As our world reels from the effects of climate change, more and more companies are switching to a greener way to promote their products and brand. Changes have been happening yearly and the effects are demanding more viable and urgent environmental solutions from different sectors, including marketing.
Businesses popularly use promotional marketing products to promote their brand and reach their target market. It has always been an effective way to make your brand known by creating a positive memory between you and your customers. But manufacturers use plastics and cotton to make these products, such as keychains, pens, shirts, caps, and many more. So should you stop promotional marketing altogether?
The good news is, much like the choice that every consumer is facing now, companies and brands can also opt for eco-friendly promotional products for their campaigns.
How does choosing eco-friendly products help the environment?
Sustainability involves a holistic approach. A product is truly sustainable when it is environmentally friendly at every stage, from production to disposal. By choosing the right materials and the right processes, we can ensure that we’re leaving minimal impact on the environment.
Sourcing materials from sustainable agricultural practices – this can help preserve and restore critical habitats and improve soil and water quality.
Supporting local communities – shipping times are minimised and you empower communities to protect and preserve their surroundings.
Using recycled materials and biodegradable ones – recycled materials reduce the waste that ends up in landfills and biodegradable materials can degrade naturally.
What is sustainable swag?
When it comes to making your brand known, opting for sustainable corporate gifts communicate your awareness of the current state of the environment and your dedication to its conservation and restoration.
As more people are moving towards a more eco-conscious lifestyle, prospective clients can connect to your brand better as you share the same values when it comes to the environment.
What types of products should you look for, then?
You can make sustainable corporate gifts from recycled materials, fast-growing plants, or materials produced through sustainable farming practices. These are the things you should look out for as they prove to be sustainable from production to disposal.
1. RPET
RPET, or recycled polyethylene terephthalate, is a product made from recycled plastic material. Studies show that recycling PET is more environmentally friendly than incineration because it eliminates the emissions and production costs of creating new PET.
Some uses of RPET are apparel fibre for clothing, material fibre for carpets, and sometimes, even building materials.
2. Recycled Fabric
What happens to your clothes when you throw them away? 65% of the more than 100 billion clothing items end up in the landfill within 12 months. Depending on the material, some of these garments don’t even break down as fast as we want them to. To make fashion sustainable, there have been initiatives and studies that extract reusable fabric from discarded clothing and turn them into new apparel.
While the industry of recycled fabric has a long way to go, we have also made significant progress. A company in Sweden called Renewcell just discovered a way to turn fabric into a raw material to make new clothes.
3. Sustainable cotton
Not because something is naturally occurring does it mean that it’s sustainable. Cotton is one of the most widely used fabrics in the world. The industrial farming of cotton accounts for the most amount of pesticides used. Cotton also uses a lot of water and occupies large tracts of land that affects wildlife. To make it a sustainable choice, organisations like The Better Cotton Initiative trains farmers to create eco-friendlier agricultural processes.
When it comes to durable and natural materials, bamboo and cork are top choices. Bamboo grows fast and produces lightweight but durable material. They’re so versatile that a lot of Asian countries use bamboo for different purposes like utensils, apparel, tools, and even as building material.
Another good plant material is cork. Cork is made from the bark of specific trees like oak and is sturdy yet malleable. The trees are also not felled during the process which allows the plants to continue to live and absorb carbon dioxide. It is also considered as one of the few materials that is carbon negative.
We’ll help you start your shift to sustainability
We can always find a way to give back to Mother Earth, even through our marketing campaigns and corporate gift ideas. We hope that these tips can help you shift quicker to more sustainable processes not only in growing your brand but on how your brand can continue to contribute to restoring and caring for nature.
Find out how you can further help the environment and explore more eco-friendly products in our store!
As the winter season approaches, it’s time to start thinking about how to stay warm and stylish. This means prioritising your winter essentials, especially when you’re out and about despite the cold weather.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, an outdoor adventure, or just looking for a way to stay warm when doing your errands, there are plenty of winter essentials that can help you brave the cold weather and enjoy the things you love. These items can also help your brand remain visible throughout the season which gives you the opportunity to connect your brand to more people.
From jackets and beanies to travel blankets and cup warmers, here’s a list of the top winter items you’ll surely enjoy!
Quilted Jacket
A timeless classic that offers both comfort and style. The padded design provides great insulation which makes it a perfect choice for outdoor activities and other general use.
3-in-1 jacket
This 3-in-1 jacket is adaptable and highly versatile. You can wear the warm zip-out fleece liner jacket on its own, or simply don the rain shell in light conditions. It also has a roll away hood that can protect you.
Vest
A quilted padded vest is always a good choice, especially for those who want something lightweight and easy to wear. This can be a great implement to wear over a jacket or a softshell to achieve a warmer layering of clothes.
Beanie
In this weather, a cap just won’t cut it. Opt for the warm cozy feeling a beanie can provide. You can also squeeze into pockets or smaller bags which makes this piece of accessory highly portable.
Scarf
You can never go wrong with a scarf this season. It’s the perfect accessory that melds both functionality and style.
Touchscreen Gloves
Winter gloves are great and all but when smartphones became ubiquitous, we all found out one of its greatest limitations – you need to take them off just so you can type. Now, with touchscreen gloves, you can stay warm while using your phone for messaging, directions, or entertainment.
Cooler bag
Going outdoors won’t be much of a thing this season but if you really need to, there are ways to keep not only you but your things warm for long periods of time. With a cooler bag, you won’t have to worry about your food getting cold while in transit.
Insulated mug
Keeping your coffee or tea warm is an important thing no matter the season. With great insulation and sturdy design, this is a drinking ware you’ll bring with you everywhere you go.
Vacuum flask
Beverages aren’t the only things you’d want to keep warm when you’re out. Now, you can bring your favourite soup with you or maybe just a flask of hot water for later use. It’s a great outdoor companion, especially for long rides.
Portable fire pit
What’s better than staying warm and toasty by the fire? It’s staying warm and toasty with friends and loved ones. It’s a great addition to any outdoor space as it’s compact and easy to use. Have the ambience and warmth without the hassles of a traditional fire pit.
Fleece picnic mat
For other outdoor activities, this fleece picnic mat can give you a great place to sit down and share some snacks. It provides a soft and warm surface that everyone can enjoy.
Travel blanket
Whether you’re on a road trip or taking a long flight, this blanket will provide you with comfort and warmth. This fleece blanket is also made from recycled materials which makes it a great sustainable option this winter season.
Charger and cup warmer
Technology indeed has come a long way! Imagine charging your phone and heating your cup at the same time? Who wouldn’t want that? This charger and cup warmer is a perfect work gift as it hits two essential needs at the same time.
Lip balm
Prevent your lips from drying and cracking and drying this winter season! This lip balm will provide long-lasting moisture and protection and can fit into your pocket or a small pouch.
We have what you need!
Don’t let the winter season keep you from enjoying the things you love to do, especially the great outdoors. With this amazing selection, you not only combine functionality and style but also sustainability and innovation.
Visit our winter store to learn more about these products or schedule a call with us to know more about how you can include these amazing items in your winter campaign.
In a world where attention is a commodity, creative marketing campaigns have become a necessity for brands to break through the noise. Brands, no matter the size and scale, pulled the best gimmicks, relied on the best intentions, and sought to plant their relevance in the ever-changing market firmly.
As we inch closer to the second half of the year, we’ve rounded up some of the best campaigns we’ve seen the past years, and hope these can inspire you to build a campaign that will showcase your imagination.
1. Flat Pack Chocolate Easter Bunny
Brand: IKEA
IKEA is one of the most recognisable brands when it comes to household furniture and items. Their claim to fame is the variety of their flatpack furniture that people can assemble, or at least try to assemble, on their own.
For Easter, the company decided to create something that’s unique, memorable, and faithful to their brand. What they came up with was a smartly-designed table piece – a bunny made of milk chocolate.
IKEA said on their website that the cocoa they used was sourced from certified sustainable sources. One can buy a pack and build it themselves or gift them to someone else. The campaign was so successful that they had to do it again this year.
2. “The Closer”
Brand: Heineken
Heineken has brilliantly captured the current iteration of hustle culture where employees are answering calls during vacation, bringing their laptops to dinners, and working way later than they should.
Their solution? Heineken introduced the Closer, a beer bottle opener that can put nearby computers into sleep mode. The advertisement follows different workers who are facing the same challenges – they just don’t know when to stop working. As the bottle opener does its job, the employees panic as they helplessly stare into the blank screens. Then, the realization hits them. One by one, they closed their devices and raised their hands to order a cold one.
The message is simple: Working hard doesn’t mean working all the time.
To push its campaign further, the brand searched around New York City for office spaces with lights on. They then projected their messages right beside these real-life dioramas and turned them into advertisements about working late.
The best part of the campaign, however, is pointing out that no one really needs the Bluetooth-operated bottle opener. The device itself was sold in limited quantities. And instead of resupplying, Heineken reiterated to the audience that they should be their own “closers” while also providing simple tips to mark the line between work and play.
3. Bologna Face Masks
Brand: Oscar Meyer
If you want to get noticed and get catapulted into virality, it’s worth looking into promotional marketing products that are way out of your industry’s theme. Oscar Mayer is one of the leading processed meat brands in the United States. So it took everyone by surprise when they introduced a mind-boggling product – a face mask.
This wasn’t the first time Oscar Mayer brought levity into the scene. During the Great Depression, the brand rolled out a 27-foot-long wiener on wheels. This time, they’re playing on the childhood nostalgia of people who bit holes into their bologna slices and made them into masks.
They partnered with Seoul Mamas, a premier beauty brand based in South Korea, to make this campaign a viral hit. The face masks were sold out almost immediately, which made others speculate Oscar Mayer might be forced to consider creating a beauty product line.
4. “Fighting is a good thing”
Brand: Monopoly
If you’ve played Monopoly, chances are, you’ve fought with friends and family members. We get it, it’s frustrating when the die roll isn’t in your favor, your target lots are being bought left and right, and you always end up paying whenever you pass.
But instead of leaning toward stopping these kinds of interactions, Monopoly even encouraged them. In their new campaign, they showed that screaming, arguing, and being frustrated are good things.
The campaign was created by KesselsKramer based on Hasbro’s research that revealed 8 out 10 people fight during a Monopoly game. They then repackaged this idea as a developmental milestone, especially for younger users of the game.
The campaign showed that Monopoly can be an avenue to reveal one’s level of frustration tolerance, cope with defeat or when things don’t go your way, or a way to express emotions and hopefully be much more aware of them.
So where’s the promotional product? It can be the board game itself. Red Tomato did a case study back in 2018 for Kennards Hire’s 70th anniversary. The promotional marketing company thought of a creative way of strengthening family bonds, especially over the Christmas season. Red Tomato decided to use Monopoly as the centerpiece of the gift.
As word got out, fans of the Kennards Hire brand and the game Monopoly attempted to get their hands on this exclusive Kennards Hire merchandise.
5. Sausage Roll Fashion Line
Brand: Greggs and Primark
Another fun way to promote your brand is to make it wearable, especially when people aren’t really expecting you to become a fashion trend. Greggs, a food company specialising in sausage rolls and steak bakes, teamed up with Primark to launch their own fashion line.
It’s something you wouldn’t expect from a sausage company which made the entire thing much more attention-grabbing. The first release was sold out and people were reselling the pieces two or three times the original price. The clothes and other accessories were charmingly novel, especially to those who were fans of the brand.
“For the first time in Greggs’ 83-year history you will officially be able to wear your Sausage Roll-loving heart on your sleeve and look like a snack thanks to our incredible new clothing range,” Greggs said, as quoted by Reuters.
The designs were simple but easily recognisable, which made the entire fashion line wearable on most days. We could only imagine the amount of impressions these pieces of apparel generated but the good news is, your brand can do this kind of campaigning too!
Let’s work together!
Promotional marketing products are a great and effective way to create brand awareness, increase customer loyalty and engagement, and boost sales. By playing around with different ideas, you can help your brand stand out from the competition and build a lasting impression on your potential customers.
Schedule a call with us today and we’ll help you create your dream promotional marketing product that will go perfectly well with your campaign.
It’s no secret that a lot of consumers are leaning towards a more eco-conscious lifestyle. According to Deloitte, consumers have shifted their relationship with the products – mainly, they’re only buying what they need, they’re using more public transport, and are opting for recyclable products.
Companies should respond to this market shift as it can address two challenges at once. Shifting to greener alternatives quickly can help companies stay relevant and actively contribute to preservation and conservation initiatives.
When choosing the right promotional marketing product, one should consider three main things:
Reusability – Durability and versatility contribute to sustainability. Choose eco-friendly items designed for long-term use to reduce landfill waste.
Production and disposal impact – Consider the environmental impact of the product’s manufacturing and disposal processes. Look for sustainable farming and harvesting practices and products that naturally degrade.
Social impact – Support small businesses and cottage industries like weaving and small-scale farming. Choose products certified by environmental regulators.
Promotional marketing companies with sustainable options, like Red Tomato, can help communicate your company’s dedication to an environmentally positive direction.
To make your next promotional campaign more sustainable, we’ve listed the top 15 sustainable promotional items for your business:
Listen to your favourite tunes, anywhere, anytime! Your favourite peripherals also have their eco-friendlier versions, like this wireless speaker. The Oaken speaker and wireless charger enable you to recharge your phone while listening to music. Its charging bay is lined with cork and the body is made of wheat straw and recyclable ABS material.
Bamboo is such an amazing material. It’s biodegradable but can still be integrated into various peripherals. This wireless charger will allow you to use your phone while charging without yanking anything off the wall. It can work on most modern phones with magnetic charging capabilities.
Vacuum tumblers were certainly a hit, especially from the past years. These items will continue to be relevant as they provide a great substitute for single-use beverage bottles. It’s also multi-purpose as it keeps your coffee hot and your favorite drinks cold.
Reusable bottles are almost similar to vacuum tumblers. These items, though, are much more compact and are designed to carry water. These can be useful for those who love the outdoors or are regulars at the gym. They can also come in different sizes, from 250 ml to 1.5 litres.
Tote bags are great substitutes for grocery bags as they are expandable and can be rewashed after use. When it comes to fabrics, look for items that are approved by regulatory and auditing entities to make sure they are aligned with environmental standards.
You can reduce the use of single-use plastics when you bring your own reusable cutlery. This set includes a steak knife, spoon, fork, metal straw, and a cleaning brush for the straw. It also has a cotton pouch which makes the entire set fit in your bag.
This is a perfect welcome kit gift as it serves as a decorative desk organiser, a phone stand, and a wireless charger all at the same time. The desk caddy is mainly made from wheat straw and ABS, while the charging pod is lined with cork. This desk caddy can charge most modern phones with magnetic charging features.
A powerbank is a definite must-have for anyone who uses a phone or a tablet. You can opt for smaller ones but the bigger ones can charge up to two devices at the same time. Look out for greener versions of this ubiquitous accessory, just like this one that’s made from wheat straw and ABS.
Notepads also make for great welcome kit or conference giveaway items. If you decide to go for notebooks, look for those made with kraft paper. Kraft paper is made from recycled pulp and is as durable as normal paper.
Impress your friends with this compact whiskey set that will surely elevate your nightcap experience. The set comes with a 350ml glass and 2 reusable freezing cubes that can chill your drink without diluting it. For serving, it also has a bamboo coaster and a tong.
Everybody loves an organised kitchen space. Imagine finding the thing you need exactly where you expect it to be. With this sustainable wood organiser, you don’t have to imagine. It has different slots for your favorite tools and the unique shape serves as a great kitchen accent.
Keep your bathroom essentials organised to ensure that your sink space is clean and neat. This organiser comes with a refillable soap dispenser and is made of bamboo, a material that’s sturdy and biodegradable.
Sustainability goes together with wellness. Build healthier habits with the Padma cork yoga mat. This 0.4cm mat can be a base for various floor exercises. It also has a cotton strap so you can take this mat wherever you go.
This 13-piece tool kit is your perfect roadside companion. It has a durable bamboo case and a set of all the essential tools one can use should repairs and small projects come up. Its compact design can let you easily store it in your car or a corner of your pantry.
Switch to eco-friendly products now
Make the switch to sustainable promotional items and create promotional marketing campaigns that make a positive impact on the environment.
First impressions will definitely leave an impact.
The first few months of a new employee are crucial to their longevity, and companies should take advantage of this small window to engage them and make them feel welcome.
One of the best things a company can do is celebrate its first success – by giving out onboarding welcome kits. More than making your new employees feel appreciated, these kits can also communicate your organization’s culture and give your company a significant level of visibility when these employees brag about these first benefits on social media.
Having trouble with what kind of kit to include in your next onboarding session? Here are some ideas to get you started!
Culture-centered
Welcome kits are not just a random collection of quality gifts and treats. It’s also a way to introduce how the company works and the values it upholds. Feel free to add in things that will reflect your company’s identity.
1. The Old Traditional
You won’t go wrong with this kit! It’s the ultimate starter pack for any employee and is perfect for small-scale companies and start-ups.
What’s inside: It consists of useful office items with your brand or logo like a mug, a shirt, a tote bag, a notepad, and pen.
2. Cyberpunk
A more tech-savvy generation will eventually take over the employee market which means a lot of employees will appreciate gadgets they can use even on their first day.
What’s inside: This set has products they can use to stay connected like a universal charger, power bank, Bluetooth speaker, phone, or tablet stand.
3. Traveling Salesperson
This is perfect for consulting or audit companies that see some of their workforces on the road or on day trips.
What’s inside: Make their trips much more comfortable with a polo shirt, thermo flask, cooler bag, and umbrella.
4. Work From Home
The pandemic has definitely shifted workplace dynamics. Working from home is one of the market shifts that experts believe will persist in the coming years. While office interaction will minimize, this does not mean your culture should.
What’s inside: Help them be productive while at home with a hoodie, coffee press, mug, earphones, or headset.
5. A Greener Future
Another market trend that became much more apparent in recent years is sustainability. This means employees will appreciate more eco-friendly options for their welcome gifts. This is perfect for green-oriented organizations or companies that are moving to a more environmentally conscious strategy.
What’s inside: Use products that are made up of recycled parts like reusable bottles, jute or canvas bags, reusable cutlery set, and bamboo wireless charger.
6. Swag it Out
Express your company culture in style. Wearable company items are still popular and relevant. It will also give your brand a great level of visibility especially when you design your apparel to be wearable on most occasions.
What’s inside: Cap or beanie, shirt or polo, hoodie, socks, key fob.
7. The Utilitarian
You can never go wrong with utility and versatility. Employees appreciate items they can use for a long time, not just trinkets that will just sit on their desks and collect dust.
What’s inside: Everyday items are perfect giveaways like umbrellas, ponchos, caps, or duffle bags.
8. The Wild Card
One of the key strategies in keeping your employees engaged is involving them in decisions and empowering them with choice. You can set a budget or “company credits” that your employees can spend on merchandise. Check out our solutions for company stores!
What’s inside: It’s up to you and your employees!
Self-care and Wellness
The newer generation of employees considers work-life balance as an important factor for work. Showing your employees that you care about them enjoying their personal time can increase loyalty and retention.
9. Gym Junkie
This is not only perfect for athletic or sports-oriented companies, but for companies who espouse the importance of health to their employees.
What’s inside: Singlet or dri-fit shirt, reusable bottle or squeeze bottle, beach or bathroom towel, gym bag.
10. Pamper it Up
This is not only perfect for athletic or sports-oriented brands, but for companies who espouse the importance of health to their employees.
What’s inside: Diffuser, toiletry bag or pouch, beach or bathroom towel, massager.
11. The Great Outdoors
If your office is near hiking trails or outdoor activities, you can encourage employees to enjoy the wonders of nature with this set.
What’s inside: Cooler bag, reusable cutlery, boonie hat, multi-tool, torch, or lantern.
12. Ready, “Jet Set”, Go!
Traveling is one of the greatest pleasures in life. Gear your employees up for their next adventure! This is also perfect for hospitality or tourism-oriented companies like airlines and cruise ships.
What’s inside: Neck pillow, toiletry bag, power bank, universal charger.
Food and Beverage
Take your employees through gastronomical delights with kits that can help them discover new flavours or help them enjoy their favourite food and drink. The best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach but isn’t that true for everyone else?
13. But First, Coffee!
Coffee is the most important part of the day. As one of the most popular beverages in the world, you’ll never go wrong with this kit.
Let your employees enjoy the exquisite flavours of a fancy dinner or a tête-à-tête over wine and some cheese. Who knows, you might even set up a member for an amazing outdoor wine date.
What’s inside: Cheeseboard, multi-tool or wine knife, a pair of wine glasses, whiskey stones.
15. Masterchef
Home items will always be appreciated, especially quality ones. This is also perfect for younger employees who are often freshly moved in. Help them get started with living an independent life with these useful items.
No matter the company and no matter the culture, there will always be a perfect welcome kit for you and your newly minted members. For more creative ideas and to start with your personalized welcome kit, check our selections here.
You can also check our individual products in our store. Our selection includes a wide variety of interesting products from wellness, fitness, general use, food and beverage, and apparel.
