VAUDE - Enjoy every outdoor adventure with confidence

Thinking ahead, considering the impact of our actions and making conscious decisions shape our path at VAUDE. Whether in outdoor sports, everyday life or the development of functional products: only by protecting what we love today can future generations continue to enjoy nature and explore the outdoors.

At VAUDE, we love being outdoors and know how valuable intact nature and mountain environments are for experiencing real and authentic adventures in nature. That’s why we set ourselves concrete goals to measurably reduce our impact as a company.

This includes a climate strategy with science-based targets (SBTi), through which we gradually reduce our greenhouse gas emissions along the entire value chain. We regularly review our progress and make it transparent. We also apply clear criteria in product development: the Green Shape standard defines requirements along the entire product life cycle – from design for material efficiency, repairability, easy care and recyclability to the use of recycled or renewable materials and collaboration with certified suppliers. We completely avoid the use of PFAS chemicals.

A family-owned company from Tettnang

VAUDE was founded in 1974 by Albrecht von Dewitz and is still based in Tettnang on Lake Constance today. The name is derived from the initials “vD” of his surname and is pronounced [fau’de].

Since then, the company has continued to evolve – together with many people who have helped shape this journey. Learn more in our history.

Use products for as long as possible

A key lever for reducing environmental impacts lies in extending the lifespan of products.

That is why, during product development, we focus on:

  • High-quality materials

  • Repair-friendly construction

  • Timeless design

  • Easy-care properties

We also support you with tips and services to help you use, care for and, when needed, repair your equipment for as long as possible. For many products, we also provide spare parts and repair instructions.

Made in Germany

Designed in Germany and made in Germany: At our manufacturing workshop at our company headquarters in Southern Germany, we craft high-quality, waterproof bags and backpacks for cycling tours, urban mobility and everyday use.

Read more about our production in Germany here.

Antje von Dewitz - takes a clear position as CEO and visionary.

Transparency and Reporting

We regularly publish a sustainability report that provides information about our measures, targets and progress.

Topics covered include:

  • Environmental and chemical management (e.g. EMAS, ISO 14001, bluesign® SYSTEM)

  • Climate targets and emissions development (SDGs and greenhouse gas accounting)

  • Social standards in the supply chain (Fair Wear)

This helps make our current status transparent and highlights the areas where we continue to work towards further improvements.

We are happy to pass on our knowledge

With the VAUDE Academy for sustainable management we support other companies and organizations on their sustainable path. 

We are particularly proud of the many prestigious awards we have received for our sustainable commitment and innovative products. 

Together we are strong

We promote diversity because we are convinced that we all benefit from diversity and equal opportunities – and because we are firmly opposed to any form of discrimination. If you would like to work with us to help make the world a better place, come and join our team! 

Together we are strong – that's why we cooperate with like-minded partners such as the German Alpine Association, our athletes and the Albrecht von Dewitz Foundation. In order to advance solutions for global problems such as climate change or microplastics in the environment, we work closely with experts, universities and NGOs and also campaign for our demands at the political level.

Is VAUDE a good brand?

For VAUDE, taking responsibility for people and nature is a matter of course - in that the company has established comprehensive, transparent social and ecological standards in its global supply chains. In this way, VAUDE ensures that its products are manufactured in an environmentally friendly and fair manner. Most VAUDE products meet the strict requirements of the VAUDE Green Shape Label and the state Green Button seal, which identify socially and ecologically produced textiles. Together with the Fair Wear Foundation, VAUDE is committed to fair working conditions worldwide. 

The company does all this voluntarily and at its own expense. But in order for something to really change, everyone has to join in. Therefore, VAUDE advocates a rethinking in the economy, such as the approach of the common good economy (GWÖ). In this accounting, companies have to prove whether and how they contribute to the common good - VAUDE regularly scores above average here. In addition, VAUDE has long been calling for a comprehensive supply chain law that legally obliges all companies to take responsibility in their supply chains. VAUDE takes a public stance on issues such as climate protection, diversity or sustainable business practices in order to draw attention to these topics and drive change. The company has received numerous awards for its commitment, including the GreenTec Award (2018), the European Business Award (2017) and the German Sustainability Award 2024 Award.