The Fair Wear Foundation is a multi-stakeholder initiative that supports VAUDE in implementing human rights due diligence in its supply chains. Membership facilitates the identification, mitigation, and remediation of human rights risks and negative impacts, promotes access to grievance and remedy mechanisms for workers, and enables the tracking and transparent communication of progress. Membership is not a product or factory certification and does not guarantee that a supply chain is free of human rights risks or negative impacts.

VAUDE has been working with Fair Wear since 2010. For more information, visit: www.fairwear.org/brands/vaude

In the past:

Our products are manufactured in a fair working environment in accordance with Fair Wear standards.

GOTS-Certified Organic Cotton
VAUDE uses Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-certified organic cotton. This natural material is prone to pilling, but this can be easily removed and does not affect the functionality of your VAUDE product.

• Renewable raw material made from natural fibers
• The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) regulates ecological and socially responsible criteria for cotton cultivation

In the past:

A proportion of certified organic cotton grown under strict ecological standards. It requires less water than conventional cotton farming and is grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Genetic engineering is also prohibited. By sourcing organic cotton, VAUDE contributes to the sustainable development of small-scale farmers and, at the same time, to the preservation of biodiversity in the growing regions. Cotton is a natural fiber that should be washed and dried gently. This natural material is prone to pilling, but this can be easily removed and does not impair the functionality of your VAUDE product. 

Green Shape® - the environmental standard for outdoor apparel and textiles

Green Shape®-certified products meet the following criteria, among others:
•     Developed with the future in mind: Focus on material efficiency, repairability, and recyclability.
•     Mindful of resource consumption: Made from more than 50% recycled or renewable materials.
•     Verified supply chain: Meets strictly defined environmental requirements during manufacturing.

In the past:

VAUDE ECO Product / Functional, eco-friendly, and fair / This eco-friendly product bears the Green Shape label and is made from sustainable materials. The VAUDE Green Shape label stands for an eco-friendly, functional product made from sustainable materials.

Hemp is a natural material. Its fibers are among the most tear-resistant natural fibers. These fibers are used to create fabrics for high-quality VAUDE products. Over time, strong UV radiation can cause the color of hemp products to change slightly—a sign of their natural origin.

• Fabrics made from hemp fibers
• Color may change slightly over time due to strong UV radiation

In the past:

Low-maintenance industrial hemp for durable products
We extract fibers from the stems of industrial hemp to create the hard-wearing fabrics used in your high-quality, durable VAUDE products. This low-maintenance, robust industrial hemp is resilient and grows quickly. It requires little water and needs neither fertilizers nor pesticides. This makes it a climate-friendly, environmentally friendly, and renewable raw material. Products made from the natural fiber hemp may change color slightly due to strong UV radiation. 

The “Hard Back 2.0” hard-shell back panel is made of sturdy plastic, making the VAUDE bike bag impact-resistant. The edges are equipped with non-slip feet. The lower mounting hook can be rotated freely through 360 degrees, allowing the bike bag to be flexibly adapted to any bike rack. The maximum load capacity is 12.5 kilograms per bag.

• Shock-resistant hard-shell back panel
• Fits all luggage rack bars
• Non-slip feet on the edges"

In the past:

Like its predecessor, the “Hard Back 2.0 Eco” hard-shell back panel is made of sturdy plastic. However, in the Eco version, plastic parts—such as bumpers from scrapped cars in Europe—have been recycled. This makes your VAUDE bike bag both sustainable and extremely durable. 

Fabric scraps from production are transformed into one-of-a-kind products. This results in limited-edition items featuring new color combinations and a unique look. Of course, these products offer the same high standard of functionality you’ve come to expect from VAUDE.

• One-of-a-kind product made from fabric scraps
• VAUDE’s usual high standard of functionality

Previously:

Revalued - Fabric Scraps for a Unique Look
We transform fabric scraps from our production into one-of-a-kind products. This conserves valuable resources and helps us avoid waste. For you, this results in strictly limited-edition products with new color combinations and unique looks. Of course, these products offer you the high standard of functionality and sustainability you’ve come to expect from VAUDE—just like any other VAUDE product.

• Custom product made from fabric scraps reduces waste
• High standard of functionality
• Sustainable production conserves resources

The raw material for the fibers is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)-certified wood, which is processed in a closed-loop production process. Cellulose from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified wood. Fibers made from wood feel silky soft against the skin, have moisture-regulating properties, and provide a pleasantly cool feel.

• Silky soft and pleasantly cool to the touch
• Moisture-regulating
• Fiber made from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)-certified wood

Previously:

Lyocell—a 100% biodegradable fiber made from wood
Cellulose fibers made from 100% certified sustainable wood. The raw material for these fibers is cellulose derived from eucalyptus or beech wood, which requires neither fertilizers nor artificial irrigation, thereby conserving natural resources. Wood-based fibers feel silky soft against your skin, have moisture-regulating properties, and provide a pleasantly cool feel. They are also 100% biodegradable and cause no harm to the environment or marine life. Thanks to a resource-efficient closed-loop production cycle, they are particularly climate- and environmentally friendly because emissions are reduced to a minimum.

This model is a multi-use product. That means it works very well for a variety of activities.
• MULTI USE product
• works very well for a variety of activities

Previously:

MULTI USE - a product for a variety of activities
• multifunctional product
• can be used for various sports
• reduces the ecological Footprint

This renewable natural material is highly elastic, tear-resistant, and water-repellent.

• Highly elastic yet tear-resistant
• Water-repellent
• Made from a renewable raw material

Previously:

Natural Rubber - Rubber Made from a Renewable Raw Material
Natural rubber is a rubber product manufactured without petroleum. It is highly elastic, tear-resistant, durable, and water-repellent. Your VAUDE product takes full advantage of these very properties. Extracted from the sap of the rubber tree, natural rubber is recyclable and is classified as a renewable raw material.

This water- and stain-repellent finish is applied to the outer fabric. This causes raindrops to bead up and roll off. VAUDE does not use fluorocarbons—so-called PFAS or PFC chemicals—which are suspected of being harmful to health. Regular re-treatment is necessary to maintain long-lasting water and stain resistance.

• Water- and stain-repellent finish on the outer fabric
• No fluorocarbons, so-called PFAS/PFC chemicals

Previously:

Eco Finish – eco-friendly water- and stain-repellent finish
This water- and stain-repellent finish is applied to the outer fabric of your product. This causes raindrops to bead up and roll off—without the use of environmentally harmful fluorocarbons (PFCs). This protects you from the rain and keeps nature clean. Regular re-treatment is necessary to maintain long-lasting water and stain repellency.

The material is produced through a chemical recycling process. In this process, plastics that are difficult to recycle—such as scrap tires—are reintroduced into the production cycle. The polyamide obtained from this process has the same functional properties as conventional polyamide made from crude oil.
• Chemical recycling of plastics that are difficult to recycle, such as scrap tires
• Same properties as polyamide made from crude oil

Previously:

Mass Balance Recycling – Chemical Recycling Process
Recycled polyamide produced using a certified mass balance process. In this process, pyrolysis oil is extracted from scrap tires and fed into the conventional polyamide production process. Through chemical recycling, we conserve fossil raw materials. Another advantage: Compared to conventional polyamide production, CO₂ emissions are reduced by 60%. The polyamide produced in this environmentally friendly way has exactly the same properties as conventional polyamide derived from crude oil.
* Chemcycling, Environmental Evaluation by Life Cycle Assessment, BASF, November 2020; GaBi version 9.2 (2020), Sphera AG, Polyamide 6 Granules
• Robust, durable polyamide with excellent freedom of movement
• Innovative recycling of end-of-life tires using a mass balance process
• Climate-friendly and CO₂-saving alternative to crude oil

VAUDE completely avoids PVC, which is suspected of posing a health risk. The product is exceptionally durable and of high quality. Every material is tested for abrasion resistance and stability in standardized laboratory and field tests.

• PVC-free
• Abrasion-resistant

Previously:

PVC-Free – Robust and Durable Without PVC
Because we care about nature, we have completely eliminated PVC—which poses a health risk—from your VAUDE product. Made from eco-friendly alternatives with comparable properties, your product is exceptionally robust, durable, and of high quality.

QMR (Quick Mount Release) 2.0 is a high-quality, technically sophisticated mounting system with hooks for your VAUDE pannier. The second generation is even easier to use and can be locked directly to the hook with a padlock (e.g., Abus 145/20). The QMR system is suitable for rack tubes with a diameter of 8 to 16 millimeters. The package includes three adapters (8, 10, and 13 mm). The maximum load per bag is 12.5 kg.

• Easy to use and lockable directly on the hook
• Quick to mount and remove
• Suitable for tube diameters from 8 to 16 millimeters

Previously:

QMR (Quick Mount Release) 2.0 – easy-to-use mounting system
QMR (Quick Mount Release) 2.0 is a high-quality, technically sophisticated mounting system with hooks for your VAUDE pannier. The second generation is even easier to use and can be locked directly to the hook with a padlock (e.g., Abus 145/20). The QMR system is suitable for rack tubes with a diameter of 8 to 16 millimeters. The package includes three adapters (8/10/13 mm). The maximum load per bag is 12.5 kg.

• Easy to use and lockable directly onto the hook
• Quick to install and remove
• Suitable for tube diameters from 8 to 16 Millimeters

The down, certified according to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), is treated with a Durable Water Repellency (DWR) finish for long-lasting water repellency. VAUDE does not use fluorocarbons—so-called PFAS or PFC chemicals—which are suspected of being harmful to health. Even when it gets damp, the down remains fluffy and retains its excellent insulating properties. Gentle care is recommended to ensure long-lasting warmth.

• Minimal weight, maximum insulation
• High breathability with durable water repellency
• Certified according to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS)

Previously:

DWR Down – Durably Water-Repellent Down
Certified down treated with a PFC-free, water-repellent finish (DWR). This protects the down filling from moisture and wetness. Even when it gets damp, the down remains fluffy. Its excellent insulating properties are preserved. If it does get wet, it dries significantly faster than conventional down. Gentle care and proper drying are necessary to maintain the down’s long-lasting warmth.

The main material in this product consists primarily of recycled polyamide. This is sourced, for example, from old fishing nets or carpets. This allows valuable resources to be reused.
• Recycled polyamide
• For example, from old fishing nets or carpets

Previously:

Recycled polyamide, sourced, for example, from fishing nets or carpets. Instead of disposing of excess material or scraps from textile production as waste, we collect them, process them, and reuse them in production. This maximizes the use of valuable resources and minimizes the use of new raw materials. In this way, we protect the climate and reduce CO₂ emissions

The main material in this product consists primarily of recycled polyester. This involves reintroducing material scraps from polyester production back into the manufacturing process.

• Recycled polyester
• Made from excess material from polyester production

Previously:

Recycled PES – For this VAUDE product, we use a proportion of recycled polyester. Your VAUDE product still offers full functionality. With recycled PES, excess material from polyester production is not disposed of as waste but is reintroduced into the production process. The recycled polyester is first turned into granules, which can then be spun into yarn and woven into fabric. Because no additional oil extraction is required, we conserve resources and thus protect the climate.

The main material in this product consists primarily of recycled polyester. PET bottles are collected, cleaned, pelletized, and spun into high-quality polyester yarn.
• Recycled polyester
• Made from collected and cleaned PET bottles

Previously:

Recycled PET—collecting, cleaning, granulating, and spinning into high-quality polyester yarn: That’s the recycling cycle for PET bottles. Through this manufacturing process, we save up to 50% in energy and reduce CO₂ emissions by about 50%, while completely eliminating the use of new fossil raw materials derived from petroleum. This conserves resources and keeps your ecological footprint small.

Responsible Down Standard - Down from Animal-Welfare-Compliant Sources
Goose and duck down are a wonder of nature! Despite their minimal weight, they provide perfect thermal insulation while remaining breathable. For the filling in this product, we use only down from animal-welfare-compliant sources that is certified according to the independent Responsible Down Standard (RDS).

• RDS is an independent certification
• Only down from animal-welfare-compliant farms is used for the filling of this product
• Forced feeding and live plucking are prohibited

Goose and duck down are a wonder of nature! Despite their minimal weight, they provide perfect thermal insulation while remaining breathable. For the filling in this product, we use only down from animal-welfare-compliant sources that is certified according to the independent Responsible Down Standard (RDS).

• RDS is an independent certification
• Only down from animal-welfare-compliant farms is used for the filling of this product
• Forced feeding and live plucking are prohibited

Previously:

Certified Down - Animal-welfare-compliant goose and duck down / from animal-welfare-compliant farms
Goose and duck down are a wonder of nature! With minimal weight, they provide perfect protection against the cold while remaining breathable. You can rest assured that VAUDE uses only down from animal-welfare-compliant farms, certified according to the independent RDS Down Standard. Gentle care and proper drying are necessary to maintain the down’s long-lasting warmth.

Rethinking—that’s what matters to us when it comes to the products that are part of the VAUDE circular concept. They are made from a single type of raw material: All parts are made from certified recycled material; parts made from other materials can be removed.

In the past:

RETHINK - VAUDE products reimagined for a circular economy
Rethinking—that’s what matters to us when it comes to the products that are part of our circular concept. They are reduced to a single type of raw material: All parts are made from recycled polyester; parts made from other materials can be removed. This makes it very easy to turn these products back into raw materials. In addition, we are constantly optimizing our patterns to use materials efficiently and minimize waste and CO2 emissions. Finally, the products are designed to be durable and, if necessary, easy to repair.

Plastic made from castor oil. Castor oil is pressed from the plant’s beans. VAUDE uses it to produce fibers and plastic parts such as zippers, buckles, and hooks. The advantage: They have the same properties as conventional petroleum-based materials but are made from renewable raw materials.

• Plastic made from castor oil
• For fibers, zippers, buckles, and hooks
• Made from renewable raw materials

Previously:

Castor Oil – Bio-based Plastic for Climate Protection
Bio-based plastic made from castor oil. The hardy castor plant grows without additional irrigation on barren soils unsuitable for food cultivation. Castor oil is pressed from the plant’s beans. We use it to produce fibers for your VAUDE clothing and plastic components such as zippers, buckles, and hooks. The advantage: They have the same properties as conventional petroleum-based materials—but are more climate-friendly because the raw material is renewable and contributes to climate protection.

Sensofiber Recycled is a synthetic insulating fiber made from 90% recycled polyester. The special arrangement of the microfibers ensures excellent heat retention, helping to trap more body heat. The material retains its insulating properties even when wet, dries quickly, and is easy to care for.

• High-quality synthetic fiber insulation
• Keeps you warm even when wet, dries quickly, and is easy to care for
• Recycled polyester

Previously:

Sensofiber Eco is a synthetic fiber insulation made from 100% recycled polyester sourced from household and commercial waste. The special arrangement of the tiny microfibers ensures high heat retention and guarantees that your body heat is not lost. Even when wet, it retains its insulating properties, dries quickly, is durable, robust, and easy to care for.

A plastic made from corn, among other things
This highly elastic thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is produced through a chemical process using, among other things, the renewable raw material corn.

• Highly elastic plastic
• Made from, among other things, the renewable raw material corn

Previously:

Biobased TPU – A plastic made from corn
This bioplastic contributes to the climate neutrality of all VAUDE products. The highly elastic thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is produced through a chemical process using, among other things, the renewable raw material corn and is used, for example, in the midsoles of our outdoor shoes. The advantage: Its production generates 30% fewer CO2 emissions than oil-based TPU. The plant-based raw material used for the TPU is not genetically modified. Corn, a rapidly renewable resource, is thus an excellent alternative to conventional plastics produced from petroleum. In this way, the bioplastic made from corn contributes to reducing CO2 emissions, conserving fossil resources, and protecting the climate.

Protects textiles from UV radiation. VAUDE does not use fluorocarbons—so-called PFAS or PFC chemicals—which are suspected of being harmful to health. UV protection extends the lifespan of synthetic fabrics. Exposure to sunlight, heavy rain, or abrasion can reduce the effectiveness of the water-repellent treatment. To extend the lifespan and durability of the materials and ensure long-lasting UV protection, regular re-treatment is necessary.

• Protects textiles from UV radiation
• Free of fluorocarbons, also known as PFAS or PFC chemicals

Previously:

Solar Finish – eco-friendly, water-repellent UV protection
Eco-friendly, water-repellent, and protects against UV radiation—without the use of environmentally harmful fluorocarbons (PFCs). This extends the lifespan of synthetic fabrics. Exposure to sunlight, heavy rain, or abrasion can reduce the effectiveness of the water-repellent treatment. To extend the lifespan and durability of the materials and ensure long-lasting UV protection, regular re-treatment is necessary.

As warm as down: The fluffy balls of “VAUDE HeatSphere Insulation,” made from 100% recycled PET bottles, have the same properties as down fill. They are lightweight, highly elastic, and warmer than any other quilted fill. They even provide warmth when damp without clumping.
• Easy-care insulation made from recycled materials
• Provides warmth even when damp, without clumping

Previously:

HeatSphere Eco Insulation – Warm insulation made from recycled PET bottles
As warm as down: The fluffy balls of “HeatSphere Eco Insulation,” made from 100% recycled PET bottles, have the same properties as down filling. They are lightweight, highly elastic, and warmer than any quilted filling. They even provide warmth when damp without clumping. This helps conserve resources and benefits the environment.

• Easy-care filling made from recycled PET bottles
• Keeps you warm even when damp without clumping
• Climate-friendly thanks to resource-efficient production

The finest wool, which is naturally warm and water-repellent. This natural fiber feels wonderfully soft against the skin and is breathable. In addition, this material naturally regulates body temperature. VAUDE is committed to the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) and uses only mulesing-free wool. This natural fiber should be washed and dried gently. Wool is prone to pilling, which can be easily removed and does not affect the functionality of the VAUDE product.

The finest wool, which is naturally warm and water-repellent. This natural fiber feels wonderfully soft against the skin and is breathable. It also naturally regulates body temperature. VAUDE uses only mulesing-free wool. This natural fiber should be washed and dried gently. Wool is prone to pilling, which can be easily removed and does not affect the functionality of the VAUDE product.

• warm, soft, and water-repellent
• naturally regulates body temperature
• exclusively mulesing-free wool

Previously:

Wool—a cozy, warm natural fiber
The finest wool, which is naturally warm and water-repellent. This natural fiber feels wonderfully soft against the skin and is breathable. In addition, this sustainable and renewable raw material naturally regulates your body’s temperature. VAUDE is committed to the “Responsible Wool Standard” and uses only mulesing-free wool. This natural fiber should be washed and dried gently. The natural material is prone to pilling, but this can be easily removed and does not affect the functionality of your VAUDE product.

Since the launch of the Winter 2024 collection, we at VAUDE have stopped using the term “climate-neutral.” Instead, we are communicating our science-based net-zero climate strategy with measurable goals.

Previously:

Climate-neutral / Climate-friendly / Protects the climate / Contributes to climate protection / Climate-neutral production with myclimate / Climate-neutrally manufactured in Germany.

According to EmpCo, general brand claims regarding the environment and fairness without specific, verified evidence are no longer permitted and must either be omitted or specified in more detail.

Previously:

VAUDE Brand - VAUDE stands for eco-friendly outdoor products made through fair manufacturing / sustainable / durable / Eco-friendly and fair. / Less CO₂, more fun.

General wording has been omitted. For new products, we now only communicate information that is specific and verifiably certified.

Previously.

Brand Text / Hang Tag - We’re glad you chose this sustainable product. It was manufactured in an environmentally friendly manner using sustainable materials and under fair labor conditions.

Not applicable

Previously:

The finest wool from Merino sheep
Merino wool is a sustainable and renewable raw material that provides cozy warmth, absorbs moisture, and naturally regulates your body temperature. We adhere to the criteria of the “Responsible Wool Standard” to ensure the welfare of the sheep and use only mulesing-free wool. Products made of wool or containing wool should be washed and dried gently. This natural material may be prone to pilling, but this does not affect its functionality. If pills form, you can easily remove them.
• Finest wool from Merino sheep, certified to the “Responsible Wool Standard”
• Comfortable warmth and temperature regulation
• Sustainable and renewable raw material

Not applicable

Previously:

Natural Dyes – Dyes Made from Natural Materials
The GOTS-certified natural dyes are produced in an environmentally conscious manner from waste materials from the food industry and agriculture. For example, leftover beets, herbs, or turnips are used to dye textiles. This helps us conserve resources, save water and energy, and avoid the use of hazardous chemicals. Over time, your product will develop a unique, individual, and natural look.

We have communicated these general environmental claims on clothing, backpacks, and bags as printed text, woven labels, or embossed text. The basis for this was always that a product meets the Green Shape standard—meaning it consists of more than 50% recycled or renewable materials. The materials and recycling content were specified on the care label. Starting with the S27 season, we are discontinuing these product prints. 

Previously: 

Product prints: Recycled inside / Crafted with recycled materials / Recycled materials inside / Recycled fabrics inside / Circular economy / Climate-neutral 

Not applicable

Previously:

QMR (Quick Mount Release) 2.0 Eco - a mounting system made primarily from recycled polyamide
Like its predecessor, the QMR (Quick Mount Release) 2.0 Eco is a mounting system with hooks for your VAUDE pannier. What’s new is that it’s now made primarily from recycled polyamide.

General environmental claims without certified proof are no longer included. Instead, we specify the specific standard, e.g., the Global Recycling Standard (GRS).

Previously:

Recycling in General – This helps conserve resources and benefits the environment. / Climate-friendly thanks to resource-efficient manufacturing. / Contributes to reducing CO₂ emissions. / Saves up to 50% in energy and CO₂ emissions.

Not applicable

Previously:

Partially certified leather produced in a climate-neutral manner under strict environmental and animal welfare standards. This highly functional natural product guarantees a natural feel, and you can be confident that it was manufactured in a way that conserves resources and protects the environment. This natural material may transfer color. To ensure your leather product lasts as long as possible, you should care for it properly and treat it regularly.

Starting with the Winter 2026 collection, the sewn-in Green Shape label will no longer be included in the product. Products from previous seasons may still contain this label. Since it neither matches the registered Green Shape logo nor provides space for the specifications required under the new legal requirements, labeling will henceforth be done using the official Green Shape logo on the hangtag. An additional QR code provides access to further information and the relevant documentation. The products, of course, continue to meet the criteria of the independent Green Shape environmental standard.