In a short ten years, Veja has become a cult. Founded by two Frenchmen to create an environmentally friendly trainer, the brand has grown into one of the most successful stories in a sustainable fashion. Here are our favourite features of Veja. Firstly, Less is more. Secondly, they’re made in Brazil from organic cotton and wild rubber. Ultimately, these are all features that will make them an instant classic.
Less is more
If you’re unsure what size to order, try Veja’s sizing chart. It is recommended that you choose the smaller size. The company also has a social media outlet, Reviewed, with product reviews and deals. Product prices can change over time, so it is best to check these social media sites for the most up-to-date information. In addition, it can be challenging to find the exact size you want.
Sustainable production is essential these days. VEJA takes excellent care to ensure its products are made with as little impact on the environment. It uses materials from around the world, such as rubber from the Amazon rainforest and organic cotton uppers from Peru and Brazil. VEJA also ensures that its manufacturing facilities are as close as possible to the source of raw materials to minimize transportation distances. It’s easy to see why VEJA’s shoes are so popular with celebrities and customers alike.
Made in Brazil
In making Veja trainers, the rubber of the Amazon is harvested in the Brazilian jungle. The rubber tappers use a new process developed by Professor Floriano Pastore of the University of Brasilia. The process, called FDL (liquid smoked sheet), transforms latex into sheets sent straight to the factory, where the raw material is shaped into the Veja trainer sole. This process also gives rubber tappers a higher income as they can sell their rubber sheets as semi-finished products.
The sustainability efforts of Veja are impressive. It works with small producers in Brazil and supports local communities. The company uses sustainable, upcycled materials such as wild rubber and organic cotton. It also supports the circular economy using materials sourced from sustainable farms and plantations. In 2020, Veja will open a facility in France to collect and clean worn sneakers. The company aims to create a “green” product that is still as fashionable as it is comfortable.
Made from organic cotton
Veja is one of the world’s leading eco-conscious brands. The company’s first goal is to make sneaker production more sustainable through organic materials and new procedures while ensuring high aesthetic quality. In addition to using organic cotton, the company works directly with the farmers who produce the raw material. As a result, Veja pays farmers double the market price for the cotton they harvest, and they support organic plantations and NGOs to ensure that the cotton used in its products is grown relatively.
The company sources organic cotton directly from farmers and then pre-finances harvests a year in advance. The company also works with organic cotton suppliers to source leather from southern Brazil. It uses recycled polyester and bottles for mesh material, and the shoes are made in high-quality factories in Brazil. The company does not advertise or accept payments from other brands and doesn’t pay a third of the price of a comparable leather sneaker.
Made from wild rubber
Veja shoes are made from rubber from the rainforest. The company partners with rubber tappers to harvest wild rubber from rubber trees and turn it into rubber sheets. Veja purchases the rubber at a premium from these people, cutting down on deforestation’s financial appeal. In addition, the company aims to reduce deforestation by using this material in its shoes. Veja is proud to use a minimum of 40 per cent wild rubber in its soles.
Veja uses sustainable rubber from the Amazon Rainforest. The company works closely with the Seringueiro community, which harvests the wild rubber needed to make the soles of their shoes. The company’s sustainable production methods in the rainforest ensure that all raw materials are produced sustainably. Those tap the rubber also work with the local communities to preserve the rainforests. VEJA is committed to working with these communities and using only fair trade practices.
Made from recycled plastic bottles
Unlike most fashion brands, Veja uses 100% recycled polyester from plastic bottles to make its shoes and accessories. The plastic bottles are crushed and converted into flakes in a Brazilian factory before being woven into B-Mesh fabric. This fabric is waterproof, breathable, and resistant to stains. It also reduces waste and is eco-friendly because it uses recycled polyester. In addition, the company invests in new technologies and products that minimize their impact on the environment.