Our Environmental Approach
FOR OUR PLANET
ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY IN OUR OPERATIONS
We are dedicated to fostering a culture of environmental responsibility through leading by example.
FOR OUR
PLANET
FOR OUR
PLANET
ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY IN OUR OPERATIONS
We are dedicated to fostering a culture of environmental responsibility through leading by example.
AT OUR
HEAD OFFICE
AT OUR HEAD OFFICE
We’ve implemented enhanced management practices for waste generated by our employees and in our cafeteria.
WASTE AUDITS
WASTE AUDITS
A waste audit helps analyze the waste produced by an organization to identify areas for improvement. In 2023, we began conducting annual audits at our head office and distribution center. These assessments allowed us to optimize sorting stations, clarify signage, and provide mandatory training on waste sorting. Thanks to these measures, the proper sorting rate in our offices and lunchroom increased from 35% to 83% in one year.
COMPOSTING
COMPOSTING
Thanks to improved sorting, we now compost employees’ organic waste. In 2022, La Vie en Rose installed a composting machine at the head office to process cafeteria food scraps and compostable materials from the offices. Contaminant-free sorting, especially avoiding plastics, is essential to producing high-quality compost, which is then given to the Cuisine Collective Hochelaga-Maisonneuve for use in its community food gardens.
AT OUR
DISTRIBUTION CENTER
AT OUR DISTRIBUTION CENTER
Since 2005, we have partnered with Cascades to recycle our non-reusable commercial packaging waste and implemented reverse logistics for our clothing hangers in cooperation with our suppliers.
CARDBOARD
Cardboard boxes containing merchandise are reused as often as possible for storage or intra-company shipping. Since 2005, boxes that have reached the end of their useful life at the distribution center are compacted and sent to Cascades for recycling.
PLASTIC
In 2012, we started the second phase of our recycling collaboration with Cascades of plastic waste. Clear plastic we receive at our distribution center, such as polybags, stretch film, etc., is compacted and sent to Cascades for recycling, keeping it out of landfills.
HANGERS
Since 2014, we have practiced reverse logistics for our clothing hangers to maximize their useful life. Hangers in usable condition are returned to our manufacturers for reuse when packing new merchandise. We have recirculated more than 7,800,000 hangers since the beginning of this initiative.
IN OUR
STORES
IN OUR STORES
We’re committed to eliminating single-use packaging across our brick-and-mortar operations.
SHOPPING BAGS
Since 2023, we've encouraged our customers to bring their reusable bags when they visit our stores.
If they need a bag, we offer a reusable, washable canvas tote made of polyester sourced from recycled PET bottles for sale.
The proceeds from the sale of these bags are donated to organizations that work in nature conservation.
$1 MILLION
IN SUPPORT OF NATURE
$1 MILLION
IN SUPPORT OF NATURE
In line with our commitment to environmental awareness, we sat down with our president, François Roberge, to discuss the company’s dedication to nature conservation and his vision for leading responsible environmental initiatives in the years ahead.
“Our planet is not invincible. It’s important to me, for la Vie en Rose, and for future generations, that we continue to take small steps forward. I have taken it upon myself to set a certain example by the end of my career.”
François Roberge,
President and CEO of la Vie en Rose
We are aware of our environmental footprint and seek to control the environmental impact of our business activities. Removing single-use bags from our stores has allowed us to avoid the production of millions of shopping bags destined for the waste stream every year.
All proceeds from this initiative are reserved for donations to organizations that work to conserve our natural environment.
It is with great pride that in 2025, we are renewing our commitment to donate $1 million to Canadian environmental conservation organizations:
It is with great pride that in 2025, we are renewing our commitment to donate $1 million to Canadian environmental conservation organizations:
Nature Conservancy of Canada
Nature Conservancy of Canada protects our important natural resources and endangered species through long-term management.
Appalachian Corridor
This Québec-based organization is dedicated to conserving natural environments in the Appalachian region by expanding the network of protected areas.
Trees Canada
Trees Canada is engaged in the planting and maintenance of trees in rural and urban areas to combat climate change and restore the Canadian ecosystem.
Aqua Action
Aqua Action works to protect freshwater resources across Canada by providing access to the necessary resources to take concrete actions.
Ducks Unlimited Canada
This organization focuses on the conservation and restoration of wetlands to protect against flooding, droughts, and climate change.