While the group has returned to number 1 in safety shoes, it is innovating with the “J'Respect” range, which uses recycled materials and compensates for what cannot be substituted. One more stone in the garden of competition, placed by the Cigaux industrialist, which had already greatly diversified – and strengthened – by offering models with designs inspired by sports shoes. The company hopes that virtuous and French manufacturing will encourage communities, in addition to groups already attracted, to call on it.
One of the shoes from the J'Respect” range being finished at the Jallate factory in Saint-Hippolyte-du-Fort • François Desmeures
A little green touch amid the austere colors of the safety shoe. In creating its new range, “J'Respect”, Jallatte wanted to ensure that one's belonging to this line is immediately clear, in particular by the color of its sole. Since then, the brand has declined according to the colors requested by customers. But, for example, for the agents of the commune of Saint-Hippolyte-du-Fort, recently equipped, the green remained.
“Since Covid, we have experienced an acceleration in awareness that when we source products from far away, if there is a delivery fault, this can create problems in terms of PPE (personal protective equipment), explains Jean-Marie Calame, general manager of Jalatte at its headquarters in Saint-Hippolyte-du-Fort. As a plant manager, if I don't have PPE at the right time and in the right place, that poses risks.”
Jean-Marie Calame, general manager of Jallatte • François Desmeures
Proof that this thinking is becoming widespread in the business world, “Large groups asked us: “but then, where do your products come from?” continues Jean-Marie Calame. The question is obviously interested: in the context of CSR (corporate social responsibility), “Companies must reduce their greenhouse gas emissions”. And the equipment they use carries all its weight in the reduction desired by the public authorities.
“We therefore began the process of measuring our carbon footprint, continues Jean-Marie Calame. Then, we wanted to offer less impactful products by using recycled products, particularly from plastic bottles. All polyesters can be made from recycled materials. We found a good compromise, with recycled stems.”
“Upper + sole, we arrive at 65% of the shoe made from products that do not come from petroleum”
Jean-Marie Calame, general director of Jallatte
“Then, BASF offered us a bio-sourced polyurethane”. A boon for the approach of Jallate shoes, the sole of this material representing “the greatest weight of the product, explains Jean-Marie Calame. As a result, upper + sole, we arrive at 65% of the shoe made from products that do not come from oil.” And a carbon footprint of 10 kilos, instead of 20 or 30 previously.
• François Desmeures
Each element was sourced and audited by Bureau Veritas, with a three-year commitment to continuing to reduce the impact. “But 10 kilos of footprint was still not satisfactory, continues the general director of Jallatte. We wanted to get to 0 kg through compensation.” And even if Jean-Marie Calame is well aware of the shortcomings of carbon offsetting, “these 10 kilos remain a difficult bar to lower”if only because of the diesel-powered trucks needed to transport raw materials.
“We are the first factory to manufacture “carbon neutral” shoes
“We purchased virtuous carbon products from WWF, which meet United Nations specifications”. Jallatte thus participates, indirectly, in the construction and operation of a hydroelectric dam in Laos, “which replaced a thermal power plant”. By helping to block CO2 emissions in Asia, Jallatte is thus “greening” its products of French origin and can “claim zero CO2 on our certified carbon neutral pairs”.
The industrial site and headquarters of Jallatte, in the fort of Saint-Hippolyte • François Desmeures
And success was not long in coming, the town of Saint-Hippolyte-du-Fort not being the first customer. EDF, SNCF, and VÉOLIA are among the first to be won over. The first five models were dedicated to interior work, the Cigaux factory now produces eighteen models of these “green shoes”, including some for exterior construction sites, alongside more traditional models.
“With this labeling and certification, we are the first factory to manufacture “carbon neutral” shoes.states Jean-Marie Calame. Which makes us proud, even if the process was long and costly.” The Cigaloise town hall has set an example, Jean-Marie Calame now hopes that other local authorities will also play the game of proximity and align their purchases with their environmental discourse. And that the minimal difference between the price of these pairs and others be accepted as a benefit for employment and activity in the region. After all, under the leadership of the Cigaux shoemaker, the big French construction companies have “upscale”. If Bouygues or Eiffage have been convinced, the Cévennes Piedmont, the Department or the Region will undoubtedly be sensitive to the product.
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