Veja

## Welcome to Veja: A New Era in Sustainable Fashion

At Veja, we believe that fashion can be a force for good. Our mission is to create stylish, high-quality footwear and apparel that respects both people and the planet. From the sourcing of raw materials to the final product, every step in our production process is designed to minimize environmental impact and promote fair trade. Welcome to a new era in sustainable fashion.

## Our Story: Where It All Began

Veja was founded in 2004 by Sébastien Kopp and François-Ghislain Morillion, two friends who shared a vision of creating a brand that would set new standards in the fashion industry. They wanted to prove that it was possible to produce stylish, high-quality footwear in a way that was ethical and sustainable. With a background in economics and business, the founders embarked on a journey to build a brand that would challenge the status quo.

The name Veja, which means "look" in Portuguese, was chosen to encourage people to look beyond the surface and consider the impact of their consumption choices. From the beginning, the founders were committed to transparency, fair trade, and environmental responsibility. They traveled to Brazil, where they established partnerships with local farmers and cooperatives to source organic cotton and wild rubber for their sneakers. By working directly with these communities, Veja ensures that the farmers receive fair wages and work in safe conditions.

## Ethical Sourcing: The Heart of Our Brand

One of the cornerstones of Veja's philosophy is ethical sourcing. We believe that the materials we use should be produced in a way that respects both people and the environment. That's why we work closely with small-scale farmers and cooperatives in Brazil to source our organic cotton and wild rubber. These partnerships not only ensure that our materials are of the highest quality, but also support local communities and promote sustainable farming practices.

Our organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, which helps to preserve soil health and protect biodiversity. The farmers we work with use traditional farming methods that have been passed down through generations. By choosing organic cotton, we are able to reduce our environmental footprint and provide our customers with products that are free from harmful chemicals.

The wild rubber we use in our soles is sourced from the Amazon rainforest, where rubber tappers collect latex from rubber trees in a sustainable manner. This process, known as "wild harvesting," helps to protect the rainforest and provide a livelihood for local communities. By supporting these traditional practices, we are helping to preserve one of the world's most important ecosystems.

## Innovative Materials: Pushing the Boundaries of Sustainability

At Veja, we are constantly exploring new materials and technologies to push the boundaries of sustainability. Our commitment to innovation has led us to develop a range of eco-friendly materials that are both durable and stylish.

One of our most notable innovations is B-Mesh, a fabric made entirely from recycled plastic bottles. B-Mesh is lightweight, breathable, and water-resistant, making it the perfect material for our sneakers. By using recycled plastic bottles, we are able to reduce waste and give new life to materials that would otherwise end up in landfills.

We also use a variety of other sustainable materials in our products, including vegetable-tanned leather, recycled polyester, and jute. Each of these materials has been carefully selected for its environmental benefits and durability. By incorporating these innovative materials into our designs, we are able to create products that are both stylish and sustainable.

## Fair Trade Practices: Empowering Communities

Fair trade is at the heart of everything we do at Veja. We believe that the people who produce our materials and manufacture our products should be treated with respect and paid fairly for their work. That's why we work directly with small-scale farmers and cooperatives to ensure that they receive fair wages and work in safe conditions.

In addition to paying fair prices for our materials, we also invest in community development projects that support education, healthcare, and infrastructure. By empowering these communities, we are helping to create a more equitable and sustainable supply chain.

Our commitment to fair trade extends to our manufacturing partners as well. We work with factories in Brazil that adhere to strict social and environmental standards. These factories provide their workers with fair wages, safe working conditions, and opportunities for professional development. By partnering with these factories, we are able to ensure that our products are made in a way that respects both people and the planet.

## Transparency: A Commitment to Honesty

At Veja, we believe that transparency is essential to building trust with our customers. That's why we are committed to being open and honest about every aspect of our business. From the sourcing of our materials to the production of our products, we strive to provide our customers with as much information as possible.

We publish detailed reports on our website that outline our environmental and social impact, as well as the challenges we face in our quest for sustainability. By sharing this information, we hope to inspire other companies to adopt more sustainable practices and encourage consumers to make more informed choices.

Transparency also means being honest about our limitations. We know that we are not perfect, and there is always room for improvement. That's why we are constantly seeking new ways to reduce our environmental footprint and improve our social impact. By being transparent about our progress and challenges, we hope to create a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

## Our Products: Stylish, Sustainable, and Ethical

Veja offers a wide range of stylish and sustainable footwear for men, women, and children. Our products are designed to be both fashionable and functional, with a focus on quality and durability. Whether you're looking for a classic sneaker, a sporty trainer, or a stylish boot, Veja has something for everyone.

Each of our products is made with the utmost care and attention to detail. From the stitching to the soles, every aspect of our sneakers is designed to be both stylish and sustainable. We use high-quality materials and traditional craftsmanship to create products that are built to last.

Our commitment to sustainability extends to our packaging as well. We use recycled and biodegradable materials for our shoe boxes and shipping materials, reducing our environmental impact even further.

## Join the Movement: Making a Difference Together

At Veja, we believe that everyone has the power to make a difference. By choosing to support ethical and sustainable brands, you are helping to create a better future for our planet and its people. We are grateful for the support of our customers and partners, who share our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

We invite you to join us on our journey towards a more sustainable future. Whether you're purchasing a pair of our sneakers, sharing our story with friends and family, or supporting other ethical brands, every action makes a difference. Together, we can create a world where fashion is a force for good.

## Looking Ahead: Our Vision for the Future

As we look to the future, we are committed to continuing our efforts to create stylish, high-quality products that respect both people and the planet. We will continue to explore new materials and technologies, strengthen our partnerships with local communities, and advocate for more sustainable practices in the fashion industry.

We are also dedicated to expanding our product range and exploring new ways to reduce our environmental footprint. From developing new eco-friendly materials to implementing more sustainable production processes, we are constantly seeking new ways to improve our impact.

Our vision for the future is one where fashion is a force for good, and where consumers can make choices that align with their values. We believe that by working together, we can create a more sustainable and equitable world for future generations.

## Conclusion: A New Standard in Fashion

Veja is more than just a brand; it is a movement towards a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry. Our commitment to transparency, fair trade, and environmental responsibility sets us apart from traditional fashion brands and inspires others to follow in our footsteps.

By choosing Veja, you are not only getting a stylish and high-quality product, but you are also supporting a brand that is dedicated to making a positive impact. We are proud of the progress we have made so far, and we are excited about the future.

Thank you for being a part of our journey. Together, we can create a new standard in fashion, one that respects both people and the planet.