What is Ocean Bound Plastic?
16 September 2024
And how is it Changing the Production of Promotional Merchandise?
The world's oceans have long been a symbol of vast beauty and mystery, but unfortunately, they are also becoming repositories for an increasing amount of plastic waste. It's estimated that eight million tonnes of plastic end up in our oceans each year. Amongst this waste, "ocean-bound plastic" has emerged as a key concern. But what exactly is ocean-bound plastic, and how is it revolutionizing the production of promotional products? Let’s dive in.
What is Ocean-Bound Plastic?
Ocean-bound plastic refers to discarded plastic waste that is not yet in the ocean but is at high risk of ending up there. It’s typically found within 50 kilometres (about 30 miles) of coastlines and in regions where there is poor waste management infrastructure. This plastic could easily be washed into rivers, waterways, and ultimately, the ocean, where it contributes to marine pollution and the destruction of marine ecosystems.
The term was coined to identify the critical need to intercept plastic before it reaches the oceans. Much of this plastic comes from developing countries where waste collection systems are insufficient, and vast amounts of plastic debris is left to accumulate in the environment.
How Does Ocean-Bound Plastic Affect the Environment?
Ocean-bound plastic poses numerous environmental threats:
1. Harm to Marine Life: Fish, turtles, and seabirds often mistake plastic for food, ingesting it and suffering fatal consequences.
2. Pollution: As plastics degrade in the ocean, they release toxic chemicals and micro-plastics that can contaminate the water and enter the food chain.
3. Economic Impact: Tourism, fishing, and shipping industries all suffer the economic consequences of plastic pollution in the oceans.
A significant problem is the sheer length of time that the plastics will remain in the ocean causing problems for decades
While the environmental risks are clear, this is where the industry can take action, and ocean-bound plastic is now becoming a valuable resource for creating sustainable products, including promotional items and corporate gifts.
How Ocean-Bound Plastic is Transforming the Promotional Merchandise Industry
The global promotional products industry has long been associated with mass production and disposable items, often contributing to landfill waste and environmental harm. But a growing demand for eco-friendly promotional products is changing that. One of the most exciting innovations in this space is the use of ocean-bound plastic to produce swag that is not only functional but also environmentally responsible.
Here’s how ocean-bound plastic is making waves in the production of promotional products:
1. Closing the Loop with Recycled Materials
Companies are now able to recover ocean-bound plastic, recycle it, and use it as raw material to produce new products. From reusable water bottles and tote bags to pens and tech accessories, these recycled items reduce the demand for virgin plastics and help divert plastic waste from reaching the oceans.
When your company distributes branded products made from ocean-bound plastic, you not only promote your brand but also contribute to a global initiative aimed at cleaning up our oceans. It sends a powerful message to customers and employees about your company’s values and commitment to sustainability.
2. A New Standard for Eco-Friendly Marketing
For businesses looking to make a lasting impact, ocean-bound plastic swag can set you apart from competitors. Traditional promotional items, such as single-use plastic pens or non-recyclable tech gadgets, are being replaced with eco-conscious alternatives. Swag that uses ocean-bound plastic gives businesses a chance to align their brand with sustainability, a value that resonates strongly with today’s consumers.
In fact, a 2020 study found that 72% of consumers prefer to purchase products from companies that align with their values, and environmental responsibility is becoming a top priority for many. By investing in merchandise made from ocean-bound plastic, you meet this growing demand and improve your brand’s reputation.
3. Reducing Your Carbon Footprint
Every piece of ocean-bound plastic that is recycled reduces the carbon emissions required to produce virgin plastic. By choosing promotional products made from recycled materials, businesses can lower their carbon footprint and support the circular economy, where products are made to be reused and recycled, minimizing waste and energy consumption.
The shift towards using ocean-bound plastic also encourages responsible waste management practices, particularly in coastal areas where improper disposal often leads to plastic entering waterways.
4. A Story to Tell
Promotional items are more than just functional—they tell a story. When your company hands out a branded notebook or reusable water bottle made from ocean-bound plastic, you have the opportunity to share a meaningful narrative with your customers. These products become talking points, allowing your brand to be associated with efforts to protect the environment.
Customers are not just receiving an item—they are taking part in a larger movement to keep plastics out of the ocean. This connection adds value to the promotional item, making it something that recipients are more likely to hold onto and use, extending your brand's visibility.
Ocean-Bound Plastic Products on the Rise
Many companies are already embracing this trend. For example:
Bottles – the most famous product on the market (now heavily in retail and with its own TV advert) is the Ocean Bottle - winner of a number of design awards.
Pens, notebooks, and keychains made from recycled ocean-bound plastic are becoming popular giveaways at conferences and trade shows.
Eco-friendly tech accessories, like phone stands and charging cables, are now being manufactured using ocean-bound plastics. Our favourite is the Ocean Bound Octopus!
Reusable shopping bags made from ocean-bound plastic are an excellent alternative to single-use plastic bags, further promoting the reduction of plastic waste.
These products demonstrate how sustainability and style can go hand-in-hand, offering environmentally-conscious alternatives to traditional swag.
The Future of Promotional Products
As more consumers, employees, and stakeholders demand sustainable practices from the businesses they engage with, the use of ocean-bound plastic in promotional products is paving the way for a greener, more responsible future. Businesses can no longer afford to overlook their environmental impact, and promotional products provide an excellent opportunity to make a tangible difference.
By incorporating ocean-bound plastic into the production of swag, businesses can participate in the global effort to reduce plastic pollution while also enhancing their brand image. At Pavilion Earth, we believe that small changes can lead to big impacts, and we’re proud to offer a range of eco-friendly promotional items that help protect our oceans.
Ready to make a positive change? Explore our selection of ocean-bound plastic products and corporate gifts, and let’s create swag that makes waves for all the right reasons.
Pavilion Earth - Leading the way in eco-conscious promotional products. Discover more about our sustainable solutions at pavilionearth.co.uk
https://www.pavilionearth.co.uk
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Statisics on the UK market for eco promotional products - size and attitude
T he Changing Cost of Eco-Friendly Products: Is There Still a Premium? SUMMARY • Eco-friendly promotional products used to be 25-30% more expensive • In recent years the volume of eco friendly products has grown substantially • So, the price differences have eroded • Eco and non-eco are now comparable in price – the product features and embellishments are more important to the price, than the eco status In recent years, the market for eco-friendly promotional products has undergone significant changes. Hi, I'm David from Pavilion, and I'm here to explore just how much the pricing paradigm has shifted for products branded as "eco" compared to their standard counterparts. If you'd asked me this question five years ago, I would have estimated a premium of 20-30% for eco products. However, the last half-decade has brought some surprising developments. Eco Products Go Mainstream Eco products have become increasingly mainstream, leading to higher volumes and reduced manufacturing costs. To understand how this has affected pricing, I conducted a survey comparing various popular products. Comparative Survey of Eco Versus Standard Products **Notebooks**: I started with notebooks, considering a batch of 100 with a one-color print. Comparing a standard hard-backed notebook made from PU (polyurethane) to a recycled PU version revealed minimal price differences—around 5%. While eco options like recycled leather or apple peel versions are pricier (£12-14 each), they compare more to luxury brands like Moleskine.
Searching for a branded gift or promotional product? Finding it hard to discover something new, something different? This post will give you a different way of finding what you are looking for by explaining how the industry works and why endless browsing may not be the right approach - or you can watch the video here 1. Understanding how the promotional products industry works a. Promotional Products Distributors The web sites you see on Google are numerous – indeed there are 2,873 distributors in the UK, each selling branded merchandise and each with a website. The web sites vary from the aesthetically pleasing to the overcrowded. BUT you will see the same products on many different web sites – why? b. Promotional Products Manufacturers The number of actual manufacturers is relatively small – a few hundred – each making a single product line, whether that be bags, notebooks, pens or clothing. But the vast majority of the manufacturers will only sell to the Trade – you will find it difficult to access them without the distributor. c. Merchandise Wholesalers In addition to the manufacturers, there an even smaller number of ‘wholesalers’. These Trade only suppliers will stock a huge range of products from many different sources and brand the product with your logo. They may also allow electronic feeds of their products to the distributor websites. d. Images of products So, as you search the myriad of websites presented by Google, you are looking at distributors with potentially the same product lines. ‘But they appear different’ – I hear you say. Yes, that is because each distributor, ourselves included, chooses what we believe to be the best promotional products for a particular price and quality, and the best images. Three problems We may have chosen the wrong products We may have chosen the wrong image The products constantly change so it is really tough to keep the website updated But, remember all the distributors buy from the same sources and virtually all could supply ANY of the products you see….. 2. I don’t know what I am looking for but will know it when I see it! This is true for 95% plus of everyone searching. You do however have some basic parameters: Rough cost per item Estimate of the quantity An understanding of who it’s for An understanding of your brand How the product will be used TIMING This last one is the ‘real kicker’ – you may find what you want but not be able to get it in time – in our experience this happens so often. 3. Alternative approach – a guide So, what is the alternative approach? Have the distributor do the work for you – for FREE We spend every day looking at products, attending industry exhibitions and meeting with manufacturers and wholesalers. We know what is available and when. We can help you clarify a brief and then present you with ideas. We can even quote on a product you have seen elsewhere. See us as your guide. OUR PROMISE – no pushy sales people – happy to chat by email or WhatsApp if you prefer.
