Leather
A step further in the leather sourcing
Since launching the VEJA project, we've been working our way back up the leather production chain and focusing on two major ways of improving it: traceability and chemical transparency. We know where it comes from and what's in it.
The leather we use comes from southern Brazil.
All leathers of our sneakers come from tanneries audited and certified Gold by theLeather Working Group. Tanning is one of the most delicate steps.
The Leather Working Group (L.W.G.) is an independent group of tanneries and manufacturers. They work on sustainable practices to reduce the environmental impact of the leather. To ensure the chrome doesn't turn into the toxic chrome VI, we perfom random checks all years long to monitor the level of chrome in our leathers.
They meet REACH standards and have full traceability from the abattoirs to the retailers. All our ChromeFree leather is coming from "the pampa" meaning cows are fed only from native vegetation.
1 VEJA model out of 3
is 100% vegan.
Out of 291 (SKU) models included in the 2020 collection,
115 do not contain any animal products.
What is vegetable tanning, exactly?
Drying the hides after tanning.What is vegetable tanning, exactly?
© Cédric Amiot
From 2008 to 2015, 100% VEJA leather was vegetable-tanned leather. Since 2015, the prohibitive costs and quality level have convinced us to turn back.
All of our leathers are now tested and meet REACH standards, they do not contain any chrome VI.
TanneriePorto Alegre, 2013
© Photo Studio VEJA
Roraima Suede Brown Black Natural-SoleLookbook Fall – Winter 2019
© Vincent Desailly
ChromeFree
leather
Campo ChromeFree Leather White Ultraviolet
© Mario Simon Lafleur
The ChromeFree leather is soft and light, also coming from farms in southern Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul). It undergoes an innovative tanning process during which no hazardous chrome, heavy metals or acids are present.
Upcycling :
Making the case for fish leather
Back in 2013 till 2018 we use Tilapia leather in several of our styles.
This leather is made from Tilapia hides that come from freshwater fish farms. Since they are usually thrown away, we are therefore transforming waste into a luxury material using a completely handcrafted process.
Every pair made with Tilapia is unique and vegetable tanning is used exclusively.
An Esplar model entirely made with Tilapia skin for its upper.
© Studio VEJA