The VAUDE History

In 2025, VAUDE reduced its global greenhouse gas emissions by 51 percent compared to the base year of 2019, thereby achieving its science-based climate goal for 2030 five years early. This is an important milestone on the path to Net Zero 2040.

VAUDE eliminates the use of PFAS in all product categories—from weatherproof clothing to backpacks, sleeping bags, and shoes, all the way to waterproof tents. After many years of development work, VAUDE thus reaches an important milestone: the complete elimination of PFAS.

The Green Shape Verein e. V. is founded as the new governing body of the Green Shape Standard, independent of VAUDE. The goal is to further develop the standard and open it up to other companies.

VAUDE is launching its own secondhand online store. For this, used outdoor gear will be professionally refurbished and offered for sale again. This allows the products to be reused.

As part of its climate strategy validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), VAUDE has set the goal of achieving net zero by 2040. To this end, greenhouse gas emissions along the value chain will be further reduced in accordance with the validated climate targets. Learn more here.

VAUDE is investing over a million euros in a new automation line at its Made in Germany factory in Tettnang, thereby increasing its production capacity.

Fifty years ago, Albrecht von Dewitz founded VAUDE as a one-man business. Since 2009, Antje von Dewitz has been leading the family business as the second generation. What began as the development of the first backpacks has grown into a comprehensive product line for mountaineering, biking, trekking, and everyday use. At the same time, VAUDE is continuously refining its products, materials, and business models—including repair services, secondhand offerings, and concepts for the circular economy.  Learn more here about: 50 Years of VAUDE. Learn more here about the anniversary.

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.

VAUDE Academy for Sustainable Business

VAUDE establishes the VAUDE Academy for Sustainable Business. It shares practical business experience and knowledge and supports companies and organizations through change processes.

The "Green Button" is introduced

The Grüner Knopf (Green Button), the first state seal for socially and ecologically produced textiles, is introduced. VAUDE is the only outdoor company to receive the Grüner Knopf for a large part of its product range. The strict criteria of the company's own label "Green Shape" 

Science-Based Climate Targets

VAUDE is committed to science-based climate targets in accordance with the guidelines of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). These targets form the basis for further reducing the company’s greenhouse gas emissions and those along its global value chain. Learn more about VAUDE here.

Establishment of an Upcycling Workshop

In the upcycling workshop, new products are created from material scraps from the VAUDE manufacturing facility. Reusing existing materials can help reduce the use of new raw materials.

The newly built VAUDE manufacturing facility in Tettnang begins operations after the previous production building was severely damaged by a major fire. Since 1980, bike bags, bags, and backpacks have been produced here, waterproofed using high-frequency welding—Manufactured in Germany. Discover  Made in Germany bags and packs.

VAUDE signs the Greenpeace Detox Commitment and pledges to gradually reduce the use of harmful chemicals in its supply chain.

VAUDE inaugurates the renovated company building at its Tettnang location. The building receives certification from the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB).

Since 2010, VAUDE has been a member of Fair Wear and, together with the organization, has been working to improve working conditions in the textile supply chain.

Introduction of Green Shape as the company’s own environmental standard for apparel and outdoor textile products. In the years that followed, Green Shape was expanded to cover a large portion of the VAUDE product line.

Albrecht von Dewitz’ daughter Antje von Dewitz takes over Company Management at VAUDE.

VAUDE becomes an official partner of the German Alpine Association (DAV).

Opening of the company's own VAUDE Kinderhaus, which supports employees in balancing work and family life.

Watch Kinderhaus-Website here (in german).

VAUDE establishes its headquarters in Obereisenbach near Tettnang, where some of its products are still manufactured in-house today—Manufactured in Germany.

Albrecht von Dewitz founds the company VAUDE, which sells mountain sports equipment and produces its own backpacks.