At BEDI, sustainability isn’t a campaign, it’s the foundation.
As a small business, everything we do is shaped by intention-- how we design, what we make, and how we make it. And what better time to share more about out sustainability efforts than Earth Month!
At its core, our mission is simple: to craft high-quality, sustainable products in Canada using existing materials. Here’s what that looks like in practice.
A Measurable Impact
We believe sustainability should be tangible—not just something you talk about, but something you can measure and improve.
That’s why we’ve partnered with 4Ocean to remove 1 lb of plastic from the ocean with every order over $100, at no additional cost to you.
To date, we’ve already removed over 1,380 lbs of plastic from oceans, rivers, and coastlines.
This initiative is a natural extension of our work. Many of our pieces are made using recycled materials sourced from ocean waste, and this partnership allows us to actively contribute to restoring the environments those materials come from.
Our Sustainable Certifications
B Corp
BEDI B Corp Certified. This extensive third-party certification measures the impact of business around the world. Achieving B Corp Certification means that BEDI has been verified as meeting B Lab's high standards for social and environmental impact, that we have made a legal commitment to stakeholder governance, and that we are demonstrating accountability and transparency by disclosing this record of performance in a public B Corp profile.
Good On You
BEDI is rated “Great” by Good On You, the highest rating they offer.
Good On You is a leading authority on ethical fashion, evaluating brands based on their environmental impact, labour practices, and transparency. Their ratings are based entirely on publicly available information, so customers can access the same data and make informed decisions.
Our Materials
The most sustainable material is the one that already exists.
This idea is where BEDI began—starting with salvaged seatbelts sourced from Quebec scrapyards. Founder Inder Bedi still personally sources these materials today, ensuring they’re given a second life in a new context.
Today, we continue to work primarily with recycled and upcycled materials, including recycled nylon made from post-consumer waste like fishing nets and carpet fibers.
By working with existing materials, we’re able to significantly reduce resource consumption, avoid unnecessary production, and create products that are both durable and responsible.
There are no mysteries around our materials—everything is sourced thoughtfully, sustainably, and whenever possible, locally.
Our Production
We make everything in small batches, close to home.
All of our bags and outerwear are made in Montreal, while our knits and socks are produced in Toronto. Keeping production local allows us to stay closely connected to every step of the process.
It also means:
- We can make adjustments in real time to reduce waste
- We minimize transportation and related emissions
- We support skilled local makers and our broader community
Producing in Quebec also significantly reduces our environmental impact. The province’s electricity grid is powered almost entirely by renewable energy, which means every step of production carries a much smaller carbon footprint.
Minimizing Waste in Production
Working with recycled materials is just the starting point.
Before anything is cut, we use digital layout tools to determine the most efficient way to use each roll of fabric. Patterns are arranged strategically across sizes to minimize excess, and any remaining material is thoughtfully repurposed into smaller components—like bag panels or accessories.
The same approach applies to our upcycled leather. Because each piece is unique, we map patterns around any imperfections to ensure as much of the material as possible is used.
Even the smallest offcuts are repurposed into items like keychains.
Because we produce in small batches, we’re also able to continuously refine this process—adjusting patterns, improving layouts, and reducing waste over time.
Water Preservation
Using recycled materials doesn’t just reduce waste—it also significantly reduces water usage.
For example, we don’t need to produce new bag straps. By using existing seatbelts, we eliminate an entire manufacturing process.
The recycled nylon we use is produced through a closed-loop system that uses a fraction of the water required for conventional nylon. To put that into perspective, producing 1 kg of virgin nylon can require hundreds of litres of water, while recycled alternatives use dramatically less.
When it comes to assembling our products, everything is made by hand in small batches, requiring virtually no water in the process.
On a smaller scale, we’re also mindful of water use in our daily operations, with low-flow fixtures and biodegradable cleaning products in both our store and office.
Minimizing Emissions
Keeping our footprint low is built into how we operate.
- Our design, production, and retail all happen in Quebec
- Our materials are chosen in part for their lower environmental impact
- Components like zippers and hardware are sourced locally whenever possible
- Materials from overseas are shipped by sea rather than air
- Every order is shipped carbon-neutral
Individually, these decisions may seem small. Together, they make a meaningful difference.
Keeping BEDI out of Landfills
Sustainability doesn’t stop once a product is sold.
Our materials and construction allow us to offer a lifetime guarantee on all coats and bags. If something fails years down the line, we’ll repair it—so your piece can continue to be worn, rather than replaced.
Design plays a role here too. We focus on clean, timeless silhouettes in a core palette of classic colours, so pieces feel just as relevant years from now as they do today.
For when your needs or preferences change, we offer our Second Life program.
Our Second Life Program
If you own a BEDI coat or bag but no longer wear it—whether due to sizing, lifestyle changes, or personal preference—you can return it to us for 25% credit toward a new piece.
Returned items are inspected, cleaned, and, if needed, refurbished before being offered again at a reduced price through our Second Life section.
It’s a way to extend the life of each product, reduce waste, and make BEDI pieces more accessible.
Our Dedication
Sustainability isn’t one decision, it’s thousands of small ones, made consistently over time.
From using recycled materials and producing locally, to reducing water use, minimizing waste, and actively removing plastic from our oceans, every part of BEDI is shaped by this mindset.
We are proud to be using sustainable materials to create minimalist, durable products that look good, and are good for the earth. We hope you enjoyed learning a bit more about how we prioritize environmental sustainability this earth month!
