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Sustainability in 2025 has become a crucial focus for businesses that wish to remain relevant and tackle the climate crisis. As consumers become more aware of environmental issues, companies are continuously seeking to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
One often overlooked approach to sustainability is through eco-friendly promotional gifts. However, it can be difficult to truly pin down what is considered as a “green” product. In this post, we will discuss how businesses can ensure that they are truly engaging in sustainable marketing and not merely greenwashing.
What Actually Makes a Promotional Gift Eco-Friendly?
There are a few things to consider when deciding if a product is actually good for the planet:
- Materials Matter: Proper sustainable merch should be made from biodegradable, recycled or responsibly sourced materials. Things like bamboo, organic cotton and recycled plastics are all solid options.
- Less Packaging is More: We all know packaging waste is a nightmare, so the less, the better. If it does need packaging, then it should at least be recyclable or compostable—cardboard, kraft paper and the like.
- How It’s Made: The way something’s produced plays a huge role in how eco-friendly it is. Products made with less energy, lower emissions and minimal waste are the ones to look out for. Certifications like GOTS, GRS and Fairtrade are good indicators.
- Where It’s Made: Locally sourced items cut down on transport emissions and support homegrown businesses. More and more companies are looking for European-made promotional gifts for this reason.
- How Long It Lasts: The best eco-friendly gifts are the ones that don’t get chucked away after a couple of uses. Think reusable water bottles, tote bags, and sturdy notebooks rather than single-use plastic tat.
Thinking About the Carbon Footprint of Branded Gifts
Every product has a carbon footprint, whether it’s from the materials, the production process, or how far it has to travel to reach customers. If a business is serious about sustainability, it should consider gifts with the smallest possible footprint like those made from recycled materials or produced closer to home.
At Gift Campaign, businesses can find a growing selection of sustainable promotional products. With a focus on eco-friendly materials like recycled, organic, and responsibly sourced options, the company helps brands make a positive impact while reducing their environmental footprint.
Certifications That Prove Your Merch is Actually Green
There’s a lot of talk about sustainability these days, but how do you know if a product is genuinely eco-friendly and not just good marketing? The answer is certifications. These are some of the most important ones to look out for:
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): Ensures textiles contain at least 70% organic fibres and meet ethical labour conditions.
- GRS (Global Recycled Standard): Confirms the use of recycled materials and guarantees transparency in the supply chain.
- RCS (Recycled Claim Standard): A stamp of approval for products made with verified recycled content.
- FSC (Forest Stewardship Council): Guarantees paper and wooden products come from responsibly managed forests.
- Fairtrade: Supports fair wages and better working conditions for small-scale farmers and producers.
- Cradle to Cradle: A certification for products designed to be fully recyclable or biodegradable at the end of their lifespan.
- Aware: A system that verifies recycled plastic usage, preventing dodgy greenwashing claims.
Best Sustainable Materials for Promotional Merchandise
The material a product’s made from makes all the difference when it comes to sustainability. Here’s some of the best options:
- Bamboo & Cork: Grows fast, renewable and biodegradable.
- Organic & Recycled Fabrics: Organic cotton, hemp and recycled polyester (RPET) use fewer resources than traditional textiles.
- Recycled Paper & Cardboard: Cuts down on deforestation and is great for products like notebooks and packaging.
- Stone Paper: A water-free alternative to traditional paper that’s also waterproof and recyclable.
- PLA Bioplastic: A compostable plastic alternative, made from corn starch.
- Recycled Aluminium & Stainless Steel: Long-lasting, recyclable materials, ideal for reusable drinkware and corporate gifts.
Why More Businesses Are Choosing Sustainable Merch?
By selecting the right sustainable products, businesses can strengthen their values, attract like-minded customers, and make a positive environmental impact. From reusable coffee cups and recycled notebooks to biodegradable pens, there are numerous ways to leave a lasting impression without harming the planet.