{"id":3959,"date":"2024-08-28T09:05:12","date_gmt":"2024-08-28T13:05:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/asicentral.com\/?p=3959"},"modified":"2024-10-31T11:45:23","modified_gmt":"2024-10-31T15:45:23","slug":"clean-green-trending-eco-friendly-promotional-products","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/asicentral.com\/insights\/clean-green-trending-eco-friendly-promotional-products\/","title":{"rendered":"Clean & Green: Trending Eco-Friendly Promotional Products"},"content":{"rendered":"

A desire for eco-friendly products seems to be more than just a trend. Not only are younger generations especially passionate about sustainability, now all age groups increasingly care about their carbon footprint and the reusability of items. The 2023 ASI Ad Impressions Study reported that 46% of consumers (end-users aka recipients of promo products) felt more favorable about an advertiser who gave them an environmentally friendly promo product. This is very important in the promotional products space for multiple reasons. First, end-users want sustainable, biodegradable, recyclable products, so your end-buyer clients should be considering products with these features (since the promo they pick directly impacts how end-users view their brand). Second, many end-buyers have their own corporate and personal initiatives around a cleaner and greener world, meaning you should be presenting promo that aligns with their goals. We\u2019ll tell you what you need to know to pitch sustainable options and which eco-friendly products are trending. You\u2019ll see how easy it is to be green while making green!<\/p>\n

Facts in the Stats<\/h5>\n

Just how important is sustainability to your customers? According to the State of the Industry 2024, in 2023, 25% of distributors said that clients asked for more socially responsible products. The figure was highest for distributors with revenue over $5M at 43%, which means that larger companies ask for these types of products more. This means if you\u2019re calling on a large business, you must be prepared to suggest eco-friendly items.<\/p>\n

8 Important Sustainable Materials in Promo<\/h5>\n

Here are some materials you should know when looking for eco-friendly promos to present:<\/p>\n

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  1. Bamboo<\/strong> \u2013 Bamboo is a fast-growing grass that reaches its maximum height in one season. Unlike hardwood trees, it can regenerate and return the next season. It can be used in a variety of hard goods (like mats, coffee cups and utensils), as well as made into fabric.<\/li>\n
  2. Hemp<\/strong> \u2013 Strong and durable, hemp grows quickly without the aid of herbicides, fungicides or pesticides, and it needs less water and land. When blended with other fibers, it creates a soft fabric.<\/li>\n
  3. Organic Cotton<\/strong> \u2013 Organic cotton is grown without chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers and does not use genetically modified (GMO) seeds.<\/li>\n
  4. Recycled Cotton<\/strong> \u2013 Recycled cotton involves using pre- and postconsumer waste (which includes scraps on a factory floor or old tees returned to a clothing company). The fabric is shredded and spun back into yarn without dyeing or water usage.<\/li>\n
  5. REPREVE<\/strong> \u2013 A brand of polyester that\u2019s made 100% from recycled materials including post-consumer plastic bottles and pre-consumer waste. These items are broken down and eventually spun into fiber.<\/li>\n
  6. rPET<\/strong> \u2013 Recycled polyethylene terephthalate (yup, it\u2019s a mouthful) is recycled plastic. Items like plastic bottles and packaging are broken down into flakes or pellets that can be reused to make other items, including fibers for apparel!<\/li>\n
  7. TENCEL<\/strong> \u2013 TENCEL is the brand name for lyocell, a fiber created by dissolving wood pulp. A great alternative to rayon, it\u2019s made using environmentally responsible production processes, and is compostable and biodegradable.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
    7 Certifications You Should Know<\/h5>\n

    There are tons of certifications related to the environment. Although not the most exciting aspect of selling, it\u2019s important you\u2019re familiar with the most common certifications you\u2019ll come across in the promo industry. You\u2019ll come across these while sourcing products for customers:<\/p>\n

    Product Specific:<\/p>\n