VEJA, Sneakers With a Commitment Towards You

At the end of their economics studies, both concerned about the environment, Sébastien Kopp and François-Ghislain Morillon traveled the world to study the sustainable development projects of major French companies. Disappointed by these efforts, in which the health of the planet and its inhabitants seemed ultimately secondary, they decided to start their own company to see if it was possible to do business differently. VEJA was born. A sneaker brand based on an ongoing commitment to sustainability, ethics, and transparency.

In 2004, Sébastien and François flew to Brazil, a country that contains all the natural resources necessary for making a shoe, as well as skilled labor protected by fair labor standards. The goal was simple: deconstruct the shoe and start from scratch with raw materials, tracing the chain up to the finished product, and rethink each step so it would have a positive impact on the environment and society.

Rubber

Did you know that rubber can be produced naturally from the sap of the hevea tree or synthetically? At VEJA, the natural way is prioritized. Veja voluntarily pays on average 5 times the market price for its semi-processed rubber to enhance the economic value of the Amazon forest, protect it, and improve access to social services for the harvesters.

Organic Cotton and Agroecology

The cottons used for VEJA sneakers are certified organic, bought directly from producer associations, and are grown according to agroecological principles. Agroecology is a way of designing production systems that rely on the functionalities offered by ecosystems while aiming to reduce pressures on the environment.

Leather

The leathers used by VEJA are traceable and certified organic. Thanks to a direct collaboration with the production farms, Veja ensures that the animals are raised with care and that the leather is treated using environmentally respectful methods.

Recycled Materials

Some VEJA shoes also incorporate B-Mesh, a material made from recycled polyester and processed in an environmentally friendly manner. In addition to preventing plastic from unnecessarily ending up in the environment, B-Mesh is lightweight, breathable, and waterproof.

About 3,500 pairs of VEJA are assembled in Brazil daily. A considerable effort is made to ensure exemplary working conditions for the 1,200 employees. This includes measures such as modern equipment, the presence of unions, respect for social rights, and a 40-hour work week limit.

To be as transparent as possible, VEJA adopts an open source approach. On their website, anyone can access the producers' contracts, the founders' salaries, Fairtrade certifications, and the results of chemical tests. This initiative, unprecedented in the industry, extends to the absence of advertising, with every investment dedicated to innovation, improving the production chain, and the well-being of workers.

If you're looking for your next pair of sneakers, VEJA offers you the opportunity to make a socially and environmentally conscious choice, prioritizing transparency, sustainability, product quality, fashionable style, and continuous innovation.

Have a great day!