In Germany, where environmental awareness is strong, many brands are going beyond just reducing their carbon footprint. They’re creating products designed to last, minimizing waste, and ensuring ethical production at every stage.
But which brands are truly sustainable? With more companies claiming to be eco-friendly, it’s not always easy to separate real sustainability from marketing hype.
If you are looking for the answers, check out our article. It explores some of the best sustainable brands in Germany across multiple industries. These companies are proving that sustainability and quality can go hand in hand.
Sustainable brands in Germany are gaining popularity
Sustainability is becoming a way of life in Germany, and more consumers are choosing eco-friendly brands.
The reasons are reasonable:
- Many people care about the planet.
- Climate change concerns are growing.
- Regulations are tightening.
- People demand transparency and ethical responsibility from businesses.
- Customers want both eco-friendly and high-quality products.
Thus, companies are trying to adapt, survive, and win customer’s hearts. Those who integrate sustainability into their core values (whether through renewable energy, ethical labor practices, or waste reduction) are set to see increased loyalty.
But another critical point is that government policies and incentives have a lot to say in this regard.
Germany has set ambitious climate goals which encourage businesses to adopt greener production methods. Take, for example, changes in sectors like fashion or energy-efficient home appliances. Companies like Armedangels focus on organic materials and fair production, while brands like Miele prioritize energy efficiency to comply with Germany’s Ecodesign Directive, which mandates lower energy consumption and longer product lifespans.
Sustainability is just no longer associated with compromise.
Consumers don’t have to choose between eco-friendly and high-quality products – brands now prove that they can coexist, redefine the market, and meet expectations.
How to identify a truly sustainable brand?
Unfortunately, not all brands that claim to be eco-friendly actually live up to the promise. Greenwashing – where companies exaggerate their environmental efforts – is a growing problem.
So, how can you tell if a brand is genuinely sustainable?
First, look for transparency. A truly eco-conscious company will openly share details about its supply chain, materials, and production processes. If a brand is vague about where its products come from or how they are made, it’s a red flag and you should dig deeper.
Next, check for certifications. Labels like Fairtrade, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), and Blue Angel ensure that a company follows strict environmental and ethical standards. A lack of certifications doesn’t necessarily mean a brand isn’t sustainable but recognized eco-labels add credibility.
Durability is another key factor. A sustainable brand prioritizes quality and longevity over fast production and disposable goods. Whether it’s fashion, appliances, or personal care, the best brands create products designed to last, reducing overall waste.
Finally, consider how a company treats its workers and local communities. After all, sustainability isn’t just about the environment. It’s about fair wages, ethical labor practices, and social responsibility, too.
So, to conclude, a truly sustainable brand balances all three: planet, people, and profit.
The list of the best sustainable brands in Germany
Now check out the following list of brands leading the way in sustainability. If you’re looking to make more eco-conscious choices, this list will help you discover the best sustainable brands in Germany.
Fashion
Armedangels
Armedangels is a sustainable fashion brand based in Cologne, Germany, known for its environmentally friendly production methods. They offer a range of timeless clothing for both women and men, with a strong emphasis on denim. The brand aims to create meaningful changes in the fashion industry rather than just being another label.
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Vaude
Vaude is a company that specializes in sustainable outdoor gear, offering a wide range of products for mountain and bike sports. They sell eco-friendly outdoor clothing and equipment suitable for activities like hiking, trekking, mountaineering, ski touring, and cycling, catering to families as well.
Hessnatur
Pioneers in organic clothing since 1976, Hessnatur offers a wide range of apparel made from natural fibers. It’s a leading brand in the natural textiles market, known for its commitment to eco-fashion. They offer a diverse range of products, including modern apparel for women, men, and children, such as blouses, coats, dresses, and pants, all made from organic materials and produced sustainably and fairly.
Lanius
Combining luxury with sustainability, Lanius focuses on timeless designs crafted from organic fabrics, appealing to the eco-conscious consumer. Since its establishment in 1999, it has offered a range of clothing items including knitwear, jeans, dresses, and blouses, all produced under fair conditions and with a focus on sophisticated design.
Jan ‘n June
Jan ‘n June offers minimalist designs using sustainable materials, with a commitment to transparency throughout their production process. The brand specializes in offering a range of clothing products, including tops, sweaters, and dresses – all made from sustainable materials such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, and lyocell. Their production is situated in Portugal and Poland, emphasizing fair labor practices.
Food and grocery
Alnatura
A chain of organic supermarkets, Alnatura provides a wide range of organic food products. They emphasize sustainable agriculture and have been recognized for their commitment to ecological practices
Veganz
Established in 2011, Veganz is Europe’s first vegan supermarket chain, offering a wide range of plant-based products. They emphasize sustainable sourcing and eco-friendly packaging.
Tegut
Tegut is a German grocery store chain committed to sustainable products and organic food. Founded in 1947, it operates primarily in Germany’s central and southern regions. Tegut emphasizes quality, regional sourcing, and environmentally friendly practices, often featuring organic and fair-trade products.
Bioland
As Germany’s largest organic-food association, Bioland certifies farms and businesses that adhere to stringent ecological standards, promoting sustainable agriculture.
Simply V
Founded in 2015, Simply V specializes in plant-based cheese alternatives. It focuses on developing and producing innovative plant-based alternatives to traditional cheese and dairy products. Their product line includes cheese alternatives suitable for various uses, such as for spreading, grilling, baking, and cooking.
Personal care
Weleda
Specializing in natural personal care products, Weleda uses organic and biodynamic ingredients. They focus on sustainability throughout their supply chain and are committed to ethical sourcing. This brand uses 100% certified natural skincare products made from Biodynamic® and organic ingredients. Their product range includes skincare, haircare, and oral care items, designed to support health and well-being while being cruelty-free.
Dr. Hauschka
Founded in 1967, Dr. Hauschka offers natural skincare products using biodynamic, fair trade, and sustainably produced ingredients. The product range includes facial treatments, body care, and makeup designed for various skin types, including normal, dry, combination, and oily skin.
lavera
Lavera is a German brand offering natural and organic cosmetics, including fluoride-free toothpaste and skincare products, emphasizing gentle formulations. The product line includes various items such as skincare, haircare, and oral care products, all made with natural ingredients and certified organic materials. Some specific products include facial cleansers, moisturizers, and even fluoride-free toothpaste.
Dr. Scheller
Known for natural skincare solutions, Dr. Scheller provides products like the Protecting Calendula Hand Balm, focusing on using natural ingredients. With over 35 years of experience, the brand combines pharmacist knowledge with traditional medicinal plants and modern formulations. Their product range includes items like firming caffeine eye cream, anti-wrinkle argan day cream, and pure shea butter.
Und Gretel
A Berlin-based makeup brand Und Gretel focuses on clean beauty and sustainability, using natural, organic, and high-quality ingredients in their products. The product line includes skin care items like smoothing eye cream, nourishing hand cream, and CC creams, as well as hair products such as natural foaming shampoo bars. The brand emphasizes skin health and eco-friendliness.
Household cleaning products
Frosch
A brand under Werner & Mertz, Frosch offers eco-friendly cleaning agents made from natural ingredients. To their products, we can count universal cleaners, washing-up liquids, and glass cleaners – all phosphate-free and packaged in recyclable materials. The brand emphasizes formulations that are in harmony with nature and environmentally conscious.
Sonett
A pioneer in ecological laundry detergents and cleaning agents, Sonett emphasizes the use of biodegradable ingredients and environmentally friendly production processes. Established in 1977, the company is known for being one of the first manufacturers of ecological laundry detergents and cleaning agents.
Ecover
This business originally comes from Belgium – however, we couldn’t let ourselves not mention Ecover, as it has a significant presence in Germany. That’s primarily thanks to offering plant-based cleaning products (with a focus on sustainability and minimal environmental impact) such as: laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, household cleaners, and personal care items. They also feature a line called Ecover ZERO, designed for individuals with sensitive skin.
AlmaWin
Specializing in ecological cleaning products, AlmaWin uses natural raw materials and ensures its products are dermatologically tested for skin compatibility. Their product line includes washing powders, cleaning agents, and various accessories designed to be skin-tolerant and environmentally friendly.
Sodasan
Based in Lower Saxony, Sodasan produces eco-friendly, natural, organic, and vegan household cleaning products. Their extensive product range includes items like liquid soaps, laundry detergents, and other cleaning supplies made from sustainable raw materials. The whole brand emphasizes the use of organic vegetable oils and sustainable production methods.
Home appliances
Miele
Known for high-quality home appliances, Miele focuses on energy efficiency and durability. This manufacturer’s products are designed for longevity, so they can reduce waste and environmental impact over time. The product range includes household items like ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, and vacuum cleaners, as well as commercial solutions for professional kitchens and laundry facilities.
Bosch
A renowned German brand, Bosch focuses on energy-efficient home appliances, including vacuum cleaners, washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, and kitchen appliances. It also develops innovative solutions for automotive technology and mobility services, catering to both private and commercial vehicles. The most important thing is that Bosch integrates sustainable practices for clients and in its manufacturing processes.
Siemens
Siemens is a global technology company that focuses on various sectors, including automation, digitalization, and electrification. The company is committed to sustainability and offers products and solutions that promote sustainable growth, such as technologies aimed at industrial decarbonization and resource efficiency. Siemens also emphasizes the longevity and service of its products, particularly in its home appliances division.
Liebherr
This multinational company, Liebherr, is known for manufacturing a wide range of products, including construction machinery, mining equipment, aerospace components, and appliances. In terms of sustainability, Liebherr emphasizes responsible manufacturing processes and product development that aim to reduce environmental impact, such as innovations in exhaust gas and CO2 reduction technologies.
Gaggenau
A premium home appliance brand, Gaggenau emphasizes durability and energy efficiency in its products. The brand focuses on responsible resource use and has a holistic approach to manufacturing – it utilizes recyclable materials to minimize environmental impact. Gaggenau’s product line includes high-end appliances such as ovens, refrigerators, cooktops, and dishwashers. They are all designed with sustainability in mind, including goals for reducing carbon emissions and water usage.
Mobility & transportation
Canyon
This German bicycle manufacturer, Canyon, is known for its high-performance bikes, including road, mountain, and electric models. The company focuses on sustainable production by using durable materials, efficient manufacturing, and direct-to-consumer sales, reducing transport emissions. Their e-bikes and urban models promote eco-friendly commuting, helping to reduce car dependency and lower CO₂ emissions.
Riese & Müller
Riese & Müller specializes in high-quality e-bikes and cargo bikes designed to make urban mobility more sustainable. The brand integrates eco-friendly production methods, such as durable frame designs and energy-efficient battery technology. Their product line includes electric commuter bikes, long-range touring e-bikes, and family cargo bikes, offering green alternatives to cars in Germany’s cities.
Sono Motors
Next, there is Sono Motors – a Munich-based startup developing solar-powered electric vehicles (SEVs). Their flagship model, the Sion, features integrated solar panels that charge the battery, reducing reliance on grid electricity. The company uses sustainable materials and promotes a circular economy by offering car-sharing and second-life battery solutions, making electric mobility even greener.
Schwalbe
Another German brand specializing in sustainable bicycle tires is Schwalbe. They lead in eco-friendly tire production, using Fair Rubber-certified materials and a closed-loop recycling system for used tires. Their product range includes high-performance road, mountain, and city bike tires, as well as e-bike-specific models designed for durability and reduced waste.
Deutsche Bahn (DB)
We also need to mention Deutsche Bahn (DB) – Germany’s national railway service, which is actively investing in sustainability. The company aims to be climate-neutral by 2040 by running trains on renewable energy, modernizing its fleet for energy efficiency, and expanding eco-friendly transport solutions. DB offers long-distance and regional train services, high-speed ICE trains, and urban transit options like S-Bahn and buses, promoting low-emission travel across Germany.
Over to you
The brands listed here show that eco-friendly products don’t mean sacrificing performance or quality. By choosing companies that prioritize transparency, ethical production, and long-term sustainability, consumers can support a greener future while investing in products that truly last.
In Germany, the shift toward responsible consumption is already well underway, and as demand grows, more brands will follow.
And how about you? Did you find your favorite sustainable brand in Germany?
Get inspired and take the next step toward a greener lifestyle. 🌿
