Promotional products can do much more than just bear your brand’s logo. They’re also a visible, powerful way to express some of your core brand values, like responsibility and sustainability. In today’s world, a commitment to sustainable products is often viewed as a symbol of a brand’s focus on building trust and participating in building a better future. That’s especially true among younger generations, who are 27% more likely to buy from a brand that they believe cares about its impact on the planet and on people.1
If you’re looking for ways to incorporate sustainability into your promotional product strategy, here are a few categories to consider!
BIODEGRADABLE PRODUCTS
Biodegradable products are made from materials that are designed to break down naturally and fairly quickly, with the help of microorganisms, rather than live forever in a landfill. Different countries have different standards, which typically require that items must achieve a certain degree of biodegradation within a specific time span. Options for biodegradable products might include bags, lunch kits and utensils, or even the packaging itself.
COMPOSTABLE, RECYCLABLE, AND RECYCLED PRODUCTS
Compostable products are designed to break down into organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil, while recyclable items can be processed into new products at the end of their life cycle. Both types contribute to reducing waste and conserving resources. For instance, your brand might choose reusable bags made from compostable materials or recycled plastics. Some types of apparel also take advantage of recycled fibers, whether made from plastics or from previous clothing items like recycled jeans. You might also consider water bottles made from recycled PET. These products not only provide a second life to materials but also promote awareness about recycling and conservation efforts.
ORGANIC PRODUCTS
Depending on your brand’s focus for a particular campaign, you might be able to incorporate actual organic promotional products, such as seed sticks and live plants! A corporate gift of a small plant or a seed kit can convey ideas of nurturing growth while contributing positively to the environment. These items help capture carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, making them a sustainable choice for companies looking to promote their green initiatives.
Younger generations are 27% MORE LIKELY to buy from a brand that they believe cares about its impact on the planet and on people.1
REUSABLE PRODUCTS
Items that are designed for repeated use significantly decrease waste associated with single-use products. Popular examples include reusable shopping bags, stainless steel water bottles, and eco-friendly utensil sets made from plant fibers. These products help reduce the consumption of disposable items, which often end up in landfills. Plus, they hold up longer and get used longer – which means greater exposure for your brand and an increased reputation for quality!
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS
A surprisingly large swath of common promotional products can now be made using sustainable materials. Totes, backpacks, hats, journals, pens, and apparel can all be made from materials like bamboo, organic and/or recycled cotton, and recycled plastics. These materials tend to have a lower environmental impact compared to conventional options and are often renewable or biodegradable. Similarly, you might choose promotional products that run on more sustainable energy sources. If you’re going for a high-tech product, consider energy-efficient gadgets or portable items that run on rechargeable solar-powered batteries instead of traditional power sources.
SELECTING THE BEST ECO-FRIENDLY PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS
When it comes to selecting eco-friendly and sustainable promotional products, prioritize sustainability and practicality to ensure your promotional efforts align with your environmental values and overall campaign goals. When you select sustainable items for your promotional efforts, you’re conveying to the world that your brand cares about more than just sales numbers. You’re telling current and prospective customers (and employees) that you prioritize responsibility, think about the future, and care about the impact your actions have on others and on the planet. That’s a powerful way to build a positive brand! Talk to the Priority team to learn more about the vast array of sustainable promotional product options on the market today – you’ll be surprised at just how much you can do while respecting the planet and the people on it.
Some best practices include:
- Understanding your audience: Consider which products would resonate with your planned audience and your brand values. Eco-friendly yoga mats or recycled-material planners convey different messaging!
- Researching suppliers: Partner with suppliers that share your commitment to eco-friendly materials and environmentally-responsible production processes. Look for those that have relevant certifications, such as the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), to verify their sustainability claims. Always double-check certifications to confirm the standards they use and their relevance to your products.
- Focusing on function: Sustainability isn’t enough – your chosen items have to be functional and practical, too. Eco-friendly items that are useful in daily life, such as durable tote bags, reusable water bottles, or bamboo utensils, are less likely to be discarded, ensuring greater brand visibility over time.
- Assessing environmental impact: Consider the full lifecycle of a given item, including its carbon footprint, resource use, and waste production. This process allows you to consider the full supply chain, as well as ethical production practices along the way.
1 Reichheld, Ashley, et al. “Research: Consumers’ Sustainability Demands Are Rising.” Harvard Business Review, 18 September 2023, https://hbr.org/2023/09/research-consumers-sustainability-demands-are-rising.
