Reducing our impact in figures

In order to best measure the impact our products have on the environment, the Quechua design teams have developed a special calculation tool. It factors in data for the water and energy required to manufacture the product, as well as its carbon equivalent.

Recycled polyester: reducing industrial waste

The Arpenaz 20Z backpack is made from 50% recycled polyester, produced from plastic bottles.  This manufacturing method reduces industrial waste polyester by 4.75 tons for every 100,000 units produced. 4 x 1 litre bottles are recycled for every Arpenaz 20Z bag, and 5 are recycled for every Arpenaz 30Z bag.

Weight reduction: -15% for Forclaz 50 shoes

As well as being partly made from recycled materials, the reduced weight of the new Forclaz 50 shoes means that they have a lower impact on the environment compared with the previous model. Weighing just 790g a pair, the 2009 Forclaz 50 is 15% lighter than the 2008 version.

Cotton grown organically: less pollution, less transport

As well as choosing to manufacture some of its textile products from organic cotton, Quechua has decided to manufacture its eco-designed ranges in cotton producing countries. As well as reducing soil and groundwater pollution due to the organic agricultural methods, transport-related pollution is also reduced.

In addition to using materials that are more environmentally-friendly, whether recycled or produced organically, Quechua has also invested in making its products less toxic. In the short term, for example, the plastic parts of backpacks are made out of phthalate-free materials. Quechua is committed to its product optimisation policy: easier to repair, with more available spare parts, prolonging the product life cycle.