Produce and Consume Locally: For Sustainable and Responsible Fashion

T oday, more than ever, it is essential to manufacture, design and consume more sustainably. This requires a change in our habits, whether it is our purchasing behaviors or production methods. Of course, this change does not happen overnight, but thanks to concrete actions that everyone can undertake on their own scale, every day. At Audvik, we are fully aware of the colossal impact of the textile industry on the environment. This is why we are committed to producing locally, here in Canada, using recycled materials, in order to reduce our carbon footprint as much as possible – and, consequently, yours.

Producing locally: a guarantee of quality and responsibility

Local production is a real challenge, especially for small companies like ours. Indeed, producing locally involves several obstacles. Production costs are much higher than in countries where textile production is mostly offshored, due to higher wages and raw material prices. This often results in limited production capacity, as producing locally usually means lower volumes, which prevents savings on costs related to large quantities.

Contribution to job creation

However, there are a lot of positive points to producing locally. Opting for local production means contributing to job creation in our region. It is a powerful lever for boosting the local economy while strengthening social ties. Producing locally also allows us to offer tailor-made products, adapted to the precise expectations of our customers, which is not possible when production is relocated to the other side of the planet.

Production control and quality assurance

Producing locally also allows us to control and monitor production from A to Z and therefore ensure the quality of our coats. Our seamstress makes each Audvik coat one by one, by hand, in our workshop located in Montreal (QC). She then carries out a meticulous quality control: each seam, snap button, zipper is combed through to ensure that the coat is as perfect as possible. We want to guarantee optimal quality of our winter coats at all costs, by ensuring that every detail meets the high standards you expect.

More ethical and sustainable production

Ultimately, producing locally generates higher costs, which are reflected in the price of our coats, which are often higher than those of major brands that manufacture massively abroad and offer much lower prices. This makes it harder for local companies like Audvik to compete, but we firmly believe that this approach is essential to support the local economy and offer ethical and sustainable products.

Buying locally: an engaging and responsible choice

Local production is an essential first step. However, it can only bear fruit if consumers are there. As mentioned above, local production has a cost, which is reflected in the price of our winter coats, which are sometimes higher than those of competing brands that have relocated their production.

A great help for local businesses

But buying local is much more than just a purchase. It is a concrete gesture to support the businesses and companies in your region, while having a positive impact on the local economy. By opting for products made in Canada, you contribute to the dynamism of local businesses and encourage job creation.

Reducing carbon footprint

A major advantage of this approach is also the reduction of the carbon footprint. Unlike imported products, locally made coats do not have to travel thousands of kilometers to reach you. This helps to limit polluting transport, such as by plane or boat, and to promote a short circuit, with fewer intermediaries.

Total transparency

By choosing to buy from a local company, you also benefit from total transparency. At Audvik, we invite you to try on our coats directly in our workshop-boutique, by appointment. You will be able to discover all our models and benefit from the personalized advice of our advisors. We are committed to supporting you throughout the purchasing process, because we know that a winter coat is an investment. We want you to love it and wear it with pleasure for many winters.

In addition, we offer the possibility to visit our workshop, located at the back of the store. You will be able to observe the manufacture of our coats and meet Isabelle, our talented seamstress. This will allow you to better understand the materials used as well as the different stages of production. We will be happy to answer all your questions to guarantee you an authentic and transparent shopping experience.

Recognition of expertise

Buying local is therefore much more than just a consumer choice. This act promotes local expertise and constitutes a real step towards a more sustainable economy, while offering a guarantee of impeccable quality. At Audvik, we are committed to welcoming you to our workshop. Each purchase, coat after coat, counts and allows us to further develop our business, while making our manufacturing processes ever more sustainable.

Using recycled materials: a commitment to the planet

Today, the protection and conservation of our planet are priorities that can no longer be ignored. Companies must take up the challenge of producing more sustainably. In addition to promoting local production and consumption, the choice of materials plays an essential role in the fight against global warming, which is accelerating dramatically.

Recycled fabrics and insulation

That’s why, at Audvik, since 2020, we have chosen to use exclusively Eco-Stretch polyester fabric, made from recycled plastic bottles. Did you know that a single coat can reuse up to 14 plastic bottles? Thanks to this initiative, we have already recycled more than 33,418 plastic bottles! And this is just the beginning: we are determined to continue this momentum.

Since 2022, we have also taken a decisive turn by opting for PrimaLoft synthetic insulation. This thermal insulation technology, designed from recycled materials, including plastic bottles, offers a lightweight, high-performance and eco-responsible alternative to traditional insulation such as natural down or other synthetic fibers. By combining innovation and responsibility, we prove that it is possible to create winter clothing that is warm, durable and environmentally friendly.

Valorization of second-hand goods

Also, we recently launched a new program called "Second hand". It is now possible for our customers, who own a pre-loved Audvik coat, to give it a second life! To do this, nothing could be simpler: just send us the coat or bring it directly to our workshop, in exchange for a gift card whose amount varies depending on the condition of the coat. By giving a second life to Audvik coats, we contribute together to reducing textile waste and limiting the environmental impact of production.

Even if our impact remains modest on a global scale, we actively contribute to reducing plastic waste while participating in the ecological transition. Every small action counts, and it is together, with you, that we can continue to move towards a more sustainable future. Each recycled coat is one more step in this direction. After all, it is by multiplying concrete actions that we will build a better world for future generations.

The final word

At Audvik, we firmly believe that every action counts, whether it is producing locally, encouraging local purchasing or using recycled materials. Our choices reflect a sincere desire to contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future, while offering quality winter coats, designed to last.

Together, we have the power to make a change. Every coat made, every local purchase and every plastic bottle recycled is proof that solutions exist. By supporting local initiatives like ours, you are actively participating in reducing your ecological footprint while promoting the Canadian economy.

It is through collective efforts, even modest ones, that we can make a real difference for our planet. So, let's keep moving forward, one step at a time, towards a future where fashion is synonymous with sustainability, ethics and respect for the environment. Together, let's build a better world, coat by coat.