Green Shape® strengthens credible environmental labelling for textiles: VAUDE becomes first brand to achieve certification 

Tettnang, 13 October 2026 – Green Shape® sets particularly ambitious and comprehensive environmental criteria for textile production, taking the entire product life cycle into account. As the new EU rules against greenwashing, applicable since 27 September 2026, come into effect, the environmental standard reaches another milestone: VAUDE has become the first brand to successfully complete the independent third-party environmental certification process. A large proportion of the products in the Autumn/Winter 2026 collection will carry the new Green Shape® label when they go on sale.

What began as an in-house environmental standard has evolved into an independent certification system for the entire textile and outdoor industry. Green Shape® combines far-reaching environmental requirements covering product design, materials, manufacturing, use and end-of-life, with independent verification ensuring transparency and traceability. VAUDE has now become the first company to successfully complete certification under the independent Green Shape® standard. At the same time, the relevant products from the Winter 2026 collection have been certified and can carry the new Green Shape® label when they go on sale. 

The standard, developed by VAUDE in 2010, was transferred to the independent, non-profit Green Shape e. V. association in early 2026. The association is now responsible for setting the standard and managing the certification programme. Green Shape® is also registered as an EU certification mark. 

"For 15 years, we at VAUDE have put a great deal of passion and commitment into establishing Green Shape® as an ambitious environmental standard. We have shared our knowledge and experience with the industry. Successfully completing the independent certification process as the first user of the standard is a logical next step for us," says Antje von Dewitz, CEO of VAUDE.

Independent certification aligned with the start of EmpCo 

The first certification has been deliberately timed to coincide with an important regulatory milestone: Since 27 September 2026, the requirements of the EU Directive "Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition" (EmpCo) have been applicable. Among other things, they introduce stricter requirements for voluntary sustainability labels and aim to better protect consumers against misleading environmental claims. 

Green Shape® has been specifically developed into an independent certification system to meet these new requirements for credible environmental communication. VAUDE no longer defines or monitors the label's requirements itself. Instead, the company now uses the standard and undergoes the same independent certification process that is open to all interested textile and outdoor brands. 

The first Green Shape® certification was carried out by the independent certification body Control Union Certifications Germany. Loek Verwijst, Managing Director of Control Union, emphasises: "Independent certification builds trust in environmental standards. We are pleased to contribute our expertise to the application and implementation of the Green Shape® standard in the textile industry."

Ambitious criteria covering the entire product life cycle 

Green Shape® takes a holistic approach to the environmental impacts of a product – from design and material selection to manufacturing, use and end-of-life. The criteria include material efficiency, repairability and recyclability, the use of certified recycled or renewable raw materials, as well as strict environmental requirements for chemical management and manufacturing processes. 

The 15 years of development work behind Green Shape® have also significantly shaped the VAUDE product range: 80 per cent of the products in the current Autumn/Winter 2026 collection have already been certified according to the Green Shape® standard and carry the label directly on the product. 

"Green Shape® provides clear guidance when making purchasing decisions: Consumers can identify which products meet defined environmental requirements and have been independently verified. This builds trust and enables informed purchasing decisions," says Anna Rodewald, member of the Board of the Green Shape® association. 

DAkkS assessment continues

In parallel, the programme's assessment for accreditation eligibility by the German Accreditation Body (DAkkS) is continuing. Confirmation of accreditation eligibility remains an important goal for Green Shape e. V.

Opening up to the entire industry 

With the first successful certification, Green Shape® enters its next phase: The standard is open to all interested textile and outdoor brands that wish to meet its environmental requirements and have their compliance independently verified. The non-profit association aims to drive the ecological transformation of the textile industry through shared, ambitious requirements.