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 公平贸易 practices. After a trip to Brazil, they found producers of 有机棉 and rubber tappers in the Amazon. They decided to change the way sneakers are made, considering both the environment and society.
主要亮点
- The Veja/Vert brand uses 40% wild rubber from the Amazon in their soles.
- 35 producers supply 有机棉, 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， 例如 有机棉 和 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 公平贸易. 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 公平贸易. It uses 有机棉, Amazon rubber， 和 recycled materials. This demonstrates its commitment to the environment and local communities.
Organic and Agroecological Cotton
Veja’s 有机棉 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
这 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， 和 公平贸易. 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 有机棉 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 可持续性.
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 有机棉 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 可持续实践 和 ethical production.
In Conclusion
Veja is a pioneer in the sneaker industry. It demonstrates that 时尚 can be sustainable 和 fair. With innovative practices and a commitment to local communities 和 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 和 ethical future.
