VAUDE reduces its global CO2 emissions by 30 percent

Tettnang, April 30, 2024 - In its 2023 carbon footprint, VAUDE impressively demonstrates that it is possible to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with the Paris Climate Agreement. The company 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 is thus demonstrating that it is possible to decouple resource consumption from corporate growth and reduce CO2 emissions in line with science-based climate targets.

"Together with our partners in the supply chain, we have made enormous efforts to massively reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the manufacture of materials for our products," says Hilke Patzwall, VAUDE Sustainability Manager, about the results of the VAUDE carbon footprint for 2023. VAUDE has been a member of the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) since 2019 and has committed itself to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris Climate Agreement. The highest proportion of company-wide emissions is generated in textile production in the selection of raw materials and the manufacture of fabrics, which is why the focus of the reduction measures is primarily in this area.

Decoupling emissions from corporate growth

In 2023, the resounding success in climate protection came into full effect with a 37 percent reduction in emissions, as the current VAUDE carbon footprint for 2023 shows. Compared to the base year 2019, the reduction in total company-wide emissions is thus minus 30 percent - with sales growth of plus 32 percent in the same period. "This is a sensational result on our way to our goal of halving our emissions from the supply chain by 2030," says CEO Antje von Dewitz happily, emphasizing: "We can demonstrably show that it is feasible and worthwhile to tackle the challenges posed by climate change together. It is encouraging to see that cross-brand commitment in the supply chain leads to success."

Switch to recycled and bio-based materials

From 2022 to 2023, a total of around 11,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions - measured in CO2 equivalents - were saved. The second largest share of VAUDE's company-wide emissions is caused by the choice of raw materials used in VAUDE products. VAUDE follows the principle of the circular economy here: by using renewable raw materials or recycled materials, fossil resources are conserved and CO2 emissions in material production are significantly reduced. In the 2024 Summer Collection, more than 70 % of all VAUDE products are already made from more than 50 % recycled or bio-based materials; in the 2025 Summer Collection, this figure will reach almost 90 %.

Phasing out coal - the key to reducing emissions

By far the largest proportion of company-wide emissions is generated during the production of materials. The enormous savings in this area were achieved primarily through a joint project with a pioneering character within the outdoor industry and in cooperation with selected suppliers. The strongest lever for CO2 savings lies in phasing out coal. "In recent years, several suppliers have replaced coal-fired boilers, which are mainly used to heat water when dyeing fabrics, with lower-emission natural gas or biomass boilers. This is absolutely groundbreaking in the necessary transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. In addition, the enormous savings are due to the various energy efficiency measures, e.g. investments in lower-emission dyeing machines," emphasizes Leonie Lennartz, who is working intensively at VAUDE to achieve the climate targets.

Cooperation of the outdoor industry in the EOG project

Together with nine other outdoor brands, VAUDE has been involved in the Carbon Reduction Project of the European Outdoor Group (EOG) since 2021 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the material supplier level. Selected suppliers were first identified to determine in which areas there is potential for savings and to what extent. From this, concrete measures and action plans were derived for each individual company and energy management training was carried out. The expected CO2 savings potential was defined and a timeframe was developed for implementing the measures. dr. Verity Hardy, Head of the EOG Carbon Reduction Project, emphasizes: "By working together on projects like this without a competitive mindset, we are able to achieve significant economies of scale. The systematic reduction of CO2 emissions not only benefits climate protection, but is also economically rewarding and forward-looking for everyone involved."

The VAUDE Carbon Footprint 2023
More about the Carbon Reduction Project of the European Outdoor Group
More about the VAUDE Climate Strategy and the Science Based Targets Initiative