“Leader Status” is awarded to companies that show a strong commitment to upholding social standards in their supply chain and have an exemplary system in place to ensure compliance. Vaude collaborates with over 40 production facilities worldwide, 80% of which have been partners for more than five years, and 40% for over ten years. “We are very proud that, despite the complex challenges in the supply chain and the difficult global economic and political climate, we have continued to make progress and achieve tangible improvements for local workers,” says Antje von Dewitz, Vaude’s CEO.

Supply chain: Taking responsibility is possible

Vaude has been a Fair Wear member since 2010. Fair Wear conducts a Brand Performance Check, monitors working conditions on-site, and provides and oversees anonymous complaint systems in most production facilities. Vaude works closely with Fair Wear to continuously improve standards in the global textile industry. To ensure social standards are upheld throughout its supply chain, a dedicated three-person team at Vaude’s headquarters in Tettnang works closely with three CSR staff members based in Asia, who regularly visit production sites.

“We do all of this voluntarily to show that taking responsibility in the supply chain is possible. But real change requires a supply chain law that holds all companies accountable,” insists Antje von Dewitz. She warns that the currently proposed “omnibus procedure” would significantly weaken corporate responsibility for both people and nature: “This would send a disastrous signal – for the protection of people and the environment in our supply chains, for companies that take sustainability seriously and are already investing to meet their responsibilities, and for Europe’s credibility as a leader in building a fair and sustainable economy. At a time when democratic and humanitarian values are facing global pushback, Europe is missing the chance to take a bold, independent, and values-driven path into the future.”

Fair Wear

Fair Wear is one of the most recognized and rigorous social responsibility standards in the industry. The independent multi-stakeholder organization focuses on the sewing sector within supply chains, where labor-intensive processes take place and a large number of workers can be directly impacted.

The latest Fair Wear Brand Performance Check for Vaude