With the world's first Fairtrade Cotton and GOTS certified MELA sneaker, we have managed to process raw materials of natural origin into shoes without the addition of toxic substances.

This sneaker is not suitable for machine washing. To enjoy our sneakers for a long time, please only clean them by hand. We recommend a GOTS-certified waterproofing spray to optimize the water-repellent effect of the organic cotton canvas.

As part of the project, factory employees are trained in areas such as chemical management, occupational safety, energy and water management. In addition, workers on the rubber plantations are trained in organic farming and supported in setting up their own organic home gardens.

From rubber to cotton to the finished product, we can trace all ingredients and guarantee compliance with ecological standards along the entire supply chain. This makes the MELA sneaker unique in terms of sustainability. All of our production steps take place in the countries from which the raw materials come. This helps to maximize local added value and shorten transport routes.

MELA shoes are triple certified according to Fairtrade Cotton, the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and the Green Button. In our opinion, the social and ecological aspects of these standards complement each other perfectly, so that we can speak with a clear conscience about holistically sustainable textiles.

• Through the Fairtrade Cotton Standard, we ensure that social criteria are adhered to when extracting raw materials. We place particular emphasis on fair pay for cotton farmers. With every MELA item you buy, you support Indian cotton cooperatives with a Fairtrade premium. MELA is also part of the new Fairtrade Textile Standard and is committed to living wages along the entire supply chain.
• The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) ensures that only ecologically optimized substances are used along the entire supply chain - from cotton cultivation to dyeing the fabrics - and that social standards are met. This is monitored by independent certification bodies.
• In addition, this fashion item is also certified according to the state textile seal Green Button, which checks social and environmental criteria at both product and company level.

Do you have any further questions? You can find more information on our sustainability page , in our podcast and in our FAQs .

The sneakers are manufactured by our producers in India. Together with them, we are part of an innovative, development project. The aim is to build a supply chain for organically certified rubber for the textile industry - from rubber cultivation to the final product.