July 2, 2018
5 min read
Backpacks and bags will significantly ease your exploration of cities and nature. However, our planet, as compensation for all it provides us, also needs protection. The aim of the Vaude brand is to combine both, and it certainly doesn't stop at empty promises.
Information about the dire state of the environment is now a common part of general awareness. However, few admit that a large part of the responsibility lies on the shoulders of each individual. Yet, forcing oneself into asceticism and a life without modern conveniences is not necessary. But it is always possible to re-evaluate your daily choices and remember their fundamental importance.
You can start by carefully considering every purchase (not just) of consumer goods, and if you have the option, choose a manufacturer with clearly defined pro-environmental values who also accepts their social responsibility. Increased demand will then clearly tell retailers which suppliers are worth preferring, and the whole cycle will finally start moving in the right direction.
Vaude – with respect for its roots
The European leader among the aforementioned companies in the field of outdoor equipment is definitely Vaude. Globally, Patagonia still dominates this imaginary throne, but it cannot be overlooked that Vaude also has a very good start. Considering that, compared to Patagonia, it is a relatively small family business, their efforts are all the more commendable. Tip: You can recall Patagonia's excellent approach in our older article. Because Vaude's representatives are fully aware of their share of responsibility for our common future, the Green Shape concept has been their hallmark for several years. What does this mean in practice? At least 90% of the materials used can be described as ecological and environmentally friendly. Emphasis is placed on both the source of this material, its processing, and the subsequent possibility of recycling or biodegradability. This is closely related to cooperation with the BlueSign system, which controls and guarantees environmentally friendly production methods.
Blend with nature with eco-friendly backpacks
However, with the new range of Lignum backpacks and bags, Vaude has gone even further. The materials typical for this series are so innovative that you might not believe your eyes. With a bit of exaggeration, one could say that if you got stuck in the wilderness with them, you could safely eat them or at least smoke them. ? The main components are recycled hemp and organic cotton. The benefits of hemp (let's stick to its use as a textile material for now) lie in its pest resistance and easy cultivation. Hemp grows relatively quickly, doesn't need much water, and can do without pesticides and other undesirable chemicals. And nature will certainly welcome that. Furthermore, fabric woven from hemp fibers is strong and durable. Organic cotton is also grown without pesticides, chemical sprays, and genetic modification (non-GMO). For zippers, buckles, and clasps, Vaude used EcoPAXX® material. This is a bioplastic, 70% of which is castor oil from the beans of the castor oil plant (Ricinus Communis), which is then gently polymerized. Thus, a meaningful alternative to classic plastics made from petroleum has been found. Its reserves, like other fossil fuels, are not unlimited, not to mention the (non-)decomposition time of plastics.
Playing with shapes and natural resources
But we're certainly not done with our aces up our sleeve! Not only are the materials environmentally friendly, but Vaude designers also designed the Lignum range so that textiles are not unnecessarily wasted. Upon closer inspection, you might notice that all models are composed of square pieces of fabric. This is not a coincidence, but a play with shapes ensuring minimization of residual materials and waste. And as the icing on the cake comes Eco Finish – a technology that reliably ensures the water resistance of backpacks and bags. And it probably won't surprise you that the materials used are very ecological and free of harmful fluorocarbons.So what does the new Lignum range actually offer?
- original backpack Fir with functional compression straps and a laptop pocket
- stylish city backpack Aspe with a minimalist design
- smaller backpack Hazel with a touch of elegance
- small backpack Balsa for carefree city strolls
- practical shoulder bag Pinus matching all types of outfits
- versatile hip bag Elm that will never bore you
Vaude is fair to nature and people
Not only is this company's approach fair to our planet, but also its working conditions – although Vaude's production mainly takes place in Vietnam, they have their own factories there, which they regularly visit and carefully ensure adherence to labor standards. A human approach is certainly not alien to them. Therefore, no exploitation, child labor, or other illegal practices are considered. Vaude simply knows what it's doing. Proof of this are several apt slogans they use to present themselves and inspire their surroundings.Reduce, reuse, recycle Act eco-logically!The meaningfulness of the entire concept is completed by an increased emphasis on product quality, thanks to which they will serve you longer. Thus, it's not necessary to purchase new items too often, which naturally leads to a reduction in unnecessary waste.
Individual Vaude products, if their concept allows, are also often interchangeable (e.g., various accessories or clothing). Thanks to this, and also due to the emphasis on versatility of use, you avoid accumulating unnecessary items and traveling with an excessive amount of things.
Tip: Among Vaude's popular eco-friendly products are also items from the Teco or PET ranges, made from recycled materials.
And what does the future hold? Vaude knows very well that it's not good to rest on its laurels and intends to seamlessly build on its past successes. Among the closest goals are, for example, the use of waxed cotton (similar to, for instance, top-tier Fjällräven products) or the improvement of waterproofing without the use of environmentally harmful substances.
Are you as excited as we are? :-) 
