The push for eco-friendly products is clearly more than just a passing fad. While younger generations have been particularly vocal about sustainability, people of all ages are increasingly concerned about their carbon footprint and the reusability of items. According to the 2023 ASI Ad Impressions Study, 46% of consumers (recipients of promotional products) have a more positive view of advertisers who offer environmentally friendly promo items. This trend holds significant importance in the promotional products industry for several reasons.

Firstly, consumers are seeking sustainable, biodegradable, and recyclable products, which means your clients should focus on these features to positively influence how end-users perceive their brands. Secondly, many clients have their own corporate and personal goals related to environmental responsibility, so it’s crucial to offer promotional products that align with these values. We’ll guide you on how to present eco-friendly options effectively and highlight the trending sustainable products. Discover how you can seamlessly integrate green solutions into your offerings while boosting your business.

Facts in the Stats

Just how important is sustainability to your customers? According to the State of the Industry 2024, in 2023, 25% of distributors said that clients asked for more socially responsible products. The figure was highest for distributors with revenue over $5M at 43%, which means that larger companies ask for these types of products more. This means if you’re calling on a large business, you must be prepared to suggest eco-friendly items.

7 Important Sustainable Materials in Promo

Here are some materials you should know when looking for eco-friendly promos to present:

1. Bamboo – Bamboo is a fast-growing grass that reaches its maximum height in one season. Unlike hardwood trees, it can regenerate and return the next season. It can be used in a variety of hard goods (like mats, coffee cups and utensils), as well as made into fabric.

2.Hemp – Strong and durable, hemp grows quickly without the aid of herbicides, fungicides or pesticides, and it needs less water and land. When blended with other fibers, it creates a soft fabric.

3.Organic Cotton – Organic cotton is grown without chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers and does not use genetically modified (GMO) seeds.

4.Recycled Cotton – Recycled cotton involves using pre- and postconsumer waste (which includes scraps on a factory floor or old tees returned to a clothing company). The fabric is shredded and spun back into yarn without dyeing or water usage.

5.REPREVE – A brand of polyester that’s made 100% from recycled materials including post-consumer plastic bottles and pre-consumer waste. These items are broken down and eventually spun into fiber.

6.rPET – Recycled polyethylene terephthalate (yup, it’s a mouthful) is recycled plastic. Items like plastic bottles and packaging are broken down into flakes or pellets that can be reused to make other items, including fibers for apparel!

7.TENCEL – TENCEL is the brand name for lyocell, a fiber created by dissolving wood pulp. A great alternative to rayon, it’s made using environmentally responsible production processes, and is compostable and biodegradable.

7 Certifications You Should Know

There are tons of certifications related to the environment. Although not the most exciting aspect of selling, it’s important you’re familiar with the most common certifications you’ll come across in the promo industry. You’ll come across these while sourcing products for customers:

Product Specific:

• GOTS – The Global Organic Textile Standard certifies apparel and home textiles are made with certified organic fiber.
• GRS/RCS – The Global Recycled Standard and Recycled Claim Standard are globally recognized voluntary standards from the nonprofit Textile Exchange that verifies and tracks recycled raw materials for clothing through the entire supply chain.
• FSC – The Forest Stewardship Council offers different certifications to ensure products coming from forests provide environmental, social and economic benefits. You’ll see these certifications most commonly with paper products.
• bluesign – The bluesign certification is another for the apparel/textile industry to ensure sustainable materials and chemistry are used.

Company Specific:

• B Corp – The nonprofit B Lab audits companies for legal structure, supply chain practices, philanthropy, customer relations and employee engagement. High scoring companies that also pass a risk review are awarded certification.
• EcoVadis – EcoVadis rates companies on sustainability across 21 indicators in four themes: environment, labor & human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement.
• 1% for the Planet – Members of this network donate 1% of gross sales directly to environmental nonprofits.

Source: ASI