Christmas: 3 good reasons to offer something made in France
As the holiday season approaches and it's time to help Santa fill his sack, the eternal dilemma rears its ugly head: how to offer meaningful gifts? To please without trampling on the planet, one option seems obvious: a gift made in France. But why is this choice wiser in times of sobriety? Here are three valid reasons to choose to treat yourself to a French treat.
1. Know what you are buying… and what you are offering
The French say they are more attentive than ever to the origin of their goods: since the Covid epidemic, 64% believe they have increased their consumption of French products, according to an OpinionWay survey for the Insign agency, and 67% even say they are prepared to pay more to acquire them.
But here's the thing: between fads, misleading marketing rhetoric (hello Greenwashing), and fraud, the "made in France" concept is often misused. So how can we distinguish between the real and the fake "made in France"? Let's take a closer look at the labels and tags.
An example: the Origine France Garantie certification.
At JULES & JENN, some of our made in France products have been certified Origine France Garantie , a label from the Pro France association which guarantees that products are "really" made in France, because they meet two criteria: 50% of the cost price of the product has been acquired in France and the essential stages of the product's manufacturing are carried out on national territory.
This label also demonstrates respect for the working conditions of French artisans, who meet strict social and health standards in the factories where the products are made. Audits to obtain certification take place within the manufacturing workshops themselves.
2. Contribute to the preservation of the environment
Beyond traceability, opting for local production means choosing a company committed to eco-responsible production by favoring short supply chains, which helps combat CO2 emissions caused by imports from distant countries. Indeed, the shorter the journey between the manufacture of your order and your basket, the smaller the carbon footprint.
Our Carbon Footprint has shown us that a product made in France guarantees more environmentally friendly manufacturing and distribution. If we add to this recycling processes (destroying materials to recover a reusable raw material) or upcycling (recovering leather scraps to make small leather goods, for example), avoiding CO2 emissions can make all the difference in respecting the planet and the environment.
Upcycled leather envelope pouches
3. Promote employment in our regions
Favoring French products also means preserving (or even saving) the ancient, traditional skills that have made our reputation as a country. A striking example: the Charentaise.
This jewel of our heritage almost disappeared with the closure of many workshops in Charentes, undermined by competition from cheap foreign labor. After massive relocation and devastating layoffs, and thanks to a handful of entrepreneurs determined to save this cozy icon, it is now taking shape again in our partner workshop in La Rouchefoucauld, still using the traditional craftsmanship of reverse stitching.
Consuming French products therefore means maintaining and developing employment in France, that is to say, actively supporting our country's economy. This support is all the more important during this post-health crisis period... Also, in a context of energy sobriety and inflation, choosing quality products that are more sustainable, more local, and more resistant avoids having to buy new clothes or shoes very regularly. It is therefore an initial investment, but a long-term saving and commitment.
Economy, ecology, a guarantee of quality, an example to show, there are many reasons to offer French!
