For us, sustainable action is much more than just a trend—it is a central component of our club philosophy.
VfB uses 100% organic cotton in parts of its collection – in collaboration with Brands-Fashion, a pioneer in fair and sustainable textile production.
From organic cotton to delivery, the company monitors every step of the process and ensures fair working conditions throughout the supply chain. The textiles are GOTS-certified – an internationally recognised seal for social and ecological standards in all production phases.
In addition, the cotton comes from Fairtrade cultivation – for fair trade, fair prices and better conditions for producers. This is in line with the values that VfB stands for.
Since 2019, selected GOTS-certified products of VfB Stuttgart have also carried the government-backed Green Button (Grüner Knopf) certification label. This label indicates that both the company and the product have undergone an independent review against defined social and environmental requirements throughout the supply chain. The assessment includes criteria relating to human rights, social standards, environmental responsibility, as well as 26 specific requirements for textile production. By offering products certified according to recognised standards and labels, VfB Stuttgart aims to support greater transparency regarding social and environmental aspects within textile supply chains.
Cradle to Cradle CertifiedTM products are assessed on material health, reuse, use of renewable energy, CO2 and water consumption, and social fairness. Cradle to Cradle CertifiedTM is a certification mark licensed by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute.
Learn more Since 2017, Brands Fashion has been working step by step to certify its entire supply chain according to the Fairtrade Textile Standard and to implement the standard's requirements. The goals of the Fairtrade Textile Standard are to implement living wages, empower workers and improve workplace safety.
In addition, all of the cotton in this product is grown by Fairtrade producers, certified according to the Fairtrade Cotton Standard and traded accordingly.
Connected to home, practical and versatile: The VfB-Tütle is made from 100% recycled paper. It is designed for multiple uses and can also be used as a biodegradable waste bag after its primary use. The bag is produced in the region surrounding Stuttgart. Regional production helps keep transport distances shorter and supports local value creation.
In the study by cum ratione, we at VfB Stuttgart are ranked among the most sustainable professional clubs. Particular emphasis is placed on our wide range of fairly produced clothing with recognised seals of approval. Through projects such as ‘From the Field to the Fan Shop’ and certified collections, we are sending a clear signal for social and ecological responsibility in sport.
Insert link: Clubs in the ranking – how sustainable are their fan shops? – Cum Ratione
Orders placed through the VfB online shop are shipped using DHL GoGreen Plus*.
According to DHL, GoGreen Plus aims to reduce CO2e emissions within Deutsche Post DHL Group's logistics network. To achieve this, DHL invests in measures such as the use of biogas, alternative fuels and electric vehicles for the transportation of shipments. DHL states that the underlying measures and the calculation of the reported emission reductions are reviewed annually by an independent external auditor. *Further information about DHL GoGreen Plus and the methodology used is available from DHL.
Football meets fairness – VfB Stuttgart travels to India for sustainable cotton
How are fair fan merchandise items produced? Representatives of VfB Stuttgart explored this question together with partners from the Bundesliga, Brands Fashion, Fairtrade Germany and GIZ during a trip to India. The aim was to gain insights into the origins of textile production and the ‘From Field to Fan Shop’ project, which was launched in 2022 to drive change in the textile industry.
In phase 1, 450 small farmers were supported in switching to organic cotton cultivation. Many of the resulting fairly produced merchandise items have been available in German fan shops since mid-2023.
But the project's impact extends far beyond cotton. Around 1,000 children and young people have already been reached through accompanying sports and education programmes. Now phase 2 is starting – with ambitious goals:
The focus is on:
At the same time, the sports programme is being expanded to over 2,000 children and young people throughout Gujarat. Cooperation with schools, parents, local authorities and sports associations is intended to ensure long-term impact.
