VAUDE Wins the German Sustainability Award: Leading the Way in the Textile Industry
German Sustainability Award on its 50th Anniversary
- The German Sustainability Award goes to VAUDE for the second time
- VAUDE recognized for its strong commitment to a sustainable chain
- Award ceremony to take place on November 23rd in Düsseldorf
3.11.2023 - VAUDE has been awarded the German Sustainability Award for Companies 2024 in the "Textiles" category. This accolade particularly acknowledges the outdoor brand's high level of commitment to a fair and environmentally friendly supply chain. This prestigious recognition is the crowning achievement of VAUDE's 50th-anniversary celebration in 2024. "The GSA is an important validation of all that we have been jointly pursuing and accomplishing at VAUDE for many years – a wonderful acknowledgment for our 50th anniversary!" says Antje von Dewitz, VAUDE CEO, along with the entire team. The official award ceremony will be held on November 23rd in Düsseldorf.
The German Sustainability Award, currently for the 16th time, is regarded as the most significant accolade in Europe for ecological and social engagement. "We are delighted to receive this award for our sustainable business practices. We must confront climate change and the exploitation of people and nature with effective action. That is why we at VAUDE have been consistently pursuing the path of sustainable transformation for the past 15 years. We hope to inspire others, especially in the challenging textile industry, to follow this path," says Antje von Dewitz. "The GSA is a reward for our interdisciplinary team and our long-standing commitment to the global supply chain," emphasizes Jan Lorch, VAUDE Executive Vice President Sales and CSR. VAUDE sees the award, with which the products may be labeled, as valuable guidance for consumers as well. More and more people want to take responsibility in their daily lives and make conscious choices when shopping. Therefore, it is crucial to be able to easily identify sustainable products.
GSA Company Honors Pioneers of 100 Industries
This year, for the first time, companies from 100 different industries have been recognized. The 100 winners – pioneers from across all sectors – now have a shared platform. The GSA's objective is to expedite the urgently needed sustainable transformation across the entire German economy, sending a powerful message.
During the award ceremony in Düsseldorf on November 23rd, the CEOs and sustainability officers of the 100 pioneering companies from all industries will be joined by Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke, Federal Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius, other prominent speakers, honored guests from the business and civil society sectors, as well as approximately 120 members of the media.
VAUDE: Winner in the Textile Industry
VAUDE has won the award in an industry that faces significant ecological and social challenges. The global textile industry, which consumes substantial quantities of raw materials, energy, water, and chemicals, is responsible for approximately 10 percent of global CO2 emissions. Consequently, it plays a crucial role in advancing the worldwide sustainable transformation. "We are showing that, even in the problematic textile industry, it is possible to develop meaningful alternatives and solutions. Mandatory environmental and social standards in the value chain should become the norm," emphasizes Uwe Gottschalk, VAUDE's Product Management.
As part of its sustainable transformation, VAUDE has been actively engaged for many years in partnership with the independent Fair Wear Foundation, advocating for high social standards, good working conditions, and fair wages throughout the global supply chain. At the same time, VAUDE is committed to consistently promoting environmentally friendly and energy-efficient production without harmful chemicals, as well as the implementation of sustainable criteria in product development." Since there was no comprehensive textile seal in the market, VAUDE created its own standard for environmentally friendly and fair products, Green Shape, in 2010, based on the strictest evaluation criteria. VAUDE encourages the long-term use of its products by making them durable, repairable, and reusable. In addition, VAUDE provides professional repair services. To significantly reduce emissions in the supply chain, primarily recycled or biobased materials are used. Furthermore, VAUDE aims to grow in a resource-decoupled manner through new business models such as the service VAUDE Rent. As an industry pioneer, VAUDE is a significant driver for transitioning to a circular textile economy.
VAUDE gewinnt den DNP zum zweiten Mal
VAUDE gewinnt den Deutschen Nachhaltigkeitspreis zum zweiten Mal – 2015 wurde VAUDE als “Deutschlands nachhaltigste Marke” ausgezeichnet. Als VAUDE 2009 seine nachhaltige Transformation begann, setzte sich die Marke das Ziel “Europas nachhaltigste Outdoormarke zu werden”. VAUDE richtete das ganze Unternehmen nachhaltig aus, verpflichtete sich freiwillig zu den strengsten unabhängigen Zertifizierungen und baute den eigenen Nachhaltigkeitsstandard “Green Shape” auf. “Auf diesem Weg, der gerade anfangs sehr beschwerlich und aufwändig war, bildete die Auszeichnung als ‘Deutschlands nachhaltigste Marke’ 2015 einen wichtigen Meilenstein, der uns bestärkte und mit neuer Energie beflügelte”, berichtet Antje von Dewitz.
VAUDE Wins the GSA for the Second Time
VAUDE has won the German Sustainability Award for the second time. In 2015, VAUDE was recognized as "Germany's Most Sustainable Brand." When VAUDE embarked on its sustainable transformation in 2009, the brand set the goal of becoming "Europe's most sustainable outdoor brand." VAUDE realigned the entire company with sustainability, voluntarily committed to the strictest independent certifications, and established its own sustainability standard, Green Shape. "On this journey, which was particularly challenging and labor-intensive in the early stages, the 2015 award for 'Germany's Most Sustainable Brand' represented a significant milestone that provided us with strength and renewed energy," states Antje von Dewitz.
About the German Sustainability Award
The GSA is an initiative of the Stiftung Deutscher Nachhaltigkeitspreis e.V. in collaboration with the German Federal Government, municipal associations, business associations, civil society organizations, and research institutions. Juries of renowned experts from the fields of business, politics, research, and civil society sectors determine the winners. It recognizes pioneering contributions to the transformation towards a sustainable future. Best practice examples demonstrate how successful sustainable development can be achieved. The award aims to motivate all key stakeholders to drive change, foster connections across borders, and encourage partnerships.
Image: Daniel Köhler (Head of IT), Uwe Gottschalk (CPO), Jan Lorch (CSO & CSR), Antje von Dewitz (CEO), Miriam Schilling (Head of HR), Erwin Gutensohn (CFO)