History
THE VAUDE HISTORY
The best stories are those that tell of a great passion. As the history of VAUDE.
A Great Passion's History
VAUDE Historie. In the thin mountain air of the Alps, it matures in 1974, a daring idea - he makes his hobby into a profession and founded the company VAUDE naming it after his initials, v. D. (pronounced [fau'de]). The one-man company becomes one of Europe's leading mountain sports brands.
2024: VAUDE Climate Strategy Net Zero by 2040
As part of the climate strategy validated by the SBTi, VAUDE is committed to achieving Net Zero across its entire value chain by 2040. Net zero means striking a balance between human-caused greenhouse gas emissions and the removal of these climate-damaging emissions from the atmosphere.
2024: Strengthening Germany as a business location
VAUDE is investing over a million euros in a new automation line at its Made in Germany factory in Tettnang, thereby increasing its production capacity.
2024: VAUDE celebrates 50 years!
From a one-man business to one of Europe's leading outdoor brands! As a pioneer in the outdoor industry, VAUDE has been combining sustainable innovation with a closeness to nature for five decades, from pioneering backpack developments to becoming a full-range supplier of environmentally friendly outdoor equipment made from recycled materials and circular economy business models.
2023: RETHINK! Products rethought for circular concepts
VAUDE develops the single-origin, recyclable RETHINK products made from recycled PET polyester, which are recycled back into textiles at the end of their life cycle. As a pioneer, VAUDE is thus taking another major step towards a circular economy.
2022: 30% less emissions
VAUDE was able to reduce its global greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent in 2023 compared to the base year 2019, while company sales increased by 32 percent in the same period. VAUDE has thus succeeded in decoupling resource consumption from corporate growth. Read more about this.
2021: PFAS-free
Since 2021, all VAUDE materials for clothing, backpacks and shoes have been completely PFAS-free. VAUDE has been voluntarily committed to switching to environmentally friendly PFAS-free alternatives for many years, without any legal requirements. As a pioneer and trailblazer, the outdoor brand shows that it is possible to make functional outdoor products PFAS-free, water and dirt repellent.
2020: Found of the VAUDE Academy
Founding of the VAUDE Academy for Sustainable Business, which supports other companies with sound expertise in making their organizations sustainable and fit for the future.
2019: The "Green Button" is introduced
The Grüner Knopf (Green Button), the first state seal for socially and ecologically produced textiles, is introduced. VAUDE is the only outdoor company to receive the Grüner Knopf for a large part of its product range. The strict criteria of the company's own label "Green Shape
2018: VAUDE founds an Upcycling Workshop
New products are made out of material remnants from the VAUDE Manufaktur by refugees who are permanent employees – a successful project for integration and sustainability.
2017: MADE IN GERMANY
The newly built VAUDE Manufaktur production facility at the company headquarters in Tettnang begins operation, helping VAUDE to expand its Made in Germany production which includes high quality panniers and bags. Production in this facility is 100% climate neutral as well as EMAS and bluesign certified. Discover Made in Germany bags and packs.
2016: VAUDE signs the Greenpeace Detox Commitment
VAUDE signs the Greenpeace Detox Commitment agreeing to eliminate all harmful substances from the entire supply chain and manufacture its entire collection completely PFC-free (without fluorocarbons) by 2020 at the latest.
2015: Remodeling company building
Inauguration of the sustainably renovated company building.
2015: Leader Status at the Fair Wear Production
In 2015, VAUDE reached the highest possible performance category as "Leader". This status is attained when companies have at least 90% of their total production manufactured in facilities that are monitored in accordance with FWF requirements.
2010: Introduction of Green Shape
Green Shape is your VAUDE guarantee for environmentally-friendly products – made from sustainable materials and resource-conserving manufacturing.
2009: Antje von Dewtiz takes over company
Albrecht von Dewitz’ daughter Antje von Dewitz takes over Company Management at VAUDE.
2002: Partnership and sponsoring of the German Alpine Club
VAUDE becomes an official partner of the German Alpine Associaion (DAV).
2001: Opening of the company's own VAUDE children's house
- Opening of the company's own VAUDE Kinderhaus, which supports employees in balancing work and family life.
- Watch Kinderhaus-Website here (in german).
1980: New headquarter in Obereisenbach near Tettnang Germany
VAUDE moves the company headquarters to Obereisenbach in Southern Germany, dedicating its new building, which has since then been continuously expanded, adapting to the growing company.
1974: Company founded by Albrecht von Dewitz
Albrecht von Dewitz founds the company VAUDE, which sells mountain sports equipment and produces its own backpacks.
The 50-year history of VAUDE: a well-rounded story!
In the film you will discover VAUDE's key milestones on the way to becoming a circular economy company. Let yourself be inspired!
50 years of VAUDE: Half a century of pioneering work and sustainable innovation
From the beginnings to today
Celebrate the 50th anniversary with VAUDE, the pioneer of innovation and sustainability in the outdoor industry. Since VAUDE company was founded in 1974 by Albrecht von Dewitz, VAUDE has revolutionized the way outdoor equipment is developed. From the first dome tent "Space" to the modern, sustainable high-tech products - VAUDE has always set new standards.
Revolution through innovation
Discover the history of pioneering VAUDE products, such as the waterproof Aqua Back bike bags and the ultralight , ergonomic backpacks. Learn more about innovative materials ranging from recycled old tires to bio-based polyester. VAUDE is not just a name, but a movement towards more sustainability in the outdoor industry.
Awards and recognition
Under the leadership of Antje von Dewitz since 2009, VAUDE has continuously broken new ground in product development and business model. VAUDE's efforts were recently crowned with the German Sustainability Award 2024 as Germany's most sustainable textile company - a special recognition in its anniversary year.
VAUDE - Taking responsibility, shaping the future.