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VEJA, a French footwear brand known for its eco-friendly practices and ethically sourced materials, joined forces with Sea Shepherd, an international marine conservation organization renowned for its dedication to protecting the world’s oceans.
This partnership resulted in the creation of an all-black version of VEJA’s Fitz Roy, an outdoor-style shoe. The collaboration blended VEJA’s expertise in eco-friendly and sustainable footwear with Sea Shepherd’s passion for marine life preservation. The shoe’s design and materials were carefully chosen to reflect this commitment.
Recycled Materials
The shoe incorporated various recycled materials, including Trek-Shell made from 100% recycled polyester for the upper and a 100% recycled polyester lining. This emphasized the importance of repurposing existing resources to reduce waste and minimize the environmental footprint of the footwear.
Sustainable Components
The heel support insert was made from Pebax® Rnex®, derived from 62% ricinus oil. This sustainable alternative showcased the collaboration’s focus on using renewable resources and reducing the reliance on petrochemicals.
Eco-Friendly Practices
The shoe featured a PFC-free Durable Water Repellent treatment on the Trek-Shell upper, highlighting the commitment to eco-friendly manufacturing. This treatment helps protect the shoes from light rain and wet conditions while avoiding harmful perfluorinated chemicals.
Amazonian Rubber
The inclusion of Amazonian rubber in the insole and outsole demonstrated an emphasis on using natural and sustainable materials. Amazonian rubber is harvested in a way that supports local communities and rainforest conservation.
Recycled Polyester
The laces, loops, and part of the insole were made from recycled polyester, promoting the use of post-consumer waste materials in production.
VEJA and Sea Shepard Partnership
This collaboration went beyond just creating a stylish and functional shoe. It served as a powerful example of how fashion and environmental conservation can intersect, emphasizing the importance of responsible sourcing and manufacturing processes in the fashion industry. VEJA’s and Sea Shepherd’s shared values and commitment to sustainability were evident throughout the design and production of the all-black Fitz Roy.
By partnering with an organization like Sea Shepherd, VEJA not only promoted its dedication to the environment but also raised awareness about the critical need to protect the oceans and marine life. This collaboration showcased how brands can use their influence to make a positive impact on the world by championing ecological responsibility and conservation efforts.
A portion of the proceeds from each sale of the all-black Fitz Roy will be allocated to funding Sea Shepherd’s ocean conservation initiatives.
All images in this article are courtesy of VEJA.
