With the impact of climate change firmly in the minds of most modern consumers, businesses must not overlook the importance of sustainability in their products and processes. Promotional items are no exception, as these powerful marketing tools could lose their key advertising advantages if they negatively impact the environment.
Conversely, embracing sustainability with eco-friendly merchandising can speak volumes about your organisation’s stance on reducing its carbon footprint and taking environmental concerns seriously. Eco-friendly merchandising can, therefore, make an excellent impression on potential customers, spread a positive brand image, and minimise your company's impact on the environment.
Reasons to Consider Sustainable Promotional Products
Reduce Your Environmental Impact
The most obvious reason to embrace eco-friendly branded products is to limit your business's impact on the environment. Promo items made from recycled materials mean that your company is responsible for sending less waste, such as plastic, to landfill sites and the ocean.
Given that 12 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean each year and plastic pollution is responsible for killing 1 million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals, businesses of all scopes and sizes must reduce their reliance on plastics.
By using sustainable processes to manufacturer promotional products, you also ensure that your company uses less fossil fuels and isn’t contributing to deforestation and climate change. According to a YouGov poll, 60% of Britons agree that climate change is the biggest threat to civilisation, so it remains at the forefront of most consumers here in the UK.
Global temperatures continue to rise, bringing with them the increased risk of various environmental disasters, so it’s a no-brainer to embrace sustainability when promoting your business. Doing so shows that your business cares about environmental issues and is actively contributing to saving the planet.
Reflect Well on Your Business
As mentioned, modern consumers are becoming increasingly conscious about the environment. People around the UK are recycling more and being more mindful of where and what they buy, with around 21% of Britons being willing to invest in products that favour sustainability.
So, having eco-friendly promotional items will always reflect well on your business, highlighting your willingness to tackle some of the big environmental issues we face. Consumers are likelier to connect with brands embracing sustainability, so showcasing this with eco-friendly promo items can help make a strong first impression and build trust and loyalty with new customers.
For instance, an eco-friendly promo product like a recycled tote bag can speak volumes about your company’s environmental efforts while being a lasting source of brand visibility due to continued use.
Cost-Effective Advertising
There is a common misconception that eco-friendly promotional products cost more money. While the initial investment can be higher, their long-term value usually outweighs this, as sustainable products are typically made to last due to using quality materials and emphasising durability.
For example, a recycled branded water bottle can last for many years, boosting brand awareness over a longer period while showcasing your company’s commitment to the environment. Similarly, a tote bag can be used indefinitely, rather than single-use plastic bags. Over time, these eco-friendly promo items can quickly pay for themselves due to the lasting exposure they provide.
Tips for Choosing Sustainable Merchandising
Always Consider Materials
When looking for eco-friendly merchandising, it’s important to choose the right materials. The good news is that there is a huge increase in suitable materials for promo items, making it easier for your business to find the right option for your branding and budgeting goals.
For example, popular sustainable materials available include recycled plastics, recycled paper, recycled glass, organic cotton, cork, bamboo, and hemp. Always consider the entire life cycle of the materials, too, making sure that sustainable processes are used in both the manufacturing and disposal of these materials. Once they reach the end of their life cycle, they should be recyclable or compostable!
Durability is Key
The more durable a promo item is, the longer it lasts without requiring disposal, helping to lower its carbon footprint. Moreover, longevity is an invaluable asset for any promotional material, as it can withstand many years of use and remain in circulation for the foreseeable future. As a result, you’ll benefit from long-term brand awareness and visibility, whether it’s recycled pens, tote bags, water bottles, etc.
Choose Certified Sustainable Suppliers
With so many eco-friendly merchandising products on the market, finding the best suppliers can be challenging. One way to ensure that materials are high quality and eco-friendly is to source them from certified sustainable suppliers such as Fairtrade, Fair Wear, WRAP, and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
Certification with these organisations requires manufacturers to meet the strictest environmental standards and regulations, highlighting their sustainability and overall quality. So, look for products with these certifications to ensure they are responsibly manufactured.