O2 Monde is a Fully Vegan Brand

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O2 Monde Brand Overview

"We replace animal hides and synthetic plastics with supple plant-based skins and work exclusively with Italian partners who share our commitment to uncompromising quality and sustainable, humane, recyclable processes." - O2 Monde team

About O2 Monde and Their Vegan Footwear

Founded in 2021, O2 Monde is the passion project of 20 year fashion industry vet Mirco Scoccia. The brand is highly focused on sustainability, using the latest in plant-based leathers and textiles to make designer women's footwear. The brand makes their shoes in Italy with fair labour, and for the time being, they are only available to customers located in the United States.

What materials are used to make O2 Monde shoes?

O2 Monde uses a variety of materials to make their shoes, boots, and sandals, and they vary from model to model. In general though, they focus on using innovative, plant-based leathers, and/or recycled materials. For example, they use:
-Recycled nylon (from ocean refuge such as fishing nets)
-Desserto® (cactus leather that complies with the most rigorous quality and environmental standards (without toxic chemicals, phthalates and PVC)
-Wood sheets (from FSC-certified, ethically-managed forests)
-Piñatex (from felted pineapple-leaf fibers and PLA, a bio-plastic sourced from renewable resources and resins that comply with AFIRM standards)
-Vitigna (wine leather, 100% plant-based bio-engineered material)
-Freska (for the insoles - a pioneering vegan lining made of corn and cereal, with minimal solvent residue levels)
-BioVeg (combines recycled polyester reclaimed from water bottles with bio-polyoils, which are safely derived from plants)
-Thunit (for the outsoles - a vegan fabric made without hazardous or harmful substances, that the manufacturer defines as 100% recyclable)

Are their shoes eco-friendly/sustainable?

The brand's main approach to sustainable production (and they have many), is to use plant-based and recycled materials. On their materials page, they list quantifiable metrics as to how ecologically friendly some of these materials are compared to their traditional counterparts. The brand also claims that they use 100% of the whole surface of a fabric (whereas traditional leather shoes use only a percentage of a hide, due to natural imperfections), and that they capture and recycle any scraps.

Does production of O2 Monde shoes create a lot of CO2 emissions?

From a carbon footprint standpoint as it relates to their production process, it's difficult to asses the impact that O2 Monde has. However, it's worth noting that they are partnered with 1% for the Planet, and through that partnership they donate 1% of their profits to reforestation projects, which helps offset their carbon impact.

Do they use green shipping methods?

According to the brand, they ship 'direct to consumer,' in order to cut down on emissions.

Does O2 Monde use eco-friendly packaging?

Yes. O2 Monde shipping and shoe boxes are constructed of recycled, FSC-certified paper. To avoid unnecessary waste, they also exclude plastic packaging and synthetic dust bags.

How should I dispose of my worn out O2 Monde shoes?

According to O2 Monde, they have a collaboration with SCRAP (New York), wherein customers get discounts on future pairs by sending old ones in to be re-used.

Where can I buy O2 Monde shoes?

O2 Monde shoes, boots, & sandals shoes can be purchased from their website, and can be shipped anywhere within the United States. The brand also sells through boutique retailers in the US, such as: Gaia project (New York); The Conservatory (New York & Texas) and Perry collective (Chicago).

Do O2 Monde shoes ever go on sale?

We haven’t noticed any sales for O2 Monde shoes when visiting their site and perusing their social channels. However, they currently offer a $50 USD discount for subscribing to their newsletter.

Where are their shoes made?

O2 Monde shoes are handmade in Italy at small, family-owned factories.

Are their shoes made with fair labour?

Yes! With their shoes being made in Italy, their labourers are protected by the stringent labour laws of the European Union, which also include strong health and safety regulations.

Do they promote ‘slow fashion’ or a ‘circular economy’?

O2 Monde incorporates several elements of a circular economy/slow fashion model, such as: having products available by pre-order (which can help reduce over-production); employing fair labour; using innovative plant-based leathers; using high-quality materials; using recycled materials; using eco-friendly packaging; avoiding discount-level pricing; making their products by hand; working with a shoe re-use partner; and donating profits to reforestation efforts.

Are they a charitable company?

Yes! O2 Monde donates 1% of their profits to 1% for the Planet - a non-profit organization involved in various global reforestation projects.

Is O2 Monde an ethically vegan brand?

O2 Monde is an intentionally and ethically vegan brand, rather than one that uses vegan materials out of convenience, or for other reasons. According to the brand, "We work exclusively with Italian partners who share our commitment to uncompromising quality and sustainable, humane, recyclable processes." The brand also names many of their models after noted animal welfare activists and conservationists.

O2 Monde Product Range

O2 Monde makes designer leather-look women's footwear in a variety of attractive styles. Their elegant aesthetic is attractive and eye-catching, but not in-your-face. The brand often releases limited time drops, and names their models after notable environmental and animal welfare activists and conservationists, such as the marine biologist, explorer, and ocean conservationist Sylvia Earle, from whom their "Sylvia" stilettos take their name.