Sustainability Statement

Since 1880, QST Industries has been committed to providing the apparel industry with the quality products and unbeatable service for the best possible value.  As a fifth generation family-owned company, we understand that contributing to a more sustainable environment is good business practice and the right thing to do for future generations. Our commitment to quality and value is central to our sustainability strategy. As we continue to develop to deliver quality products for our customers, QST is committed to a deepened understanding of the social and environmental impacts of our products and business practices.  By revaluating our business through a ‘sustainability lens’ we hope to significantly reduce our use of energy, natural resources and chemicals. Where we cannot reduce our inputs, we will actively look to reuse and recycle the waste generated through our products and processes. QST will also actively support and encourage sustainability initiatives of our clients and vendors by sharing best practices and seeking to improve environmental performance.

In addition to environmental improvements, QST recognizes the importance of our associates, communities and other stakeholders which are affected by the way we do business. We recognize the importance of company-wide engagement and will actively educate and reward and incentivize our associates to embrace QST’s sustainability initiatives and practice them both at work, at home and within their communities.

Current Sustainability Initiatives

We have begun our sustainability journey by capturing sustainable practices and processes currently integrated into our business. For instance, our local shipping points not only help service our customers better, but also reduce the transportation of our products.  Our extensive sourcing network allows QST to find, produce and to provide locally made products at competitive and value driven prices.  Locally made products and consolidation points close to manufacturing means lower emissions and lower fuel usage. We can help our customers reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing the integrity of their garments.

QST endeavors to be a responsible corporate steward of the environment and, whenever possible, encourages environmentally-friendly business practices and increased environmental awareness in our own manufacturing. This is demonstrated by our new finishing range in Toluca, Mexico, which has vastly improved the energy and water efficiency:  

  • LP Gas: we are experiencing a measured reduction in natural gas consumption amounting to 23% vs. our old finishing equipment.
  • Electricity: we are experiencing 17% measured reduction vs. our old finishing equipment.
  • Water: we are experiencing a 44% reduction in water usage vs. our old finishing equipment.

While we recognize that sustainability is a “Journey” and not a project or initiative, we are proud of the following sustainability efforts QST has completed to date.  

  • Recycling of all fabric cutting scraps
  • Recycling of all inbound pallets
  • Used pallets are purchased when necessary instead of new ones.
  • All packaging material that we receive are recycled, both the plastic and corrugated cardboard.
  • As lighting fixtures need to be replaced they are replaced with new energy efficient fixtures.
  • All areas of the factories are monitored for energy efficiency. As an area is vacated each day it is immediately shut down.
  • All electronic equipment that leaves our data centers is recycled.
  • Recycling of paper products, and previously printed pages are used for future paper reports.
  • Room lights of our corporate offices are set on motion sensor so that they turn off when people leave the room.
  • QST Headquarters has recently moved into a Leed Certified Green office building in Chicago where we are currently participating in a Green Office Challenge.
  • Design and produce environmentally friendly products and seeking certification via such organizations as Oektex.
  • Utilizing technology to reduce paper and mail volume internally and externally.
  • Encouraging telecommuting and carpooling for associates and explore telephone and web conferencing options to reduce travel.   
  • Reviewing ground transportation routing to conserve gas and reduce emissions.   
  • Reviewing packaging options to reduce waste.    
  • Examining shipping routes for fuel conservation.    
  • Incorporating eco-friendly materials for packaging and business use.
  • Leveraging data and technology to reduce redundant activity, particularly regarding travel.    
  • Drive use of ecologically certified component alternatives whenever possible.
  • Offering ecologically preferable product choices.