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2023 Sustainability Report
published 2024/08/01

VAUDE “Made in Germany”

Design, development and production from a single source in our VAUDE Manufactory in Tettnang.

100 percent: PVC free and waterproof

VAUDE has been producing high quality backpacks, panniers and lifestyle bags in Tettnang-Obereisenbach since 1980. In 1995 we began specializing in the production of waterproof products at this location.


We utilize an ultra-high frequency welding method for joining the individual components of the products together. This results in 100 % waterproof "seams" that do not have sewing needle perforations.


We now use PVC-free materials exclusively. What's so bad about PVC? Read more here



Genuine craftsmanship. Piece by piece.

Each product is individually made. About 30 individual operations are required in the process including die-cutting the pattern pieces from the material, welding, finishing, quality control and packaging. Each piece is manufactured by hand on custom machines. Our formula includes first-class quality, innovative technology and modern design. The products often last a lifetime.


Each year about 400,000 bags and backpacks are made meeting highly technical standards in this 1,800 m² facility. VAUDE remains committed to expanding its Made in Germany production in the future. In 2024, for example, a new fully automated production line will go into operation, replacing eight manual process steps with state-of-the-art technology. This development is naturally welcomed by the employees of the VAUDE manfactory, as the new technological advancement bolsters competitiveness at the Obereisenbach location, safeguarding the current workforce of around 80 employees.


VAUDE MiG Employees
 
 

»We deliberately decided to strengthen our production at the company's headquarters and to invest here because it stands for our values, our roots and our core competence in the new factory. We are proud on our Made in Germany products which are in demand worldwide. We are also pleased that we now can show visitors our own production facility. The interest level is high.«

Antje von Dewitz, VAUDE Managing Director
 
 
Bayreuth III

Stylish to the office. This office bike bag Bayreuth III with padded laptop compartment is the perfect companion for bike commuters who make their way to work climate-neutrally. The editors of the German Cycle magazine have also recognized this.

Aqua Back

Absolutely waterproof, premium quality, sophisticated technology. The Aqua Back is our top recommendation for bike touring.


Aqua Series

Robust, light and durable in proven quality. As an environmentally friendly set of bike bags, our Aqua Series was awarded the renowned Outdoor Award. 


  • Aqua Back
  • Aqua Back Plus
  • Aqua Back Single
Comyou Back

Climate-neutral good looks. With its clever construction and climate-neutral production, our Comyou Back Single convinced the jury of the coveted Reddot Award.


Aqua Box
"The eco-friendly Aqua Box can handle any rain shower" – the conclusion of the editorial staff of Cycle magazine about our Made in Germany handlebar bag.
 
 

Material remnants: avoidance, upcycling, disposal

As in every production site, our Manufactory creates waste materials. What should we do with them?


We try to avoid material remnants as much as possible by optimizing the patterns of the individual components. However, it's simply not possible to create no waste at all - not even at VAUDE.


The cutting waste from plastic components made of polyethylene and polyamide are recycled. Currently, we have to dispose of the remnants from coated tarpaulin materials as residual waste. This is frustrating and costly from an environmental perspective, which is why we are here searching for ways to recycle these materials as well. You can learn more about the use of recycled materials at VAUDE here.


The good news: we are now able to process some of these materials in a truly worthwhile project: In our VAUDE Upcycling Workshop, new products are created from residual materials - all unique and with social benefits! Find out what it's about here.




Made with 100% renewable energy:
VAUDE products Made in Germany
 
 

High energy efficiency and modern workplaces

After a lightning strike in 2015, we built a new production hall for our Made in Germany manufactory in 2016. Environmental protection played an important role in this project. We opted for a timber construction method, which is the most environmentally friendly alternative from an emissions point of view, both during production and over the entire life cycle of the building.



Life cycle analysis of different construction methods for the VAUDE Manufaktur

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LED lighting, triple glazed windows and high-grade insulation ensure high energy efficiency. The hall in timber construction is not only more climate-friendly than conventional industrial halls, but also offers pleasant, healthy workplaces.


VAUDE has a clear commitment to the production site of Obereisenbach near Tettnang. The former manufacturing building that was struck by lightning underwent renovation and now hosts the accounting department, the marketing warehouse and a large space for occupational health management, “Auszeit”. Read more.


The VAUDE Manufactory and the entire company headquarters are ISO 14001 and EMAS certified. This is how we ensure the highest environmental standards in production as well.

As a member of the Fair Wear, job security and fair working conditions are not only our concern out in the big wide world, but also right here “at home.”


 
 

Why don't we produce everything in Germany?

Germany has a highly specialized industrial structure and a high standard of living. The traditional textile expertise that Germany had up until a few decades ago, however, has largely migrated to Asia. This concerns the entire production of materials, in particular from synthetic fibers.


It also concerns the labor and cost-intensive production of sewn products, which are made often outside of Germany for VAUDE. Read more about fair prices here


You can find out how we nevertheless ensure high environmental and social standards here

Material efficiency in the Manufactory production facility

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The VAUDE Manufactory in Obereisenbach is supplied by a total of 38 suppliers, 19 of them from Germany, 5 from the EU and 14 from Asia. In addition, we have another supplier from Germany and one from the EU for the upcycling workshop. 


Learn more about our global supply chain here

GRI:   301-1
Materials used by weight or volume
GRI:   301-2
Recycled input materials used
Related stories
0 % PVC – 100 % waterproof.
All products are PVC-free Read more
Goal: reduce residual waste
"Garbage" or raw material? Read more
From 'climate-neutral' to 'Net Zero'
Climate strategy with Science Based Targets Read more
Upcycling – we prevent valuable materials from being thrown away
Upcycled by VAUDE: What's it all about? Read more
Sustainability: The Core of Our Corporate Strategy
Our holistic approach Read more
Links
Showtime Made in Germany
VR-360° Read more
Contact
Who writes this report?
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