A vast number ofQuebec companies specialize in importing durable menstrual products manufactured overseas. Cette marketing method generally provides access to low-cost merchandise, but often of lower quality. However, for the consumer, the distinction is not always so clear. A Quebec company that imports menstrual products from elsewhere is not offering you a Quebec-made product and does not provide all the environmental benefits of a local product!
Transparency and Ethics of Quebec Businesses
Une Quebec company that sells a reusable menstrual product made elsewhere generally doesn’t boast about having an imported product. In fact, the only thing that’s Quebecois is that the company is incorporated in Quebec. Yet many brands use this angle to stand out and offer a “Quebec” period underwear. To our knowledge, Marie fil is currently one of the only Quebec companies producing large quantities that carries out 100% of its manufacturing in Quebec. Our competitors? The majority import models manufactured in Asia, South America, or Europe.
Impacts of an imported menstrual brief in Quebec
Choosing an imported product rather than a product made in Quebec will affect environmental impact, health, and human respect. Whether through the quality of raw materials, the manufacturing method, his transport or his/her respect for the human condition, the consumer who chooses an imported product also chooses the values they wish to promote.
Eco-responsible manufacturing method... or not!
The environmental impacts of a menstrual brief imported from elsewhere to Quebec are not insignificant. First, it is often difficult to know in which manufacturing conditions the panties will have been assembled, but also if the raw material qui sera utilisée est de bonne qualité. Is the place one that respects environmental standards? In fact, does the manufacturing country have adequate standards? Does the factory generate waste of raw materials? Are toxic products or agents added to minimize the cost of raw materials? In Canada and Quebec, companies must comply with strict health and environmental requirements. Thus, when Marie fil manufactures a menstrual panty in her workshop in the city of Quebec, she must ensure she respects the standards established locally.
Transport and importation in Quebec
In addition to manufacturing conditions, the import process will require a great deal of transportation for a product to end up at a Quebec company. It is naive to believe that underwear imported from Asia will remain eco-friendly after hours of transport (plane, ship, truck, etc.). Transporting imported products is, moreover, a major source of pollution. Greenhouse gas emissions from truck transport increased by 61% between 1990 and 2021 in the province of Quebec. According to the independent committee tasked with advising Quebec's Minister of the Environment, the system as it is currently structured is not geared toward energy efficiency and carbon neutrality. Choosing menstrual underwear, moreover, is therefore also choosing a product that already has a large environmental footprint before it has even been worn.
Human condition in manufacturing production
The overseas textile manufacturing sector has never been widely recognized for its respect of human rights. Pregnant workers, children and countless hours, the workers from foreign countries do not always have the right to decent working conditions. While people protest against giants like Shein and the impact of fast fashion, the consumer continues to buy imported products whose origin and human impact they do not know.
Menstrual health: a difficult promise for the imported menstrual brief
Several women are turning to eco-friendly menstrual products for health reasons. Concerned about no longer using disposable products or being in contact with chemical products or pesticides, they are moving toward sustainable products that are supposed to be safer. However, the manufacturing method of the menstrual underwear, basic hygiene and the products used during its production will have a major influence on the menstrual health of the woman who wears it. Can one be sure of having a safe product when underwear is made in unsanitary conditions? Are you certain that the fabric used does not contain any PFAS? Isn't the manufacturing area in direct contact with plastic fumes? Questions that still deserve a clear answer!
Marie Fil is proud to be a Quebec company that manufactures menstrual panties in Quebec. Thus, it supports the local workforce, healthy production conditions, and minimizes its environmental impact!