WHY OUR SPORTSWEAR IS VEGAN

Looking after the planet not only means looking after the environment but also all of its inhabitants. Animal products are sometimes used within the footwear industry. Some of the most common animal based materials used within the industry are leather and suede, but animal products are also hidden within glues or dyes. 

Using such products therefore contributes to animal agriculture which has a drastic impact on not only the animals’ welfare, but also the environment. We do not want to be a part of this and so our solution is to eliminate animal-derived materials and instead use renewable materials that are vegan.

The Problem

The apparel and footwear industry is heavily dependent on animal derived products. Some of the most commonly used animal-derived materials are leather, wool and fur. 

The main concerns around the use of animal products and byproducts are to do with the welfare of the animal and the resources needed to maintain the animals and manufacture the materials.

For animal-derived materials to end up in a product, the animal(s) have to be exploited or killed. The conditions that the animals are held in are often cruel and unethical.

Next to that, the raising and maintaining of animals takes up a lot of resources (land, feedstock, energy and water). Livestock now takes up a shocking percentage of all mammals and birds on earth. With 60% of all mammals on earth being livestock (primarily pigs and cows) while only 4% are wild mammals. 

If not properly maintained, these areas of land being used for livestock can contaminate surrounding water systems through the poor management of faeces and the release of harmful toxins and chemicals used during processing, which can lead to environmental dead zones.

Our Solution

We are looking to reduce our impact wherever possible. Looking after the planet means looking after all its inhabitants. 

With nature and the biodiversity it contains declining at unprecedented levels it is crucial that we preserve every little bit we can. 

That is why we ensure that all our products are vegan.

But what does this actually mean? 

Being vegan does not just refer to one’s food choices, but also to an individual's lifestyle. Here someone chooses to avoid all products containing  animal products such as meat, dairy, eggs and honey; animal derived products like leather; and, as far as possible, products tested on animals. 

For us as a company, being vegan means that our products nor any materials in them have undergone animal testing, no animal products or byproducts are used and we manage cross-contamination during the manufacturing process. This also means all our products are cruelty free.