Global textile production is expanding rapidly, yet there's a growing surplus of unworn clothing. According to Greenpeace, one billion textiles languish unused in German closets alone. Textile production ranks fourth in Europe for its impact on climate change and the environment (after food, construction, and transportation), due to its significant water, land, raw material, and energy consumption, as highlighted by an EU study.
Moving towards a circular economy is a critical solution. The Greenpeace report "The Label Trap" underscores this: simply doubling the lifespan of our clothing from one to two years could cut CO2 emissions by 24 percent.
»At every level, we are dedicated to prolonging the lifespan of our products, offering a solution to combat the escalating throwaway culture that imposes severe strain on our planet. Circular concepts such as our Second Hand Shop provide a pathway to tackle global challenges like climate change, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss.«
With the introduction of an online Second Hand shop, VAUDE is successfully combining social justice with sustainability. VAUDE aims to enable as many people as possible to afford high-quality, sustainably produced outdoor products. These products reflect true production costs, incorporating stringent social standards, comprehensive chemical management, environmental certifications, and more. This makes sustainable products more expensive compared to those where standards are less rigorously enforced. By selling well-maintained, used items, VAUDE now offers a more affordable alternative to purchasing new goods.