These excellent results validate VAUDE’s position as a “Leader”; the company remains one of the few brands to have achieved this best possible category at the FW. In the BPC, an annual audit by the FW, VAUDE's commitment to fair working conditions in its production plants around the world is reviewed.
»These outstanding audit results are a clear confirmation that we are expending a great deal of energy and human resources for good working conditions in our supply chain. We are truly pleased that we have been able to make a positive contribution and bring about change; our results provide motivation for continuing to pursue our pioneering role and stand up for our values.«
In mid-March, a team from the FW visited VAUDE to carry out the annual Brand Performance Check. During the audit, the FW examined how VAUDE’s management practices positively or negatively influence working conditions in the supply chain. The period from January to December 2017 was evaluated.
»VAUDE has shown advanced results on performance indicators and has made exceptional progress.«
In its final report, the FW found it noteworthy that VAUDE had made major advances in the following areas: Monitoring of action plans to improve social standards, professional handling of workers’ complaints, training measures in the production plants to increase management awareness and competence in these areas.
In addition, VAUDE was again able to prove that 100 % of its producers in high risk countries have been audited. But that alone wasn’t enough: VAUDE is working together with its production plants toward continuous improvement.
VAUDE has been a leader in the FW since 2015 and has continued to secure this highest possible category thanks to the excellent results of the BPC. As a "Leader", VAUDE is allowed to communicate its FW membership directly on its products. "This enables us to draw consumers' attention both to the issue in general and to our commitment when making purchasing decisions," says Antje von Dewitz.
Since 2010, VAUDE has been a member of FW, a non-profit, multi-stakeholder organization working with brand companies, retailers and producers to improve working conditions in the apparel industry worldwide. As a member of the FW, VAUDE undertakes to implement the FW’s strict Code of Labour Practices at all production sites, meeting the highest standards for socially just working conditions. These include the payment of a living wage, appropriate working hours, work safety, the prevention of child labor and much more.
VAUDE has always attached great importance to long-term and partner-based collaboration with external production companies. A 10-person team of our own employees in Asia plays an important role — they maintain direct contact on site, visit the production plants at regular intervals and check the qualitative as well as the social and ecological standards at the facilities. This allows VAUDE to create a basis for constructive collaboration and a common understanding of social and qualitative standards.
