About Veja For each step of production Veja deals directly with its partners from the cotton fields to the doors of the retailers. Veja has created a global chain that emphasizes solidarity and environment from the small producers in Brazil to the public. Veja Trainers are made in Brazil using organic cotton, wild rubber and ecological leather: Organic Cotton: Veja's canvas is made of organic cotton from two cooperatives of small producers in Brazil. The first one is located on the North coast of Brazil, a dry and poor area. Since the 90's the cooperative Veja work with have developed an agro-ecology system, which is a sustainable agriculture model. Producers do not use chemical pesticides or manure. They receive technical support from ESPLAR, a local development NGO. The second cooperative is in South Brazil (Paraná), 48 producers decided to move into organic production because the very low prices of cotton could not provide them a decent life. Veja pays twice the market price for the organic cotton; this provides the producers with a sustainable wage. Wild Rubber: Veja soles are made of natural latex from the Amazon Rain Forest in the Chico Mendes reserve. The Amazon is the only place on earth where wild rubber trees are found. Harvesting natural latex does not require tree felling and is a great way to preserve the world's largest forest as it provides an income which requires the forest to remain standing. Natural rubber is renewable and biodegradable, as opposed to synthetic rubber or plastic, which is produced by using fossil and non-renewable materials. The cooperative of Seringueiros receive a 30% premium on the rubber sold directly to Veja. The fair price paid to the producers allows them to live from latex extraction and stop deforestation. The cooperative were set up by Chico Mendes. Chico Mendes was a Seringueiro who spent his life fighting to save the Amazon and the Seringueiros. Ecological Leather: In 2006 Veja developed their 'ecological leather', this means that the leather is chrome-free and tanned with organic compounds. Production: Veja adheres to the principles of Fair Trade all the way along their production chain. The factories where the trainers are made respects OIT rules, which are as follows: - No child labour - Decent working conditions - Fair wages - Fair working hours and paid overtime - Good living conditions for the workers |
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