Veja

Veja is a French footwear and accessories brand that was founded in 2004 by Sébastien Kopp and François-Ghislain Morillion. The name Veja means "look" in Portuguese, and reflects the brand's vision of looking beyond the sneakers, looking at how they are made and who makes them. Veja's products are designed in Paris and made ethically in Brazil, using organic, recycled, and innovative materials, such as organic cotton, wild rubber, vegetable-tanned leather, and recycled plastic bottles. Veja also works with social and environmental projects in Brazil and Peru, supporting organic cotton farmers, rubber tappers, and people with disabilities.

Some of the latest news about Veja are:

• In January 2024, Sports Illustrated published a review of Veja sneakers, highlighting their style, sustainability, and versatility.
• In October 2022, Harper's Bazaar featured Veja as a brand that cares less about celebrity approval and more about the people who make their shoes, revealing the details of their supply chain and their social impact.
• In July 2020, Veja launched a movable cobbler studio at Log'ins, their logistics partner, to repair damaged sneakers and extend their lifespan.

Veja's commitment to sustainability is evident in their use of ecological materials, fair trade sourcing, and transparency. Some of the standards, certifications, and materials that Veja uses are:

• Organic cotton: Veja uses organic cotton from Brazil and Peru, which is grown without chemicals or pesticides, and pays the producers twice the market price. The cotton is certified by ECOCERT and GOTS.
• Wild rubber: Veja uses natural rubber from the Amazon rainforest, which is tapped by local cooperatives and helps preserve the forest from deforestation. The rubber is certified by FSC.
• Vegetable-tanned leather: Veja uses leather that is tanned with organic compounds, such as acacia extracts, instead of chrome or other heavy metals. The leather is certified by REACH.
• Recycled materials: Veja uses materials that are made from recycled plastic bottles or polyester, such as B-mesh, C.W.L., Hexamesh, and J-mesh. These materials reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste and save water and energy.

Veja is more than just a sneaker brand, it is a project that aims to create a different way of making shoes, one that respects the environment, the workers, and the consumers. Veja is also constantly researching and developing new technologies and materials, such as V-Knit, V-Lock, and V-12, to improve the quality and performance of their products. Veja is a brand that challenges the status quo and inspires others to follow their example.