Vaude, a leading outdoor apparel specialist, has received the highest honours at the prestigious German Sustainability Award and has been named Germany's Most Sustainable Brand.

In addition to Queen Silvia of Sweden, numerous prominent guests representing a broad range of business and politics were present at the award ceremony in Düsseldorf. Dr Antje von Dewitz, Vaude CEO, accepted the award from the hands of former ski jumping world champion Sven Hannawald.  

The German Sustainability Award, which ranks among the most prestigious awards of its kind in Europe, is awarded by the German Sustainability Award Foundation e.V. in cooperation with the federal government under the patronage of German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Leader in sustainability

At the German Sustainability Award 2015, Vaude has won first place in the category Germany's Most Sustainable Brand. “This is a wonderful recognition and at the same time, an incentive for us. As a strong outdoor brand, we want to continue promoting harmony between people and nature for business enterprises,” commented Antje von Dewitz.

The jury, made up of renowned experts from business, politics, research and civil society praised both the consistent pursuit of sustainability as well as the continuous development.

“At all levels of value creation, sustainability is placed in the foreground. Vaude sets standards for sustainable products with programmes such as the Green Shape label or its Fair Wear Foundation ‘Leader status’ for fair working conditions… Despite the small size of the company, the VAUDE brand is a strong, successful and trusted brand among all of its stakeholders,” concluded the jury’s verdict.

Brand positioning

For years, the company has pursued a consistent sustainability approach, which is implemented and lived out in all divisions, proving that socially and environmentally responsible business practices can also be economically successful.

"We are positioning ourselves clearly and comprehensively as a sustainable brand. 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: public perception of our commitment is growing dramatically and the VAUDE brand stands for these values," said Antje von Dewitz.

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.

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.

The German Sustainability Award is granted in eight categories. 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.

www.vaude.com