What is the price of an ECO promotional product

David Platt • 26 August 2025

We surveyed the common branded merchandise and found that eco was not priced higher then conventional merchandise

Cost Comparison of ECO surprising results
The 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.


Comparison of notebook prices

**Pens**: Two metal pens, including one made from recycled aluminium, were nearly identical in design. Here, the recycled option turned out slightly cheaper, demonstrating an unexpected price point advantage for eco materials.

Comparison of pen pricing - eco and non-eco

**Tote Bags**: In the realm of tote bags, I found two options with identical dimensions and capacities. Surprisingly, the recycled cotton version was cheaper than the one made from natural fibres, once again showcasing the savings possible with eco-friendly materials.

Tote bag prices recyled cotton and standrad

**Bottles**: Exploring dual-wall bottles designed to keep drinks cold, I found two stainless steel versions. Despite differences in finish—the recycled steel being matte as opposed to glossy—the eco-friendly variant was cheaper. This price difference did not appear to correlate with the surface finish.

Bottle price comparison

**T-Shirts**: T-shirts presented a more complex comparison due to manufacturing variables such as stitching and material quality. I examined one brand, Roly, and compared their 100% cotton t-shirts (£4.72) with a polyester-cotton blend (£5.70) and a recycled polyester version (£5.62). Despite the recycled polyester being slightly lighter, it remained price-competitive. Opting for 100% organic cotton brought a 20-25% price increase. Yet, when considering embroidery—a more costly decoration method—the organic cotton was actually less expensive overall.

Various T shirt prices eco and non-eco

My conclusion is clear: the narrative of paying a premium for eco products no longer holds universally. Current price differences arise more from product features and embellishments than the eco status of the materials. This shift contradicts the advice I've offered over the years. It’s time to embrace the evolving market where eco products offer competitive pricing without the perceived premium.


Join the Conversation


If you're a competitor or supplier, I'd love to hear your thoughts and findings. Feel free to reach out to me directly via email at davidplatt@paviliongroup.co.uk. Your insights would be invaluable. Thank you for engaging in this important discussion on the evolution of eco-friendly products.

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