High-quality textile waste recycled for value – Sympatex cooperates with the eBay Upcycling Store powered by VAUDE

Als As an ecological alternative among textile function specialists, Sympatex is now supporting the sustainable initiative of eBay and VAUDE with high-quality functional materials. All proceeds from the sale will go to the non-profit organization Save the Children e.V.

Munich / Unterföhring, 14. January 2021 – The eBay Upcycling Store powered by VAUDE is now getting a valuable addition with the new Sympatex Upcycling Store. From now on, sewing and crafting enthusiasts can also bid for sustainable Sympatex functional materials on the popular online marketplace in addition to the high-quality material scraps from the VAUDE manufactory. Weatherproof bags, purses or even protective covers for garden furniture – there are no limits to the imagination of DIY fans. Interested buyers have the opportunity to bid for prepared packages of a wide variety of Sympatex functional fabrics in various color groups. The materials come from high-quality Sympatex remnants from production. The Upcycling Store initiated by eBay and VAUDE was launched in March 2020 in the spirit of resource conservation and value-preserving recycling of surplus fabrics and is enjoying great popularity. All proceeds are donated to the non-profit organization Save the Children e.V.

The long-standing, trusting partnership between Sympatex and VAUDE is supplemented by another pillar with the Sympatex eBay Upcycling Store powered by VAUDE. VAUDE has been relying on the climate-neutral, PTFE-free and PFC-free as well as 100% recyclable Sympatex membrane in the functional sector for many decades. The holistic view of the entire value chain, environmentally friendly product innovations and, in particular, the goal of closing the textile cycle quickly have linked the two textile companies for many decades.

«Figuratively speaking, the eBay Upcycling Store powered by VAUDE is a wonderful illustration of what matters when it comes to sustainability in the textile industry: we need creative solutions, the courage to develop new ideas, to think around corners and try out new things,» explains Carina Dietrich, Business Development Manager at Sympatex Technologies. «Residuals are still produced in every production process. Because we see our ecological responsibility beyond production or sales, Sympatex is working in the medium and long term on innovative Design2Recycle strategies to close the textile loop. With the eBay Upcycling Store powered by VAUDE, we can already show creative consumers how easy it can be to make new products out of supposed rejects. Sustainability can be fun,» adds Dietrich.

Antje von Dewitz, CEO VAUDE: «Sympatex has been a good partner of ours for decades, with whom we have implemented many innovative ideas. We are pleased that we can now also offer high-quality, waterproof laminate fabrics in our upcycling store and thus enable a contribution to resource conservation. Functional textile production is very costly, so we should not waste one meter of fabric unnecessarily. I am sure that our customers will have very creative ideas for new applications. Re-think, re-cycle, up-cycle!»

«eBay was launched in 1995 as a marketplace for reselling products. Sustainability and circular economy are an integral part of our corporate DNA,» says Heiko Johannisson, Head of Sports at eBay in Germany. «What sets our marketplace apart is the huge selection that offers the right thing for every budget – in every design, whether brand new, like new, used or super rare. The past year has shown that sustainability has increasingly become a decisive factor in purchasing decisions. We are therefore delighted to further strengthen our commitment to resource-saving shopping through our collaboration with Sympatex and VAUDE.»

 

About VAUDE

VAUDE is Europe’s sustainable outdoor brand with functional products for mountain and bike sports. The family-owned company employs around 500 people at its headquarters in Tettnang, southern Germany. VAUDE (pronounced [fau’de]) stands for high-quality products, innovative technology and responsible action. The company pursues a consistent sustainability course, which is implemented in all areas. VAUDE was the first outdoor company to be eco-certified according to EMAS. With the VAUDE Green Shape label, VAUDE offers functional, environmentally friendly products made from sustainable materials and fair manufacturing. Strict evaluation criteria apply to this, which are continuously reviewed and cover the entire life cycle of the product – from design and production to care, repair and recycling. The majority of the VAUDE product range is also subject to the government’s «Green Button» seal, which identifies socially and ecologically produced textiles.

Since 2012, the company site in Tettnang and all products manufactured there have been climate-neutral. Social responsibility is also a top priority at VAUDE. As an employer, VAUDE supports its employees in balancing work and family or private life, through a company kindergarten, flexible working time models, home office and job sharing options. VAUDE is also committed to fair working conditions worldwide, for example through its membership of the Fair Wear Foundation. In the sustainability report, which is published annually according to the international GRI 4 (Global Reporting Initiative) standard, VAUDE presents its comprehensive commitment in detail:

https://csr-report.vaude.com/ More info about VAUDE: www.vaude.com

 

About eBay:

eBay Inc. (NASDAQ: EBAY) is a leading global commerce company that connects millions of buyers with sellers in 190 markets around the world, creating economic opportunities for individuals, entrepreneurs, businesses and organizations of all sizes. eBay’s platforms include the online marketplace ebay.com, country-specific eBay marketplaces such as ebay.de, and eBay mobile apps. eBay is one of the world’s largest and most vibrant marketplaces, with an assortment of unparalleled breadth and depth. More information can be found at ebayinc.com.

 

About Sympatex – The climate-neutral and recyclable membrane

As one of the worldwide leading producers, Sympatex® Technologies has been a synonym for high-tech functional materials in clothing, footwear, accessories and technical fields of application since 1986. Together with selected partners, Sympatex develops, produces and distributes membranes, laminates and functional textiles as well as finished products worldwide. The Sympatex membrane is highly breathable, 100% wind- and waterproof and regulates the climate. It is 100% recyclable, climate-neutral, bluesign® certified, and it received the ‘Oeko-Tex-Standard 100’ certificate. It is also PTFE-free and PFC-free. The technologies and procedures are based on the principles of ecological responsibility and sustainability with a special focus on the optimal carbon footprint. Sympatex is represented worldwide with sales offices and branches. www.sympatex.com