ESG at Le Prix: Our Commitment to a Sustainable Future

Welcome to Le Prix’s ESG Hub

Hello, I’m Robyn – Founder and Owner of Le Prix. Since launching the brand in 2012, my journey has been one of continuous growth and learning in sustainability. With a lifelong passion for the environment, two university degrees, and a Master’s in Environmental Studies from Wilfrid Laurier University, I’ve dedicated myself to integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into every facet of our business. Today, we’re excited to share how ESG is at the heart of everything we do.

Robyn Hobbs in pink suit on a panel talking about sustainability

Our ESG Commitment

At Le Prix, our mission goes beyond fashion. We’re a social enterprise built on the core values of sustainability and self-love. Our ESG framework guides us in:

Environmental Stewardship: Minimizing our carbon footprint through responsible sourcing, energy-efficient operations, and innovative recycling programs.
Social Responsibility: Creating ethical work environments, fostering community partnerships, and supporting local initiatives that drive positive change.
Governance: Upholding transparency, integrity, and accountability in every step of our supply chain and business operations.

Sustainable & Ethical Products

Every product at Le Prix is designed with a purpose:

Upcycled, Second-Hand, and Ethically Made: We source and craft our collections from products that are either second-hand, upcycled, or produced under fair, ethical conditions. Our rigorous research ensures that every item supports your zero-waste lifestyle.
Supply Chain Transparency: We investigate every link in our supply chain to guarantee that ethical and sustainable practices are maintained from start to finish.

Committing to a Clean Future

We proudly signed the Net Zero Challenge Commitment Letter in January 2023. As a Canadian company, we recognize the urgent need to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Through strategic partnerships and government-supported initiatives, we are actively reducing our carbon footprint and setting ambitious targets for a greener future.

Textile Recycling & Garment Care

In-Store Repairs: Instead of discarding damaged items, we repair garments to extend their lifespan.
Community Recycling Programs: Gently used or donated items that don’t meet our quality standards are sent to local partners who transform them into fabric for repairs or participate in textile recycling efforts with groups like Eco Pretty in Guelph.
Eco-Friendly Washing & Drying: We care for our garments using zero-waste practices. Our laundry routine features biodegradable, fragrance-free Tru Earth detergent, energy-saving air drying or tumble drying with Pure Ethical Wool Dryer Balls, and eco-friendly dry cleaning when necessary.

Eco-Conscious Packaging

We’ve rethought every detail:

Paper Over Plastic: All our boutique bags and gift boxes are made from 100% recycled paper. Our design ensures they’re as versatile as they are beautiful, without any permanent branding—perfect for re-use.
Thoughtful Shipping: From recycled paper mailers padded with shredded, used newspaper to biodegradable packing tape and repurposed shipping boxes from our community partners, every delivery is a step toward reducing our environmental impact.

Circular Economy Initiatives

Our recycling and reuse programs span several trusted brands including Cocoon Apothecary, Mad Hippie, Molloy’s, and Eco Pretty. Bring back your empty containers to our store, and these partners will sanitize and repurpose them, reducing waste and reinforcing the circular economy.

We also welcome donations of gently used fashion and home décor. In gratitude, we offer a discount on your next purchase.

We understand that every online order has a carbon footprint. To counteract this, we’ve teamed up with pioneering carbon removal companies vetted by Carbon Direct. For every order:

Calculated Emissions: We use a formula to estimate shipping emissions.
Carbon Offsetting: A portion of our revenue supports carbon removal projects—from regenerative land management with Grassroots Carbon to reforestation with DroneSeed.
Local Partnerships: By collaborating with other local businesses, we reduce packaging waste and transportation needs, ensuring every shipment is as sustainable as possible.

Recycled boxes with biodegradable tape.

Rooted in Research & Expertise

My passion for sustainability runs deep—I’ve dedicated my life and academic career to understanding and implementing ethical, eco-friendly practices. With a Master of Environmental Studies from Wilfrid Laurier University, my research has explored the complexities of sustainable fashion, consumer behavior, and circular economies.

If you’re interested in learning more, you can read my Master’s research. Additionally, I conducted a Field Study on Nature-based Ecotourism and Adventure Tourism (NEAT) in Ucluelet and Tofino, British Columbia, which you can explore here.

At Le Prix, this research informs every decision we make, ensuring that sustainability is embedded into our business practices, from product sourcing to packaging and beyond.

Additional ESG Practices

Paperless Receipts: We minimize paper use by issuing digital receipts by default. When we do print, it’s on 100% recycled paper.
Energy Efficiency: Our store exclusively uses LED lighting—including a retrofit of our exterior sign—to reduce energy consumption and waste.
Empowering Our Team: As a proud member of the Better Way Alliance, we invest in enriching jobs and encourage self-care and self-love among our staff through initiatives like float therapy sessions.
Local Collaborations: We partner with numerous local brands and community organizations (including the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre, Rhymes with Orange, Koaino, and more) to minimize environmental impacts and foster social innovation.

Aligning with Global Goals

Our ESG efforts support several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

Good Health & Wellbeing (SDG 3)
Gender Equality (SDG 5)
Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9)
Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)
Responsible Consumption & Production (SDG 12)
Climate Action (SDG 13)
Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)

The Little Things Matter

From durable, handcrafted racks made of reclaimed cedar wood to vintage and upcycled displays, every detail in our store is a testament to our commitment to ESG principles. We also use energy-saving power strips to combat phantom energy usage and ensure responsible e-waste recycling for outdated electronics and light bulbs.

At Le Prix, sustainability isn’t just a policy—it’s woven into every thread of our business. We are proud to lead with ESG values that not only protect the planet but also nurture our communities and ensure ethical practices throughout our supply chain.

Thank you for joining us on this journey toward a cleaner, more equitable future.

Explore our collections and learn more about our ESG initiatives at Le Prix.