When you think about buying a new pair of sneakers, do you wonder about the story behind them? Who made them and what are they made of? The Veja (or Vert in Brazil) brand wants to change that.
In 2004, Sébastien Kopp and François-Ghislain Morillion founded Veja. They wanted to make organic and sustainable sneakers, following fair trade practices. After a trip to Brazil, they found producers of organic cotton and rubber tappers in the Amazon. They decided to change the way sneakers are made, considering both the environment and society.
Key Highlights
- The Veja/Vert brand uses 40% wild rubber from the Amazon in their soles.
- 35 producers supply organic cotton, with Veja paying twice the usual price.
- 62% of the Ateliers Sans Frontières team had not worked for 2 years, with 69% in social vulnerability.
- 1 in 4 Veja models is 100% vegan, with no animal-derived materials.
- Veja is certified as a B Corporation, committed to social and environmental responsibility.
The Story Behind Veja
The story of Veja began in 2003, when Sébastien Kopp and François-Ghislain Morillion, then 25 years old, conducted a social audit in a factory in China. They were shocked by the poor living conditions of the workers. This inspired them to create a more sustainable and fair sneaker brand.
Founders’ Origin and Motivation
In 2004, Sébastien and François traveled through Brazil. The country has many sustainable raw materials, such as organic cotton and Amazon rubber. They decided to change the sneaker manufacturing process to be more responsible.
Journey Through Brazil in Search of Sustainable Raw Materials
The journey of the Veja founders through Brazil was crucial for the brand. They discovered natural resources and ethical local producers. This allowed them to create a responsible and fair supply chain.
“We wanted to create a sneaker brand that was made in a more sustainable and fair manner, respecting people and the environment.”
Since then, Veja has stood out for its innovative approach and commitment to sustainability and fair trade. This has changed the fashion industry and gained admirers around the world.
Veja Sneakers: Sustainable Production and Fair Trade
Veja is known for its sustainable practices and fair trade. It uses organic cotton, Amazon rubber, and recycled materials. This demonstrates its commitment to the environment and local communities.
Organic and Agroecological Cotton
Veja’s organic cotton is free from pesticides. This enriches the soil and helps families in the Northeast. The brand pays a fair price, 65% above market rates, supporting the development of these areas.
Rubber Sourced from the Amazon
The Amazon rubber is essential for Veja sneakers. It is purchased from rubber tapper cooperatives. This ensures a salary 30% above market rates and protects about 9,000 hectares of forest.
Innovative and Recycled Materials
Veja uses innovative and recycled materials. For example, PET bottle fabrics and recycled rubber soles. This helps reduce environmental impact and promotes a sustainable economy.
Veja sneakers are made in factories in Brazil, respecting labor rights. The brand also aims to improve the production chain with fair trade. This benefits all stages of production.
“We believe it is possible to reconcile fashion, design, and respect for the environment. Our challenge is to create products that are beautiful, comfortable, and have a positive impact on society.”
With 250,000 pairs of sneakers produced annually, Veja is a leader in Veja sneakers, sustainable production, and fair trade. It operates in 15 countries.
Veja’s Socio-Environmental Impact
Veja is dedicated to improving the social and environmental impact of its actions. It supports local communities and families that produce its raw materials. This includes Amazon rubber tappers and organic cotton farmers. Thus, they receive fair payment and their sustainable activities grow.
Veja is a B Corporation, which means it measures and discloses its social and environmental impact. This shows its transparency in all processes. Additionally, the brand has several certifications, such as FLO-CERT fair trade and organic certification. This proves its commitment to sustainability.
Support for Local Communities and Producer Families
Veja works with local communities and producer families throughout its supply chain. This ensures fair compensation and helps strengthen sustainable activities. Some examples include:
- Partnership with Amazon rubber tappers for the extraction of natural rubber
- Direct purchase of organic cotton from small farmers
- Support for producer associations, providing stability and security for these families
Certifications and Transparency in Processes
Veja is a B Corporation certified by B Lab. This means it meets high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. It has certifications such as:
- Fair Trade Certified
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
- OEKO-TEX® Standard 100
These certifications guarantee that Veja maintains the highest standards in its sustainable practices and ethical production.
In Conclusion
Veja is a pioneer in the sneaker industry. It demonstrates that fashion can be sustainable and fair. With innovative practices and a commitment to local communities and the environment, Veja is setting an example for others.
The brand continues to inspire change in the industry, showing that it is possible to combine style, comfort, and responsibility. Veja is more than just a brand; it is a movement towards a more sustainable and ethical future.
