Vaude is among in the running with just two other companies to be named “Germany's Most Sustainable Brand” at the German Sustainability Congress next month in Dusseldorf.

Stiftung Deutscher Nachhaltigkeitspreis e.V is scheduled to present the prestigious award for the eighth time in cooperation with the federal government during a ceremony on Nov. 27, 2015 in Dusseldorf.  

Vaude was last in the running for a German Sustainability Award in 2011, when it was nominated for having “Germany's most sustainable future strategies.” (SMEs).

The German Sustainability Award is granted in eight categories. Depending on the category, businesses and municipalities can apply. The aim of the award is to promote sustainable development in Germany and to help better anchor the principles of Corporate Social Responsibility in the public perception. The award is intended to show that sustainable action not only helps to solve social and environmental problems on a global or local scale, but can also increase profitability and competitiveness.

In the category “Germany's Most Sustainable Brand” three companies were nominated nationwide.

CSR costs are ‘enormous’ but worth it

For years, VAUDE has pursued a consistent sustainability approach across all its divisions. The Tettnang-based company proves that socially and environmentally responsible business practices can also be economically successful.

“We are positioning ourselves clearly and comprehensively as a sustainable brand,” said Antje von Dewitz, VAUDE CEO. “We implement this everywhere, in product development as well as in logistics and human resources. The expense that this involves is enormous. But we are convinced that it makes sense and is worthwhile in the long term.

“The results can already be seen,” Dewitz continued. “Public perception of our commitment is growing dramatically and the VAUDE brand stands for these values.”

This has been confirmed by numerous surveys and market research results in which VAUDE regularly takes first place when it comes to credibility, sustainability and ecology. Last but not least, the fact that sustainability can also be an economic success factor is confirmed by the company’s sales performance, which has been above the industry average for years.

The German Sustainability Award

This award is an initiative of the Stiftung Deutscher Nachhaltigkeitspreis e.V. in cooperation with the federal government, municipal associations, business associations, civil society organizations and research institutions.
Juries  composed of renowned experts from business, politics, research and civil society select the winner during  German Sustainability Day. This year's jurors include:

  • Prof. Dr. Günther Bachmann,
  • Prof. Dr. Stefan Schaltegger (Leuphana University),
  • Transparency International Chairman Prof. Dr. Edda Müller and
  • Prof. Dr. Dr. Axel Zweck, Director Future Technologies Consulting of the VDI technology Centre

VAUDE Sustainability Report is available here.