The Esplar sneakers are named after the Brazilian NGO that provides technical support to the organic cotton farmers with whom Veja has been collaborating for 25 years in northern Brazil. The cowhide leather comes from farms in Uruguay, a country known for its livestock farming and the quality of its leather. It is tanned in Brazil in compliance with REACH standards. Special attention is paid to water consumption during the tanning process. The suede is made from the underside of cowhide that has been brushed to make it softer and more flexible. It comes from operations in southern Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul) and is also tanned in Brazil in accordance with REACH standards. Additionally, the suede is treated with water-repellent oils that are free of PFCs to protect the sneakers from light rain.