Suz Pathmanathan
We’ve come a long way since the days of our great parents happily burning plastic bags in their yards. In today’s environmentally conscious world, the importance of sustainable practices and eco-friendly choices cannot be overstated.
This principle extends beyond personal lifestyles and into the business realm, including the realm of promotional products. That’s your realm. So ask yourself, are you protecting it like a Marvel character fending off a growling scourge of unsustainable practices hell-bent on annihilating the planet?
If the answer is a roaring, “yes”, consider us your sidekick!
Companies like yours have ample opportunity to showcase commitment to sustainability by opting for sustainably made, eco-friendly promotional products. And it’s more important to emerging and current consumers than any other moment in history.
Stick with us as we explore the significance of eco-friendly promotional products, understand their environmental impact, and provide valuable insights on how to source them responsibly. Let’s backflip into it.
Aligning your brand with sustainable values gives you a halo effect your customers will appreciate. And hey, the good news for you is that it isn’t a purely selfless act. Choosing eco-friendly promotional products offers several benefits:
- Brand-boosting brownie points: Using materials that are renewable, recyclable, or biodegradable helps minimize environmental impact. By opting for sustainably made items, you can reduce your carbon footprint and leverage this data in public sustainability statements that will help build your brand reputation. Speaking of which…
- People love a do-gooder: Embracing eco-friendly practices will enhance your brand’s standing and demonstrates a commitment to sustainability. Consumers are increasingly drawn to companies that prioritize environmental responsibility, leading to improved brand perception and customer loyalty.
“Products making ESG-related [environmental, social, and governance-related] claims averaged 28 percent cumulative growth over the past five-year period, versus 20 percent for products that made no such claims”. –McKinsey
- Make them proud: Whether you own a promotional products business or you run a company store, providing employees with eco-friendly promotional products fosters a sense of pride and engagement. It reinforces a company’s sustainability values and encourages employees to champion these principles inside and outside the workplace.
Look for suppliers that prioritize sustainability and offer a range of eco-friendly options. Research their manufacturing processes, certifications, and eco-friendly initiatives to ensure their commitment to environmental responsibility. Here are some supplier suggestions:
- Eco-Friendly Promotional Product Suppliers:
- EcoPromotions
- Sustainable Swag
- Green Gifts
- Earthly Goods
- Sustainable Apparel and Textile Suppliers:
- Patagonia
- Econscious
- prAna
- Allmade
- Recycled Paper and Stationery Suppliers:
- EcoPaper
- Neenah Green
- Mohawk Renewal
- Botanical PaperWorks
- Eco-Friendly Technology Suppliers:
- Nimble
- ECOXGEAR
- Solgaard
- Re-Leaf
- Sustainable Packaging Suppliers:
- EcoEnclose
- Salazar Packaging
- Elevate Packaging
- Eco-Packaging
Opt for materials that are recycled, organic, or sustainably sourced. Examples include recycled paper, bamboo, organic cotton, or biodegradable materials. Choose products with minimal packaging or packaging made from recycled materials.
Seek products that carry recognized certifications such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), Fair Trade, or GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard). These certifications ensure that products meet specific sustainability standards.
As well as encouraging the use of promotional products that promote sustainable practices, such as reusable water bottles, tote bags, or solar-powered gadgets, you can think creatively about your approach to sustainability:
Some suggestions include:
- Choose quality and durability: Ensures that your chosen sustainable products are made from high-quality materials and designed to be durable. This increases their lifespan and encourages long-term use.
- Multi-purpose design: Choose a product designed with versatility in mind. Take a tote bag, for example. Picking one that includes multiple compartments, sturdy handles, and a spacious interior, makes them suitable for various purposes such as grocery shopping or even a gym bag.
- Education and awareness: Include information about the origin of the product, the environmental benefits of purchasing the product, and how to use it in an environmentally conscious way.
- Incentivize green choices: Offer shoppers incentives or discounts for making sustainable choices.
- Donation or second-life programs: If branded products are no longer needed, partner with local charities or organizations to collect them and give them to those in need. For branded clothing, such as event apparel, why not allow attendees to donate clothing after the event to recycle and use them for other events?
- Upcycle or repurpose: Explore creative ways to upcycle or repurpose products that have reached the end of their useful life. This can include transforming, for example, tote bags, into smaller pouches, using them as packaging material, or collaborating with local artists to create unique products from the materials.
- Local and ethical production: Consider sourcing products from local suppliers to reduce transportation emissions. Verify that suppliers maintain fair labor practices and adhere to ethical manufacturing standards.
- Collaborate with eco-friendly designers: Work with designers who specialize in eco-friendly promotional products. They can offer creative solutions that align with sustainability goals while ensuring the effectiveness and appeal of the products.
By effectively communicating the eco-friendliness of your promotional products, you can create awareness, inspire your customers to make environmentally responsible choices, increase your revenue and drop a halo on your brand.
By following responsible sourcing practices, thinking creatively, and promoting the eco-friendly aspects of these products, you can make a positive impact while achieving your marketing objectives. Appeal to a new generation of consumers and be a company others look up to: it’s a win-win.
Q: Are eco-friendly promotional products more expensive?
A: While some eco-friendly options may have slightly higher upfront costs, the long-term benefits outweigh the initial investment. Increased brand reputation, customer loyalty, and positive environmental impact make eco-friendly promotional products a worthwhile investment.
Q: Can eco-friendly promotional products be customized with our brand logo?
A: Absolutely! There is a wide range of customizable eco-friendly products available, including apparel, stationery, tech gadgets, and more. Consult with suppliers who offer customization options to showcase your brand while being environmentally responsible.
Q: How can I communicate the eco-friendliness of promotional products to customers?
A: Communicating the eco-friendliness of promotional products is crucial to maximize their impact. Here are some effective ways to convey this message:
- Product Descriptions: Clearly highlight the sustainable features of the products in their descriptions. Emphasize the use of recycled materials, biodegradability, or sustainable sourcing.
- Packaging and Tags: Use eco-friendly packaging and tags that reflect your commitment to sustainability. Include information about the product’s eco-friendly attributes and encourage customers to recycle or dispose of packaging responsibly.
- Marketing Collateral: Leverage your marketing channels to educate customers about your eco-friendly initiatives. Incorporate messaging about sustainable practices, the importance of environmental conservation, and the benefits of eco-friendly promotional products.
- Social Media and Blogging: Share engaging content on social media platforms and your company blog, showcasing the eco-friendly products you offer. Highlight the positive environmental impact of choosing sustainable options and encourage customers to join the movement.
- Customer Communications: When delivering promotional products, include a small note or insert explaining the sustainability aspect of the item. Encourage recipients to embrace eco-conscious choices and share their positive experiences with others.
