The promotional product industry has indeed faced criticism for its environmental impact in the past. Many promotional products were made from non-sustainable materials and ended up contributing to landfill waste, giving the industry a bad reputation of being a “brand-fill.” However, there has been a noticeable shift in recent years towards more eco-conscious practices within the industry.
“In 2020, the global eco-friendly market for green technology and sustainability stood tall at $10.32 billion. With the growing environmental consciousness, the market for promotional eco-friendly products is projected to surge to an impressive $74.64 billion by 2030, showcasing a compelling Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 21.9% from 2021 to 2030.”
This statistic alone showcases the dedication, innovation, and attention that the industry is putting towards purchasing decisions based on environmental impact. This commitment to sustainability is not only beneficial for the environment but is going to be how businesses can gain a competitive edge and enhance their brand reputation.
It’s already exciting to see the steps being taken by so many of our supplier partners in the industry to adopt eco-friendly practices. From packaging, product innovation, product materials, and manufacturing processes, these efforts are truly contributing to a more sustainable future.
Second Life Packaging
A new, innovative supplier has taken a bold step towards a greener tomorrow by exclusively using recycled materials in all their products such as recycled ABS, recycled stainless steel, recycled PC, recycled polyester, and more! They also ensure that every single product they offer is Carbon Neutral. The CO2 emissions for each product are publicized on their website to showcase every stage of each product's life – from raw material extraction to manufacturing, packaging production, transportation, and storage. They didn’t stop there though. They have taken sustainability to the next level with their second-life packaging for every box that every product comes in. From pen holders to bird feeders to headphone stands – the boxes that these incredible products are packaged in are a gift in themselves!
C-Free Apparel – The “Neu” Way to Lower Your Carbon Footprint
The top apparel supplier in our industry has taken a huge leap forward in offering certified Carbonfree® styles that are made with recycled materials from the beginning of the design process. They then measure the emissions generated throughout the products’ lifecycle and neutralize the total impact by purchasing carbon offsets through Carbonfund.org, that remove the equivalent emissions elsewhere in the environment. Below are a couple of new C-Free apparel styles available to order but overall, there are 58 total styles to choose from so you’re sure to find a style that you like.
Trending Eco-Friendly Products
It's incredibly exciting to see the wide selection of recycled products now available in our industry! Whether it’s an earth-friendly give-back program, crafted from RPET material, or simply a product with a longer lifespan, there are thousands of eco-friendly products available. Below are just a few of the new, trending products that consumers are currently loving.
The Challenger II Golf Umbrella
Grayson 5W RPET & Cork Wireless Speaker
Plant-A-Shape Bookmark
Bamboo RPET Journal
Anywhere RPET Heathered Belt Bag
Overall, while the promotional product industry may have had a negative reputation in the past, it's clear that there's a focused effort to become more environmentally friendly and reduce its impact on the planet. With increasing emphasis on sustainability among companies and consumers, the industry is primed to further progress towards greater eco-consciousness. This trend is beneficial for both the environment and industry, demonstrating a shared commitment to creating a greener planet.
