Montloup Textiles – An Interview with a Traceable Canadian Textile Mill
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Deborah King
- Fashion, Sustainability
This month, we’re thrilled to shine a light on Montloup Textiles, a Montreal-based fabric supplier dedicated to crafting knitted fabrics with respect for both people and the environment. Specializing in sustainable textile production, Montloup stands out as a boutique mill catering to designers, wholesalers, manufacturers, and start-ups alike.
Their commitment to creating eco-friendly fabrics not only aligns with the evolving values of the fashion industry but also addresses the growing demand from small businesses for ethical sourcing options.
Join us as we delve into an exclusive Q&A session with Lila Rousselet, the President and Production Manager at Montloup, to learn more about their inspiring journey and initiatives:
Traceable Textile Manufacturing – Exclusive Q&A with Montloup Textiles
Q: What inspired Montloup’s focus on sustainability in fabric production, and how does this resonate with the broader fashion industry and the needs of small fashion businesses?
A: I’ve always been passionate about textiles. My interest in textile production, especially at an industrial scale, was sparked during my time working at another textile manufacturer in Montreal, which unfortunately closed. This experience sensitized me to the challenges within the industry and fueled my determination to focus on creating sustainable textiles.
At Montloup, we’re dedicated to making eco-friendly fabrics accessible, especially to smaller and local designers. I believe that by prioritizing eco-friendly practices, we can inspire and support the broader fashion industry in adopting more sustainable methods. This approach aligns perfectly with the increasing demand from small fashion businesses for environmentally conscious fabric sourcing, enabling them to create products that resonate with today’s eco-conscious consumers.
Q: What sets Montloup apart from other fabric suppliers, particularly in terms of its commitment to eco-friendly practices?
A: Montloup distinguishes itself through its strong commitment to eco-friendly practices and transparency. We prioritize as much as possible organic or eco-friendly fibres that are GOTS certified, limiting synthetic fibres to less than 20% and only when necessary.
As a Canadian-based manufacturer, our dedication to transparency is paramount. We provide detailed information about yarn origins, certifications, and production locations, This approach ensures our clients make informed decisions and understand the value and sustainability of our products.
Additionally, we support sustainable sourcing by offering a pre-sale option, allowing small designers to order with smaller minimums at more affordable prices, and minimizing waste by producing only what’s needed.
Q: Could you elaborate on the types of fabrics that Montloup specializes in and the various applications for these fabrics?
A: We specialize in knitted fabrics for accessories and apparel, including jersey, fleece, French terry, and sherpa, among others. Our fabrics are synonymous with quality and comfort, designed to move with you. They are particularly well-suited for elevated loungewear, children’s and baby wear, as well as sportswear.
Q: How does Montloup facilitate transparent communication and partnership with small fashion businesses, ensuring alignment with their sustainability goals and brand values?
A: Transparency and accessible communication are 2 things we prioritize to ensure alignment with the sustainability goals and brand values of small fashion businesses. Of course, our website serves as a comprehensive resource, offering detailed information about our fabrics, processes, and sustainability practices. However, unlike many manufacturers that are challenging to find and communicate with online, we prioritize being easily reachable and present across multiple platforms.
You can reach out to us via email, and we are also active on social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, and even TikTok. While we may not post as frequently on TikTok, we are always available to answer questions and engage with our community there. Through our social media channels, we also offer a behind-the-scenes look into our daily operations and the work we do, allowing potential clients to gain a deeper understanding of our commitment and values.
We’re always working to reduce our ecological footprint and welcome feedback and suggestions from our partners and clients to build a more sustainable industry.
Q: What future initiatives or developments is Montloup planning to further support the needs and aspirations of small fashion businesses committed to sustainability and ethical production?
A: At Montloup, our commitment to sustainable and ethical practices drives us to constantly innovate. To further this commitment, one of our key future initiatives is to intensify our investment in research and development, with the objective of sourcing yarns exclusively from the continent of America. By sourcing our yarn closer to home, we aim to reduce transportation emissions and support ethical labor practices, aligning ourselves more closely with companies that share our values.
We currently offer a pre-sale option tailored for small fashion businesses. While it hasn’t gained as much traction as we had hoped, we firmly believe in its potential. This option is particularly beneficial for designers and brands seeking smaller minimums. We are optimistic that as awareness grows and more businesses recognize its advantages, the demand will increase. With this in mind, if all goes well, we are prepared to expand our offerings to provide a broader and more diverse range of fabrics through this system, ensuring accessibility and affordability for emerging designers committed to sustainable and ethical production.
Looking ahead, we’re also exploring a concept to unite key players in the textile and fashion sectors. Given the challenges faced by many small businesses in the industry, we believe that a collaborative approach is essential for preserving our industry’s expertise and fostering growth. This community-driven initiative is a concept we’re eager to develop in the near future.
Montloup Textiles is a beacon of sustainability and transparency in the textile industry, particularly for small Canadian fashion businesses! By prioritizing sustainability from yarn sourcing to production, they set a standard for the broader fashion industry, inspiring others to embrace ethical production methods. As they continue to innovate and expand their offerings, including initiatives like sourcing yarns exclusively from the Americas and fostering collaborative partnerships, Montloup Textiles remains at the forefront of driving positive change in the fashion landscape. With their vision and initiatives, they pave the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future for fashion.
Be sure to follow Montloup on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for more updates and insights!
Deborah King
Deborah is a sustainable fashion expert located in Toronto, Canada. She’s an Industrial Engineer with a post-grad in Sustainable Fashion Production. She grew up on the tiny island of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, and has been sewing her own clothing since the age of 10. She founded Global Measure to help authentically sustainable and ethical fashion businesses stand out from the greenwashing noise through third-party certification.
References
Montloup Textiles (2024). Manufacturer Of Eco-Friendly Fabrics Made In Canada. Retrieved on April 2, 2024 from https://www.montloup.com/en
Safaya, S. (Jan 15, 2024). Gap between sustainable material supply, demand shrinks in 2023. Retrieved on April 2, 2024 from https://www.just-style.com/news/gap-between-sustainable-material-supply-demand-shrinks-in-2023/
