When the Robert brothers - Jean-Philippe, François-Xavier, and Guillaume by their names - acquired Quartz Co in 2015, their mission was clear: to continue offering winter coats made in Quebec while integrating sustainability at the core of their purpose. To achieve this, the trio focused on two key pillars: design and raw materials.

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Firstly, the timeless look and construction of each coat ensure an optimal lifespan. "The goal is for them to not only be worn for several years but also to be given or resold afterwards," explains Jean-Philippe Robert, the president. In the spirit of circularity, all Quartz Co coats are guaranteed for life. For damages beyond the warranty, the company also offers a repair service.

The second key pillar is based on textile choices. "From 70% to 80% of our fabrics are made from recycled fibers," shares the entrepreneur, a figure he aims to increase to 100% by 2025. As for insulation, ethically certified down remains the king. "In addition to being a by-product of the agri-food industry, it has an exceptional lifespan," he emphasizes.

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Interestingly, for a time, the company offered the option of a vegetable fill derived from milkweed. Unfortunately, both of its suppliers eventually closed their doors. In a way, this is the challenge for a company like Quartz Co at the forefront of sustainable practices - its ambitions are sometimes ahead of the rest of the industry.

"Selecting eco-responsible materials represents an additional effort for our development team. Even though the offering is much broader than it was five years ago, it remains a constraint," he says.

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Despite these obstacles, it is by keeping its focus on these two sustainability pillars that Quartz Co will continue to generate substantial changes, according to Jean-Philippe. "It is better to have a precise approach where our actions will have the most impact. There is no point in diluting our efforts by trying to do everything at once," he concludes. Noted.

The distribution of this article is made possible by the contribution of Détail Québec, the retail sectoral workforce committee.