Promotional Products - How Do I Know If They Are Environmentally Friendly?
David Platt • 21 June 2023
How to tell if your promotional merchandise is sustainable
Recognising that environmental sustainability is of great importance, businesses and organisations are increasingly seeking ways to reduce their eco footprint. One area that often comes into question is promotional products. Is my choice of merchandise, used to market and promote my brand, truly environmentally friendly?
Unfortunately there is no overall scoring system for assessing sustainability or ecological impact. When evaluating the environmental friendliness of promotional products, it's essential to consider their entire lifecycle. From the raw materials used, manufacturing processes, transportation, usage, and end-of-life disposal. By examining each stage, you can gauge the overall impact on the environment and make informed choices.
Sustainable Materials
The first aspect to consider is the materials used in the production of promotional merchandise. Look for items made from sustainable resources such as organic cotton, bamboo, recycled plastic, or reclaimed materials. These alternatives minimize the demand for new resources and reduce waste generation. Does this make the item more expensive? It can do, certainly, but providing a smaller quantity of eco products will do the brand more good than a large quantity of cheap plastic giveaways
Certifications and Standards
Certifications and standards play a vital role in verifying the environmental credentials of promotional products. Look for labels such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) for paper-based items, Fairtrade for products promoting ethical labour practices, or GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) for textiles. These certifications provide assurance that the products meet specific environmental criteria.
Manufacturing Processes Used
Understanding the manufacturing processes employed is crucial in determining the environmental impact. Choose suppliers who prioritize energy efficiency, waste reduction, and the use of non-toxic dyes or inks. Manufacturers adhering to eco-friendly practices help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water, and minimize pollution.
Transportation and Packaging
Consider the carbon footprint associated with transporting promotional products. Choose suppliers who source materials locally or ship products via low-carbon transportation methods. Additionally, opt for minimal or eco-friendly packaging to further reduce waste. This last point may seem obvious but presenting a recycled T-shirt in a polythene bag can destroy all the goodwill you have created.
Reusability and Durability
Promotional products that encourage reuse and have a long lifespan are inherently more sustainable. Look for items like reusable water bottles, tote bags, or eco-friendly stationery that can replace single-use alternatives. Durable products reduce the need for frequent replacements, minimizing waste generation.
End-of-Life Disposal
Finally, consider the environmental impact when promotional products reach the end of their useful life. Seek products that are recyclable or biodegradable, ensuring they can be disposed of responsibly without harming the environment. Encourage recipients to recycle or repurpose the items rather than sending them to landfill.
As businesses and organizations strive to adopt more environmentally responsible practices, evaluating the eco-friendliness of promotional products becomes crucial. By considering factors such as sustainable materials, certifications, manufacturing processes, transportation, durability, and end-of-life disposal, you can make informed decisions and select products that align with your sustainability goals. Remember, every choice you make in promoting your brand can contribute to a greener future. Choose promotional products that reflect your commitment to the environment, and inspire others to join the cause.
At Pavilion Earth, we are dedicated to offering a wide range of eco-friendly promotional products that meet rigorous sustainability criteria. Contact us today to discover how we can help you make a positive impact on the environment while promoting your brand effectively. Together, let's create a greener tomorrow.
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The best eco bottle is the Ocean Bottle made using ocean bound plastics - but others rank highly too. Namely • Cove Recycled Stainless Steel Bottle • Aspen Glass Bottle • Glass and Bamboo Infuser • Bio Plastic Sports bottle How do you decide what is the BEST eco water bottle? To rank eco products is always very difficult because there is no real standard measure for eco credentials, and one has to balance eco credentials with price. And most importantly the bottle must work as a promotional product. So, it must be retained and look great when branded. With Pavilion Earth’s years of selling eco products, we have come up with our ranking based on the popularity and success of various promotional water bottles. One significant factor is that all reusable bottles whether made from eco materials or not can be considered eco-friendly. A reusable bottle in any format stops the use of single use plastic bottles and thus a ‘Refill NOT Landfill’ approach. The polythene and PET bottles used by the drinks industry are a significant problem , adding to ocean waste. So which are the best promotional bottles from Pavilion’s experience: 1. The Ocean Bottle
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