PLASTIC-FREE VEGAN SHOES
WHAT IS VEGAN?
Veganism is a way of life based on the refusal to exploit animals: being vegan means not consuming products of animal origin, nor those tested on animals. Thus, anything made from leather, silk, fur, wool, beeswax or animal fats is banned.
WHAT ARE VEGAN SHOES?
 |
 |
|
By definition vegan shoes do not use materials from animals of any kind. The vegan shoes are therefore mainly made from "vegan "leather (industrial materials) or natural materials:
- Shoes in natural fibers linen, cotton.
- Footwear made from processed industrial substances: polyurethane, polyester, microfibre and, more broadly, synthetic fabrics.
- Vegan "leather" shoes made from organic waste: apple "leather", grape "leather", pineapple "leather", cactus "leather", etc. These new materials are mostly made of polyurethane (and therefore plastic), and laboratory tests have shown that their durability is much lower than that of traditional leather.
WHY DOESN'T O.T.A JUST DO 100% VEGAN?
The use of polluting virgin materials
There is a clear lack of hindsight on the composition of vegan footwear. On closer inspection, they are mainly, if not entirely, made from virgin polyurethane, in other words, virgin plastic. Yet plastic pollution has been a global scourge for many decades, ravaging our lands and oceans and endangering the lives of many animal species as well as our own.
Materials less resistant than leather
When we launched the project, we took a long look at all the possible alternatives to leather. After much research and testing, we came across problems with the durability of Vegan materials. They wear and break more quickly than quality leather. By way of example, we carried out tests on apple "leather" and grape "leather" at a technical center, to test the resistance of these materials. The material breaks more quickly than real leather, going against the brand's desire to offer durable, hard-wearing shoes. A study carried out by an independent German laboratory on the durability of leather also shows that leather holds up better over time than vegan alternatives.
THE CHOICE OF TRADITIONAL LEATHER
Let's not forget that leather today is primarily a by-product of the meat and dairy industries. So using leather is like recycling "waste". However, not all leatherworking practices are compatible with the notion of eco-responsibility, a value at the heart of our brand. Certain practices should be avoided, as they require the use of toxic and harmful substances. Having realized this, several tanneries have changed their practices. European tanneries, for example, have implemented very rigorous transformation processes in Europe to comply with REACH regulations on the use of chromium and the recycling of dye baths.
As part of our commitment to sustainability, we have chosen to offer virgin plastic-free shoes. This is our vision of an ethical brand, one that offers sustainable products made from recycled materials, limiting waste and banning all toxic chemicals.
À IN SEARCH OF ALTERNATIVES TO LEATHER
RECYCLED RUBBER AND PLASTIC
Our leitmotiv remains to transform waste into fashionable products. O.T.A. always takes a close look at the different solutions regularly proposed on the market.
That's how we came to think of recycled rubber, plastic and cotton. By using these used materials, we aim to meet the challenge of the circular economy, which is still underdeveloped.
A SHOE IN RECYCLED RUBBER
After extensive research and testing, we have added a new recycled rubber product to our collection.
This is in line with our idea of ethics and eco-responsibility. The recycled rubber comes from our 0-waste sole factory. This is our first Vegan shoe made from 100% recycled materials. The majority of the shoe's upper will be made from recycled rubber, and some inserts and the interior will be made from recycled ocean plastic.
|
|
A 6-MONTH SEARCH We worked on the testing of this model for 6 long months to ensure that the quality was up to scratch and that the product was durable. Admittedly, this model is made of plastic, but it's used plastic, so we're staying true to our responsible thinking by transforming waste into fashionable products. |
|
VEGAN AND WATERPROOF Another benefit of this recycled rubber material is the ability to offer a 100% waterproof model, like a rain boot. It limits the penetration of water into the shoe , which is a nice little extra to know. |
 |
A VEGAN SHOE MADE FROM 100% RECYCLED COTTON
To diversify our VEGAN collection, we're adding a model in 100% recycled cotton: a material that brings lightness, breathability, comfort and softness to the sneaker.
|
 |
NO VIRGIN PLASTIC: This sneaker is made of 100% recycled materials: The interior and exterior are made from 100% recycled cotton. The sole is made of recycled tire and rubber. Laces are made from recycled ocean plastics. |
A MORE RIGOROUS VEGAN AMBITION
|
Although today we choose leather, we also aim to offer sneakers made from natural materials. We're looking for materials that meet our definition of green and vegan. We have worked, and are still working, on prototypes of natural-fiber natural-fiber footwear using organic cotton and recycled recycled cotton. These materials are neither of animal origin, nor tested on animals, nor plastic.
|
 |