Vaude's supply chain project shows sustainable results

"We want to create transparency throughout the entire supply chain and, for each individual component of our products, achieve the greatest possible certainty that it was made with fair and environmentally friendly production," Antje von Dewitz, CEO Vaude said.

The project launched in 2015 was designed and directed by Bettina Roth, head of quality and chemicals management at Vaude. Employees from management and production organisation at eight suppliers participated in a series of six units. In addition, individual consultations were carried out on site during 36 factory visits altogether to develop tangible improvement measures.

Overall, there were already a total of 100 improvement measures regarding technology and organisation undergoing implementation. All suppliers were invited to the final event in Taipei (Taiwan) where each of the eight participating companies presented its best practices. These measures have led to the conservation of 550 metric tonnes of waste, 5,500 m³ of water and 18 million kWh of energy. CO2 emissions could be reduced per year by about 5,000 tonnes.

Reductions were achieved through measures such as insulating pipes, shutting down hydraulic pumps when not in use, introducing LED lighting, using energy from solar panels and heat recovery as well as modernising obsolete systems. In addition to an increase in energy efficiency, measures for occupational safety and the improvement of working conditions in the factories - such as translating safety instructions into the local languages as well as training on the issues of protective work clothing and chemical handling – were covered.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India