Vaude the well-known outdoor gear and apparel brand based in Germany has linked up with wood-based chemicals specialist UPM Biochemicals to produce the first-ever fleece jacket made from wood-based polyester.
Vaude was founded in 1974 by Albrecht von Dewitz, the company has gained recognition for its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Vaude produces a wide range of products designed for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, cycling, skiing, and mountaineering.
One of the key aspects of Vaude’s brand identity is its dedication to eco-friendly practices. The company places a strong emphasis on sustainable manufacturing, using environmentally friendly materials, and minimizing its ecological footprint. Vaude is a member of the Fair Wear Foundation, which ensures fair working conditions and wages for employees throughout the supply chain.
The brand’s product lineup includes outdoor clothing, backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, footwear, and accessories. Vaude’s clothing range encompasses jackets, pants, shirts, base layers, and other garments made from high-quality materials designed to provide comfort, functionality, and durability in various weather conditions.
Vaude’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its use of recycled and eco-friendly materials. They prioritize the use of organic cotton, recycled polyester, and other environmentally friendly fabrics in their products. In addition, the brand continuously seeks to improve its manufacturing processes to reduce waste and conserve resources.
Vaude and UPM are both German companies that state that the process replaces the fossil fuel-based monoethylene glycol (MEG) in polyester with UPM’s BioPura (BioMEG) which can be used in existing manufacturing processes.
Chemicals giant Indorama Ventures another German firm, will polymerise and spin the polyester yarn at its site in Guben before it is processed into fabric by Italian textile manufacturer Pontetorto for Vaude to turn into garments.
The partners’ say it shows transformative steps in the chemical industry towards renewable materials are possible now. By providing fossil-free material the new venture is set to prove that the next level of sustainable textiles is available.
To achieve this task UPM is investing €750 million (US$819m) to build the world’s first industry-scale bio-refinery in Leuna, Germany. It will produce 220,000 tonnes of next-generation biochemicals from sustainably-sourced hardwood.
Fossil free bio polyester on cards
