finalist in GSA Sport

The award ceremony underscored the importance of tackling challenges together, pooling strengths, and motivating and supporting each other. This is also a major concern for Antje von Dewitz: "Congratulations to all the other award winners – it's a great feeling to see companies from all sectors of the economy dedicated to sustainable transformation. Paths are created as we walk them together, even if we haven't yet reached our destination."

Mastering Transformation Together

The award ceremony underscored the importance of tackling challenges together, pooling strengths, and motivating and supporting each other. This is also a major concern for Antje von Dewitz: "Congratulations to all the other award winners – it's a great feeling to see companies from all sectors of the economy dedicated to sustainable transformation. Paths are created as we walk them together, even if we haven't yet reached our destination."

About the German Sustainability Award  

The GSA is an initiative of the German Sustainability Award Foundation, in collaboration with the German Federal Government, municipal associations, business associations, civil society organizations, and research institutions. Juries of renowned experts from the fields of business, politics, research, and civil society sectors determine the winners. It recognizes pioneering contributions to the transformation towards a sustainable future. Best practice examples demonstrate how successful sustainable development can be achieved. 

With pride and joy presented Managing Director Dr Antje von Dewitz, VAUDE,  and her colleagues the two silver trophies received at the German Sustainability Award (DNP) ceremony in Düsseldorf on 24 November.