Case Study
Concrete Impact of Verified Local Purchases - Les Produits du Québec
Year:
2024
Sector:
Retail
Client:
Les Produits du Québec
The Mandate
Client Need
Beyond its strategic and social advantages, local production can also generate strong economic benefits. To better understand how locally made products compare to imports—both economically and environmentally—Les Produits du Québec commissioned AppEco to conduct a comprehensive study on the impacts of products from its member companies.
Our Work
Our Strategic Approach
We supported the project across three key phases:
Insights from the Field
We surveyed businesses offering products certified under one of three verification marks to collect detailed data on their production processes, supply chains, environmental practices, and competitors.
Economic Modelling in Action
We modeled the net economic benefits of verified products in terms of their contributions to GDP, profits, wages, and job creation in Quebec.
Measuring the Carbon Footprint
Using a cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment, we calculated the net greenhouse gas emissions associated with verified products.
The Result
Conclusion
Recommendations and Impact:
This analysis provides the first documented and quantified evidence of the economic and environmental benefits of local purchasing. While several assumptions were necessary, the differences in favor of local products are so pronounced that the net benefits cannot be overlooked. This study represents a significant step in understanding the effects of local purchasing, both on the economy and the environment. It serves not only as an analytical resource but also as an educational tool, clearly explaining the key factors that must be considered in such evaluations.
Local Products Drive Economic Growth
On average, local products analyzed contribute 3.8 times more to GDP, generate 2.8 times higher worker wages, 7.6 times more profits, and support 3.5 times more jobs compared to imported alternatives.
Local Products: A Sustainable Choice
Imported products, on average, emit 34% more greenhouse gases than local products due to longer transportation distances and Canada's reliance on low-carbon electricity.
Customised Insights
Each participating company received personalised product fact sheets detailing the economic and environmental impacts of their products, designed for easy communication.
