MANUFACTURING PARTNERS:

deuter sets store in long-term partnerships

based on trust and mutual respect. Establishing good working relationships that are equitable is important to us. deuter consciously abstains from supplier hopping (frequently changing suppliers to gain more favorable prices). Because that’s how we can build mutual trust and closer ties with our partners. Every employee – whether they’re in Asia, USA, or Europe – is a highly valued member of the deuter family. We work together with our partners in an open, honest, and constructive way.

We have been working with our backpack manufacturer, Duke, in Vietnam since 1991.
We are working with our sleeping bag manufacturer, High Rock, in Vietnam since 2024.
Kanaan in Indonesia, our partner for waterproof products
HydraPak in the USA, our partner for hydration systems

Duke, in Vietnam, has been making our entire backpack collection to the highest standards since 1991

Duke – our backpack partner

Duke, in Vietnam, has been making our entire backpack collection to the highest standards since 1991. Duke manufactures exclusively for deuter, and deuter in turn pledges to have all its backpacks made by Duke. The site is responsible for 90% of all deuter products.

What started out with just 35 sewing machines and 50 employees, has now grown into two highly specialized backpack factories in Vietnam, with around 4,000 employees exclusively making deuter backpacks and accessories. And today, Duke is not just responsible for production, but also for logistics in all our distribution countries.

For two generations now, deuter has enjoyed a close relationship with the Oh family and Duke, based on mutual trust and friendship. Over the last 30 years+, Duke has developed a high level of expertise as a manufacturer, supplier, logistician, and partner to deuter. For instance, Duke has a special CSR team at its headquarters and production sites that ranks highly within the management hierarchy and is therefore able to affect change or address issues effectively together with senior management.

HIGH ROCK – OUR SLEEPING BAG PARTNER

Alongside our longest-standing manufacturing partner, Duke, which has made all our backpacks, bags and accessories for the last 30+ years, we also have another partner: High Rock, in Vietnam. In 2024 we started using High Rock for all our RDS-certified (Responsible Down Standard) down sleeping bags. Just as we have done in the past, together with High Rock, we plan to make sleeping bags that are bluesign® certified. The move to High Rock not only means we can continue to make products that are as sustainable as possible, but also means we can uphold the high social standards of the Fair Wear Foundation. deuter has held Fair Wear Leader status every years since 2013. Testament to our consistent, partnership-based collaborations with the shared aim of fostering socially just, environmentally friendly and sustainable manufacturing conditions. High Rock employs around 505 people in Hanoi, Vietnam (435 women and 70 men).

We maintain regular communication with our partners and carry out joint auditing and training measures.

Audits are scheduled at intervals of no more than 3 years, to get a clear understanding of the situation in each factory. Audit reports are discussed at regular meetings (at least twice yearly) held between the senior management teams from deuter and our suppliers. Corrective action plans resulting from these audits are followed up by the deuter CSR team with e-mails or video conference calls, and through on-site visits from deuter employees.

For more information about the FWF Brand Performance Check and sustainability at deuter, see the latest deuter Promise Report.

Kanaan - Our partner for waterproof products

Kanaan, based in Indonesia, specializes in the high-tech processing of performance materials and has extensive expertise in the high-frequency welding process. This technology enables permanently tight connections without seams - ideal for bike bags and waterproof backpacks. Kanaan has been the manufacturing partner for all deuter waterproof products since 2025.

The company has state-of-the-art production facilities with a high degree of automation and employs around 6,157 people (as of November 2023). As a member of the Better Work Program, Kanaan is committed to fair, transparent working conditions and regularly undergoes independent audits.

With around 40 years of industry experience, its own research centers in Asia and a clear focus on sustainability - for example through recycled materials and environmentally friendly printing processes - Kanaan offers the ideal basis for a long-term partnership. Building on shared core values, this results in waterproof products at the highest technical level.

HydraPak - Our partner for hydration systems

Since spring 2025, deuter has been working with HydraPak, one of the world's leading specialists for high-performance hydration systems. The aim of the partnership is to develop customized hydration solutions that are optimally matched to deuter backpacks. HydraPak, based in California, has more than two decades of experience in the development of robust, lightweight and user-friendly hydration systems. The company is internationally renowned for its flexible reservoirs, soft flasks and sophisticated accessories - products that have proven themselves many times over in the outdoor, sports and bike sectors. HydraPak has a particular focus on sustainable materials and responsible production. Only TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is used - a durable, BPA- and PVC-free material that impresses with its flexibility, low weight and high load-bearing capacity. The systems are designed for longevity and meet the highest environmental and quality standards. deuter and HydraPak are united by the common goal of creating functional and durable equipment for the highest demands. This partnership strengthens deuter's hydration range and offers outdoor enthusiasts well thought-out solutions for on the go - reliable, high-quality and sustainable.

STATEMENT ON THE RESPONSIBLE EXIT PROCESS FROM MYANMAR

STATEMENT ON THE RESPONSIBLE EXIT PROCESS FROM MYANMAR

Following the political change in Myanmar, towards democracy and more freedom, deuter decided in 2015 to support its long-time sleeping bag supplier Bellmart in opening a production facility in Myanmar. The decision was made after careful consideration of all relevant risks, with the aim of supporting the country and its people in this awakening. Due to the ongoing difficult and unclear political situation in Myanmar, we had to look for new ways after the last risk assessment for human and workers' rights in the country.

STATEMENT RESPONSIBLE EXIT MYANMAR (EN)

List of Sourcing Countries

At deuter, the supply chain is divided into two stages: Producers (manufacturers, Stage 1) and Material Suppliers (Stage 2 and deeper). We maintain a direct (contractual) business relationship with the producers, while also playing a significant role in selecting material suppliers. The producers utilize the materials to manufacture the final deuter products.

We share our Promise Policy with all our suppliers, who are obligated to adhere to the standards set forth within it. Our policy defines deuter's requirements and recommendations regarding social and environmental sustainability aspects to all production partners, aimed at mitigating the risk of harmful practices.

Through close collaboration with bluesign® and the Fair Wear Foundation, as well as utilizing the HIGG Index, we have gained comprehensive knowledge about the current state, improvement opportunities, and development possibilities of many of our producers and material suppliers. These partnerships allow us to have a deep understanding of working conditions and sustainability aspects within our supply chain.

To ensure transparency, we provide information about the countries and regions where our products are manufactured, as well as the materials used.

LIST OF SOURCING COUNTRIES