MISSION

 

Sustainability sits at the very core of JIIJ. JIIJ shoes were born to give not take away. 

 

Ensuring JIIJ was vegan was a natural fit, as this is a lifestyle our founder subscribes to already. Only up-cycled, ecological and environmentally friendly alternatives to animal leather are used to make our shoes. 

 

BAMBOO LEATHER

 

Made from 40% bamboo fiber and 60% polyurethane. Free of restricted substances, the material holds excellent resistance to aging. The bamboo fiber is 100% natural and derived from organic cultivation using no pesticides nor chemical fertilizers due to its antibiotic agents. Its renewal is fast, with higher production per planted area and high CO2 absorption compared to other replanted forests. Naturally, the fiber is obtained with no generation and disposal of industrial waste.

 

BAMBOO LEATHER LINING

Made from 25% bamboo fiber and 75% polyurethane. Finished with Aloe Vera, a plant known for its healing properties, the lining has 99.9% bacterial and fungal protection in its structure.

 

APPLE LEATHER

 

JIIJ shoes are made from FRUMAT patented apple skin leather. This fabric is produced from residual fibres as a result of industrial waste of the apple juice industry. For every kilo of apple skin leather, 5.28kilos of CO² is saved. 

 

JIIJ aims to continue its research and use of alternative materials as it strives to continually improve its manufacturing cycle.  

 

We worked hard with our developers to ensure that soles of our shoes are made with 50% post-consumer recycled plastic. While this is a big step within the footwear industry, we are working on getting this to 100% as soon as possible.

 

 

CACTUS LEATHER

 

The entire JIIJ X DESSERTO collection has been produced in collaboration with Vegan Cactus Leather producer Desserto. This exploration of another alternative leather is evidence of JiiJ’s commitment to push boundaries despite difficulties.

 

Desserto Cactus Leather finds its origins in Mexico, and has been awarded for its similarity to animal derived leather. But what exactly makes it so special:

 

- Deserto Cactus Leather saves 1864.02% of carbon equivalent greenhouse gas emissions compared to animal leather, and 77.69% compared to PU synthetic leather.

 

- Deserto Cactus Leather saves 1646.50% of water compared to animal leather, and 190% compared to PU synthetic leather. Cacti require very little water and are rain fed.

 

- In only 14 acres of organic cactus plantation, Desserto can absorb 8100 tons of CO2 per year, which makes their farm carbon negative.