Our planet needs action. And outdoor gear must not place an unnecessary burden on nature. That’s why we at VAUDE strive to act in a way that ensures future generations can also enjoy the mountains and nature without worry.
Green Shape® is an independent environmental standard for apparel and outdoor textile products. It is characterized by a holistic approach to environmental aspects throughout the entire product life cycle, from design to end of life.
Designed for life. Not for trend setting.
VAUDE products that meet the Green Shape® standard stand out for their consistently functional design and ease of care. Even during the development phase, we consider repair options wherever possible. We primarily use recycled and renewable materials and strive to use materials that are as homogeneous as possible, as well as to ensure that products can be easily disassembled, in order to facilitate recycling at the end of their product life.
Keeping an Eye on Resource Consumption
Conscious use instead of waste: VAUDE products certified to the Green Shape® environmental standard consist of more than 50% renewable or recycled materials. As alternatives to virgin, petroleum-based materials, we at VAUDE rely on natural materials such as hemp and organic cotton, as well as fibers derived from wood. Furthermore, in line with the principles of a circular economy, we use recycled materials such as polyester from PET bottles or polyamide derived from used tires, among other sources. Clearly defined material requirements also apply to suppliers of yarns, zippers, and buttons. In addition, we consciously avoid the use of PFAS chemicals in all our products.
Discover our products made from recycled materials
Long-term use. Good care. And repair when necessary.
Our products are designed and made to last. And we’re here to help you care for them properly. VAUDE products generally do not require dry cleaning and can be washed at low temperatures. If necessary, many products can be repaired. We provide you with the necessary and repair instructions. And if you’re not sure what to do, our repair service is here to help.
Green Shape® Standard Recognized for the Green Button
The government-issued Green Button seal helps guide you in making responsible textile purchases. Green Shape® has been recognized by the Green Button. Independently tested and government-certified. Find out everything about the Green Button here.
The Path to an Independent Environmental Standard—Open to Other Brands
Since there was no comparable system that was similarly comprehensive and rigorous, we at VAUDE developed our own standard in 2010. At the same time, specialty retailers expressed a desire for more guidance and transparency for consumers.
What emerged from this has grown over the years—through close collaboration with experts from academia, environmental organizations, the supply chain, and the retail sector. We’ve always kept the big picture in mind: design, materials, production, use, and recycling. This is what has made Green Shape so strong: a holistic approach combined with clear, verifiable requirements.
By founding a nonprofit association and developing an independent certification program, we at VAUDE have taken a path that is unique in the outdoor and textile industries. In doing so, we have deliberately opened up something we have built up over many years—so that it can be used, further developed, and carried forward by many.
“We are convinced that genuine environmental change can only be achieved through cooperation, transparency, and collective action. That is why we are making the expertise we have built up over many years available to the entire industry.”
Green Shape® e.V. pursues exclusively charitable purposes. As a standards-setting body and program owner, the association has been responsible since 2026 for the administration and further development of Green Shape® as well as for licensing the use of the EU guarantee mark Green Shape®. In addition, Green Shape® has been registered as an EU guarantee mark.
