Lemon Jelly is a Fully Vegan Brand

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Lemon Jelly Brand Overview

"Your Lemon Jellys, in addition to being antibacterial, water resistant and very durable, are also recyclable." - Lemon Jelly team

About Lemon Jelly Vegan Footwear

Based in Portugal and founded by José Pinto, who has over 40 years in the footwear industry, Lemon Jelly makes injection-molded boots and sandals, as well as some shoes and accessories. They use a lot of virgin plastic for their designs, but also recycle old pairs into new pairs, in their "Recycled Lemons" line.

What materials are used to make Lemon Jelly footwear?

The materials used to make Lemon Jelly shoes varies by model, but typically include a synthetic upper (virgin PVC plastic, or recycled plastic from their own shoes); a foam and fleece liner (cold-weather boots); elastic side panels (most of their boots); absorbent microfiber (insoles); TR rubber (soles); waxed polyester with plastic tips (laces); nickel-free lace rivets (lace eyelets); and lemon scent (all models).

Are the materials used to make Lemon Jelly shoes eco-friendly/sustainable?

The materials Lemon Jelly uses are in compliance with the European REACH regulation, for the protection of health and the environment against the effects of harmful substances. Their TR rubber soles are also fully recyclable, and Lemon Jelly is able to recycle most of the materials in their shoes to make new pairs.

Does production of Lemon Jelly footwear create a lot of CO2 emissions?

Lemon Jelly claims that their shoe production actually uses 3-5 times more electricity when compared to a "conventional" footwear company, which, according to the brand, has led them to take mitigation measures. In addition to their installed solar panels, the brand has established contracts with clean energy suppliers, and today they claim to operate with 100% renewable electricity. Due to this, Lemon Jelly claims that it's able to produce shoes with 90% less CO2 emissions. We've reached out to the Lemon Jelly team to see if that's 90% less than they used to produce, or 90% less than conventional footwear companies, and are awaiting reply.

Does Lemon Jelly use green shipping methods?

It's unclear from their website if Lemon Jelly uses net-zero or negative emissions shipping partners, either domestically or internationally. We’ve asked them for clarification, and are currently awaiting reply.

Does Lemon Jelly use eco-friendly packaging?

It's unclear from their website if Lemon Jelly uses recycled, recyclable, compostable, or other forms of eco-friendly and sustainable packaging. We’ve asked them for details regarding the materials they use for packaging, and are currently awaiting reply.

Are Lemon Jelly shoes recyclable or compostable?

Being injection mold-made from plastic, Lemon Jelly shoes certainly aren't compostable, although the brand does claim that they're recyclable (we have reached out to see just how recyclable, and are awaiting reply).

How should I dispose of my worn out Lemon Jelly footwear?

Lemon Jelly will take back your old pair of Lemon Jelly shoes, sandals or boots and make them into new ones. They will also give you a 10% off voucher on the purchase of your next pair upon doing so. Full details can be found on their Closing the Loop page.

Where can I buy Lemon Jelly shoes, boots & sandals?

Lemon Jelly shoes can be purchased from their website, or from their social channels. We've asked them if they have plans to work with retailers, and are currently awaiting reply.

Does Lemon Jelly footwear ever go on sale?

We haven’t noticed any sales for Lemon Jelly when visiting their site and perusing their social channels. However, they currently offer a 10% discount on future purchases when you return your old pair of Lemon Jellys for recycling.

Are Lemon Jelly shoes ethically made?

Yes - Lemon Jelly shoes are made in Portugal, which means their labourers are protected by the stringent labour laws of the European Union, which also include strong health and safety regulations.

Does Lemon Jelly promote ‘slow fashion’ or a ‘circular economy’?

Lemon Jelly appears to incorporate some elements of a circular economy, such as: using recyclable materials; having a shoe recycling program; making a recycled line; using renewable energy-powered manufacturing; avoiding discount-level pricing; and employing fair labour. They do however, use heaps of virgin plastic to make most of their shoes, which is not ideal whatsoever.

Is Lemon Jelly a charitable company?

Lemon Jelly is currently partnered with Ocean Alive, a Portuguese collective focused on protecting marine grasslands.

Lemon Jelly Product Range

Lemon Jelly makes boots, sandals, and some shoes and accessories, for women and children. Their style can be described as modern and trendy, with most of their collection having a monochromatic colour palette, with some being offered in different colours (even some transparent pairs), and some being slightly accessorized and adorned, with others being more minimalist. Each pair also has a lemon scent.