VAUDE
Our Rating: 4 Stars - Good
Price: $ $ $ $
Country of origin: Germany
Official brand website: Visit
Sustainability is a topic that is becoming increasingly important in our world today. As we strive to protect and preserve our planet, it’s essential to support brands that are committed to sustainable practices. One such brand that stands out is VAUDE, which has been rated “Good” in terms of its environmental policies.
Environmental Policies
When evaluating brands, the “Planet” rating considers various factors related to their environmental policies in their supply chains. VAUDE has received a good rating due to its efforts to use a medium proportion of lower-impact materials, including recycled materials. By incorporating recycled materials into their products, VAUDE reduces the demand for new resources and minimizes waste.
In addition, VAUDE actively works to minimize waste by recycling some of its textile offcuts. This practice not only reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills but also demonstrates the brand’s commitment to responsible resource management.
Furthermore, VAUDE has set a science-based target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in both its direct operations and supply chain. While there is no evidence indicating that the brand is currently on track to achieve these targets, the fact that they have set a goal shows their dedication to reducing their environmental impact.
Although VAUDE has eliminated some hazardous chemicals from its manufacturing processes, it has not made a commitment to eliminating all hazardous chemicals. While there is room for improvement in this area, the brand’s efforts to reduce and eliminate hazardous chemicals are a step in the right direction.
Workers’ Rights
In addition to environmental considerations, workers’ rights are also crucial when evaluating brands. The “People” rating assesses brands’ policies and practices regarding child labor, living wages, gender equality, and more. In this aspect, VAUDE has been rated as “Good.”
VAUDE ensures that most of its final production stage is monitored by the Fair Wear Foundation, which helps protect workers’ rights and promote safe and fair working conditions. The brand also traces most of its supply chain, allowing for transparency and accountability in its operations.
In terms of diversity and inclusion, VAUDE has a basic policy in place to support these values in its direct operations and supply chain. This commitment to diversity and inclusion helps create an inclusive and equitable work environment.
Additionally, VAUDE ensures that some workers in the final production stage are paid living wages. This ensures that employees are not only treated fairly but also have the means to support themselves and their families.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, VAUDE disclosed adequate policies to protect workers in its supply chain from the virus. This commitment to the health and well-being of workers further demonstrates the brand’s dedication to ethical practices.
Animal Welfare
Animal welfare is another important aspect of sustainability for many consumers. The “Animals” rating focuses on brands’ animal welfare policies and their efforts to trace animal-derived products. VAUDE has received a rating of “It’s a Start” in this category.
While VAUDE has published a general statement about minimizing animal suffering, it does not have a formal animal welfare policy in place. However, the brand does make efforts to use recycled wool in some of its products, reducing the demand for new wool production.
Additionally, VAUDE uses some recycled down in its products. By incorporating recycled materials, the brand ensures that valuable resources are not wasted and reduces the need for new down production.
On a positive note, VAUDE does not appear to use fur, angora, exotic animal skin, or exotic animal hair in its products. This commitment to avoiding the use of animal products that may involve cruelty or harm is commendable.
Furthermore, VAUDE traces most animal-derived materials used in its products to the first production stage. This traceability allows for transparency and accountability in the sourcing and production processes.
Overall Rating: Good
Based on all publicly available information, VAUDE receives a “Good” rating overall. While there is room for improvement in certain areas, such as the elimination of hazardous chemicals and the development of a formal animal welfare policy, VAUDE demonstrates a commitment to sustainability through its environmental policies, workers’ rights practices, and efforts to trace animal-derived materials.
By supporting brands like VAUDE that prioritize sustainability, we can make a positive impact on the environment and promote ethical business practices. Together, we can create a more sustainable future for generations to come.
