It goes without saying that companies involved in their community are distinguishing themselves in 2020. More than ever, we realize the importance of the Made in Canada label and what it means to the planet and to Canadian consumers. Buying locally and saving the world of tomorrow go hand in hand. The Quebec-based brand Quartz Co, founded in 1997 and internationally recognized for its high-end Made in Canada winter coats, is committed to this direction. Quartz Co. relied 100% on local expertise at the beginning of April 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic continued to hit Canada. An army of fashion designers returned to the factories in Montreal and Victoriaville to help hospitals. This gesture was welcomed by the Canadian public, who saw this proactive approach as yet another argument in favour of local brands. How did the company manage such a quick turnaround towards devoting most of its activities to the manufacturing of medical clothing? For Jean-Philippe Robert, President of Quartz Co., the answer is simple: “We’ve invested heavily in the acquisition of new production plants in Quebec,” he says. “Thanks to these efforts, we can now make our expertise available to hospitals across Canada.”

A local company, open to the world but present for its community– that’s the future. Speaking of the future, the one that Quartz Co. gives us a glimpse of with its new FORWARD collection looks very promising. After a year of research and development, its team is launching a new range of winter coats, incorporating an average of 65% recycled fibres, which easily meet the brand’s rigorous quality standards. These include the Jules and Chloé models for men and women respectively. Designed in the refined style of Quartz Co., they are bluesign certified and made from Oxford Repreve. Newly used by the brand, this fabric made from recycled plastic bottles, is part of Quartz Co.’s effort towards an eco-responsible future

With a fitted cut, fur or furless options (coyote, responsible) and a wool version, the Chloé coat shines with its versatility. An elegant model for an afternoon in the city, it has enough technical features for a walk in the woods. More minimalist, the Jules catches the eye with its neat appearance and hip-length cut. Extremely resistant to the unpredictable weather of Nordic countries (down to -30°C) thanks to the traceable down, these coats are made in Canada. It is their attachment to their roots that makes Quartz Co. so special, and it is what allows them to launch this collection around the world without losing their authenticity. As its name implies, the FORWARD collection is a step forward. It puts sustainable development and ethics on an equal footing with economic growth. It’s easier to control the environmental aspect when production is based in Quebec, like Quartz Co.

While Canadian consumers want to buy local with the Made in Canada label, international consumers are looking for the heat-saving label. Quartz Co, born in the biting cold of the North, is banking on it. Inspired by nature, the brand makes a point of protecting it and continuing to improve its commitment to it. FORWARD is a range created today with tomorrow in mind.

After a brief stoppage following government directives, the Quartz Co. production team returned to work in April to manufacture certified medical garments for hospitals and frontline medical workers across Canada.