In Canada, it's impossible to talk about men's clothing without mentioning Peerless Clothing Inc., a national flagship for over 100 years. Acquired by Alvin Segal in 1951—an entrepreneur and philanthropist who sadly passed away in the autumn of 2022—this industry leader manufactures men's and boys' clothing under various licenses from top brands, from DKNY to Michael Kors, right here in Montreal and around the world.

Due to the structure of its operations, the company is committed to approaching sustainability from two perspectives: that of its customers and its own internal practices.

With the climate crisis at the forefront, it goes without saying that Les Vêtements Peerless Inc. must juggle an increasing number of customer demands related to sustainability, as these customers themselves have their own environmental targets to meet. Whether it's Tommy Hilfiger's Make It Possible line made from recycled polyester or Grafton's recycled and recyclable packaging, the company's ability to adapt to the needs of each brand it works with undoubtedly contributes to its competitive advantage.

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To demonstrate the legitimacy of its actions, the Montreal giant also relies on a range of certifications tailored to its customers, including the Recycled Claim Standard (RCS), the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), and soon, the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS).

Actions are also being taken within its headquarters and manufacturing facility in the Saint-Michel district. The 300,000 square foot space will soon be entirely lit with LED bulbs. Transport hangers are sent back to the original factories for reuse. Plastic hangers that are too damaged are shredded and transformed into new objects. Inventory surplus is sold at discounted prices to employees or donated to charitable organizations.

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As for scraps from linings and trims, an interesting outlet has been found: they are repurposed as alternative fuels for a cement plant in Joliette, a program certified by the Quebec Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment, and the Fight Against Climate Change. Although the external fabric of the clothing is not eligible for this reuse, the concept of transforming raw materials into a circular energy source is highly promising, both for Les Vêtements Peerless Inc. and the industry as a whole.

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