Vans

Production locations

• China 
• Vietnam
• It is possible that other production countries are involved in the supply chain.

Working Conditions & Living Wages

The risks in Vietnam include forced labour, low wages, and discrimination. Insufficient wages and the risk of forced labour are also concerns in China.
As Vans is part of VF Corporation, one of the world’s largest companies for clothing, footwear, and accessories, COSH! investigates VF’s stance on modern slavery and human rights. According to their statement, the company has developed a mandatory training programme on child rights awareness and child labour prevention for its supplier factories. VF aims to create better long-term conditions for children and their families. Additionally, VF conducts regular audits and supports suppliers in implementing health and safety management systems (HSMS) to ensure safe working environments. However, there is insufficient information about the conditions in individual factories to assess the social impact. Furthermore, it remains unclear where the production facilities are located, which makes a comprehensive assessment more difficult. COSH! also lacks information about the number of suppliers Vans works with or whether the brand owns any production facilities.

Materials

• cotton canvas
• leather
• polyester
• organic cotton
• recycled PET mesh 
• recycled PET
• bio-based EVA foam (USDA-certified)
• synthetic nubuck leather
• recycled rubber
• caoutchouc
• vulcanised rubber (sole)

The company uses a variety of different materials. However, the materials used are not comprehensively listed on the website, so it is possible that additional materials are processed in the products.
There is no detailed information regarding certifications, with the only certified material being USDA-certified EVA foam. 

Learn more here about the benefits of organic cotton and explore the sustainability of recycled synthetic fibres.

According to Vans, their VR3 products are made from at least 30% renewable, regenerative, or recycled materials. They feature a VR3Cush midsole, consisting of at least 25% bio-based EVA foam, and a VR3 waffle outsole containing at least 25% natural rubber. VR3 apparel and accessories are claimed to be made of at least 40% responsibly sourced materials (including insulation, excluding trims), although Vans does not elaborate on what ​“responsibly sourced” entails.

Vans donates $1 for every Circle Vee product sold to the Tides Foundation to support marine conservation.

Packaging

Vans does not specify which packaging materials are used on its official website.

Water usage & chemicals

Vans does not disclose what it does in relation to its water consumption and chemical management.

Circular product design

The majority of the products consist of material mixtures, which makes them difficult to recycle.

Circular business models

There is no indication that Vans offers a repair service. The company encourages customers to repair their products themselves to give them a second life and reduce waste. 
On their website, they provide tips on repair, washing and care.

Distance & complexity of the supply chain

• Cina
• Vietnam
• It is possible that other production countries are involved in the supply chain.
• The headquarters are located in California, USA.
• Vans sells its products worldwide.

Transportation

• There is no information about transport in the supply chain and e‑commerce.

• Suede leather
• The company’s website lacks any information on the origin of the animal materials.

All shoes without leather content are vegan. 

Product design

Vans offers trendy, sporty clothing, shoes and accessories for men, women and children. The company is popular for its skate shoes, trainers, hoodies, T‑shirts, jackets, backpacks, hats and other trendy accessories. 
Since 1966, Vans has been offering its customers the opportunity to customise their shoes with Vans Customs.

Slow fashion processes

Vans releases several collections per year, including seasonal and themed collections, often in collaboration with artists or other brands. Between 70 and 85 million pairs of shoes are produced each year. 
Vans operates an outlet on its website where discounted products are offered, which contributes to increased consumption.
Since 1966, Vans has been offering customers the opportunity to customise their shoes with Vans Customs.

Transparency on product

The product pages provide information on the product properties and approximate details of the material composition. Information about the countries of production is not provided.

Transparency on processes

There is no information about the processes, suppliers or cost calculations. Traceability for specific products is also not provided, and no annual report on social or environmental aspects has been published on Vans’ official website.