In March 2024, Québec Net Positif published the Barometer of Business Transition – Manufacturing Sector 2023 (1). The study aimed to measure the level of engagement of Quebec manufacturing companies toward climate action and a low-carbon economy. More than 200 business leaders of all sizes participated in the survey. While 81% of respondents believe it is important to act to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, only 48% have implemented environmental measures within their operations. The implementation rate of these climate actions stands at 29.9%—less than one-third of what would be desirable to effectively reduce GHG emissions.
The main reasons companies take action are the introduction of new standards, laws, and regulations (36%), as well as pressure from clients (32%) and governments (28%). Carbon pricing, however, does not appear to be a strong motivating factor for manufacturing companies. More engaged manufacturers also emphasize the benefits—particularly financial—of adopting GHG reduction measures. This approach helps strengthen their brand image, meet market expectations, offer new products and services, and ultimately expand their customer base. As such, implementing environmental measures represents an opportunity for companies to grow and remain competitive. Still, many wonder how to take the first step.
Taking Action: The Importance of Environmental Expertise
According to Québec Net Positif, the transition to a low-carbon economy is facilitated when companies rely on environmental experts.
“Companies that leverage expertise in climate action have an implementation index of 54.6%, compared to 24.1% for those that do not—a significant gap,” explains Anne-Josée Laquerre, Executive Director of Québec Net Positif.
Pierre Fillion, President and CEO of the Conseil des industries durables, supports this finding and works with his team to assist business leaders and managers in implementing sustainable development strategies and reducing their environmental footprint. How? The organization first focuses on developing intervention methodologies for businesses by establishing standardized, measurable, quantifiable, auditable, and certifiable processes at both national and international levels.
As Pierre Fillion notes, “Only quantitative data and proper data collection make it possible to define an optimal action plan to reduce carbon footprints.”
Once the methodology is in place, the Conseil supports companies through programs such as Écoleadership and Carbone Leadership to quantitatively assess their carbon footprint across the entire value chain and define strategic planning and actions to reduce their environmental impact.
“The Conseil des industries durables has supported more than 300 companies in Quebec. While implementing concrete actions has certainly helped reduce their GHG emissions, the impact goes far beyond that. Companies report increased clientele, new contracts, and, ultimately, growth. For every dollar invested, three to five dollars are generated in economic value,” adds Pierre Fillion.
Exxel Polymers: A Green Shift Driving Growth
Exxel Polymers, a Bromont-based company specializing in the formulation and production of recycled plastics, began its green transition in 2018 and sought the support of the Conseil des industries durables around 2022. Following a comprehensive analysis of its carbon footprint across all operations—from raw material extraction to recycling, including transportation and procurement—the company implemented various strategies to reduce its environmental impact.
“The study conducted by the Conseil revealed an avoidance factor of 2.7 tonnes of carbon per tonne recycled, equivalent to planting 200,000 trees or removing 10,000 cars from the road over one year. Faced with these figures, we could not remain passive—actions were therefore implemented to reduce our carbon footprint,” says Hans Fortin, General Manager at Exxel Polymers.
While addressing climate and environmental challenges is a priority for Exxel Polymers, this approach also supports business growth.
As Hans Fortin explains: “By initiating a green shift, we transformed our company image. This not only helped attract talent, but also enabled us to access new markets—such as the automotive sector, which has strong decarbonization objectives—and secure financial support, for example, for equipment acquisition.”
In 2023, Exxel Polymers began expanding its facility by 60%. In spring 2024, the company secured a $2.9 million loan from federal and provincial governments to acquire new equipment, including two extruders, a granulator, and nine additional silos. It is worth noting that Exxel Polymers originally started in a basement in the Bellechasse region. (2)
This green transition has therefore acted as a powerful growth lever for the company, which continues to work toward providing a healthier environment for future generations. Today, Exxel Polymers is focusing on reducing plastic waste, notably through the development of a Plastic Credit project (Verra PWR VCS program). (3)
Carbon Credits: A Strategic Opportunity
The carbon credit market represents a significant economic opportunity for companies seeking to improve profitability while contributing to the fight against climate change. By reducing their GHG emissions below regulatory thresholds or investing in environmental projects—such as carbon capture or renewable energy initiatives—companies can generate carbon credits, which they are then free to sell on specialized markets.
These credits are in demand by organizations struggling to meet their own emission reduction targets. In addition to diversifying revenue streams, companies engaged in this approach strengthen their brand image as responsible actors, attracting both investors and customers who value sustainability. It is therefore a win-win strategy—enhancing profitability while meeting evolving environmental requirements.
Surrounded by experts, manufacturing companies that implement sustainable development actions and eco-responsible practices can positively impact the environment while ensuring their long-term prosperity. Given upcoming regulations, government directions, and available financial support, now is the time to take action.
By Fanny Charreteur
This article has not undergone thorough linguistic review. It may therefore contain some spelling and syntax errors. Rest assured that the nature of the content and information presented is not affected.
