One step ahead - VAUDE voluntarily adopts the EU standard ESRS

  • Future-prooffuture-proof & transparent: Reporting aligned with ESRS
  • Greatig progress: CO₂ emissions reduced by 40 %
  • Circular economy expanded, completepFAS waiver completely

Tettnang, 21.08.2025 - VAUDE voluntarily goes one step further: The new sustainability report of the outdoor company is already based on the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) - without any legal obligation. VAUDE is thus deliberately going beyond the current requirements and taking responsibility at a time when the weakening of sustainability regulations is being discussed at EU level. The report also sets new standards in terms of technology and design: with clear navigation, fresh design and clear presentation, it offers a transparent overview. VAUDE is particularly proud of the progress made in all areas - whether in the carbon footprint, in the expansion of the circular economy, in the complete elimination of PFAS or in green mobility.

"VAUDE is proactively preparing for the requirements of the CSRD. As a medium-sized company, we want to show that it is already possible to take holistic responsibility today - and at the same time provide orientation for tomorrow," says Dr. Antje von Dewitz, Managing Director of VAUDE. The EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) obliges companies to report on their sustainability aspects. The European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) define the content. The information in the new report relates to the year 2024. Around 25 employees from all areas have been involved in the creation of the report and have been responsible for its content and technical implementation since the beginning of the year.

Signal for transparency in turbulent times

Despite growing political uncertainty at EU level, VAUDE is moving forward with determination and is deliberately counterbalancing the current political discussion with the new report: In the EU's so-called omnibus procedure, central regulations such as CSRD, CSDDD and the Taxonomy Regulation threaten to be weakened in their effect. "The intended reduction in bureaucracy is essentially sensible, but under the current plans it would lead to companies taking on fewer due diligence obligations, building up less sustainability expertise and severely restricting transparency," warns Antje von Dewitz.

Dual materiality as a strategic compass

With the introduction of the double materiality analysis, a core element of the ESRS, VAUDE will continue to develop its processes in the future: it evaluates both the impact of business activities on the environment and society as well as the opportunities and risks of ecological and social developments on the company itself. This will make sustainability aspects an integral part of corporate management. "The dual materiality helps us to make risks and impacts transparent along the entire value chain. In view of the climate crisis and global supply chains, recognizing and managing these in a targeted manner is crucial," explains Hilke Patzwall, Head of Sustainability Management at VAUDE.

Future-proof technology and a clear look

With a comprehensive relaunch, VAUDE is also taking off with a new look and technology: The report has been placed on a user-friendly, future-proof web platform. The fresh design with clear navigation and new information graphics provides a quick overview of progress and key figures in all areas of activity. A specialized AI tool was used to support the complex transfer of content from GRI to ESRS - in addition to German and English, the report is now also available in French.

Major progress - concrete and measurable

The new Sustainability Report shows impressively that VAUDE has made progress in all key areas - ambitious, concrete and verifiable. In the Climate strategy vAUDE has once again reached major milestones and achieved many milestones ahead of schedule. The new carbon footprint shows that VAUDE has reduced CO₂ emissions by 40 % since 2019 - with simultaneous sales growth of 27 %. Emissions in the global supply chain have been reduced by 48%. Find out more:

VAUDE Sustainability Report - VAUDE carbon footprint

The Circular economy is being further expanded - with innovative ideas and concepts such as the "Design for Life" philosophy, which focuses on sustainable consumption and long-lasting product design. The circular offerings are well received: In 2024, around 2,000 second-hand products were sold on the newly created platform, 4,500 upcycled products were offered and 16,500 items were repaired. Find out more: VAUDE Sustainability Report - Circular economy

The PFAS phase-out has been fully completed. Since 2021, almost all product areas have already been converted - with the production of the 2025 collection, the last gaps in tents and waterproof zippers have been closed. This means that VAUDE is no longer using the controversial perpetual chemicals in its entire product range.

Further successes:

  • 130.000 commuting kilometers saved - through cycling, carpooling and e-mobility. 
  • 10 consecutive years of "Leader Status" from the Fair Wear Foundation.
  • New fully automated production line that increases efficiency and material optimization at the VAUDE factory in Tettnang - waste has already been reduced by up to 20% for some models. 

To the report: VAUDE Sustainability Report 2025