Sustainability is more than just a buzzword. A rising global population and an increase in consumption have put a strain on the environment and natural resources. With the ever-present threat of climate change, consumers have turned more environmentally conscious, as seen in the changing preference to prioritise brands that are sustainable and ethical. Businesses today are faced with the corporate responsibility of embracing green initiatives.
According to Nielsen, 73% of global customers are willing to change their consumption habits to reduce their environmental impact. Investors are carefully scrutinising companies’ environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance to identify any risks or unsustainable practices.
Placing a strong commitment to sustainability gives businesses a better brand reputation, attracts top talent, and fosters a more positive work culture.
One way to embrace sustainable initiatives is through incorporating sustainable merchandise as a part of your promotional strategy. Promotional products are a great tangible extension of your brand and there’s no better way to show off your eco-conscious branding than through custom merchandise.
Top Sustainable Merch Ideas
In today’s environmentally conscious world, businesses are increasingly seeking ways to align their branding with sustainable practices. Sustainable merchandise offers a powerful opportunity to not only promote your brand but also contribute to a greener future. We’ve rounded up top sustainable ideas to get you started.
Organic Branded Apparel
Promote your brand in style with organic branded apparel. Choose sustainable materials like organic cotton to lessen the harmful pesticides and chemicals used in the clothes production process. Organic cotton is perfect for its softness and breathability, making it ideal for everyday wear.
If possible, select fair-trade certified clothing to support ethical labor practices and workers being paid a fair wage.
There are many ways to get creative when it comes to branded apparel whether you go with t-shirts, hoodies, or caps. Make the design visually appealing and unique enough to showcase your brand so that you make a good impression whenever someone wears it.
Eco-Friendly Tote Bags
Tote bags are versatile items you can utilise for your branded merchandise — they are stylish, functional, and easily customisable to fit your brand’s aesthetic. Incorporate a sustainable twist by choosing tote bags made from recycled fabric like organic cotton, canvas, jute, or denim.
Reusable Water Bottles
Reusable water bottles are a timeless and sustainable merchandise choice that reduces single-use plastic waste. They come in many shapes and forms from sports bottles perfect for workouts to vacuum-insulated bottles that can keep your drinks cold for the rest of the day.
Choose high-quality materials like stainless steel or BPA-free plastic so that they won’t have to be replaced often. Don’t forget to personalize the bottle with your brand logo, colors, and a unique design to make it truly stand out.
Solar-Powered Products
Show your commitment to a greener future through solar-powered products. Solar-powered products make use of harnessing the sun’s energy to create electricity, reducing the reliance on traditional energy sources like batteries.
Unlike batteries which are disposable and have a lifespan, solar power is clean and renewable energy that produces less carbon emissions. They can be used anywhere with light, making them self-sufficient and ideal for outdoor activities and emergency situations.
Replace the usual tech gadgets with solar-powered alternatives such as solar-powered chargers, solar-powered desk lamps, and more.
Sustainable Office Supplies
Put a spin on regular office supplies by choosing more environment-friendly alternatives. Sustainable office supplies are classic picks for their practicality and everyday functionality whether they’re used at the office or home.
Choose recycled paper notebooks, pens made from sustainable materials like bamboo or recycled plastic, and desk organisers made of recycled materials. These products not only reduce waste but also encourage a more eco-conscious approach to work.
With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to find the right sustainable merch for your brand. Here are a few things to keep in mind on how you can find suitable merchandise:
Consider your brand values
Merchandise alone does half the job. In order to make your promotional merchandise strategy effective, it has to fully align with your brand image and values.
Think of your brand’s core values and make sure they are well represented through your selected merchandise. If your brand is against the use of plastics, consider choosing items that are made of organic and recycled material.
Prioritise sustainable materials
Let your promotional products speak for themselves by choosing sustainable materials such as organic cotton, bamboo, and other recycled materials. This small but simple choice shows your commitment to reducing waste and being more eco-conscious.
You can go beyond the materials and choose suppliers with ethical supply chains and processes, adding another layer to your sustainable advocacy.
Choose durable products
Cheap merchandise is known for being disposable and easily breakable. Invest in high-quality and durable products that can withstand everyday use and reduce the need for replacements. Alternatively, you can also choose products that are easily recycled or can be composted at the end of their life.
Minimise packaging
It can seem disingenuous to include plastic or excessive packaging on sustainable products. Instead, opt for little to no packaging for your merchandise. Choose biodegradable or recyclable materials for the packaging or be innovative — if you’re giving away a tote bag together with other merch, make the tote bag the packaging for the rest of the items.
Measure your results and impact
Like any initiative, you have to measure the effectiveness of your sustainable merch initiatives. Start by setting goals, then tracking your progress against these goals. Do take note of any bottlenecks and roadblocks you encounter. Knowing all of this can help you optimise further to make sure your future campaigns have a better impact.
Partner with Red Tomato for Sustainable Merchandise
With greener initiatives being more relevant than ever, include sustainable merch in your promotional marketing strategy. Show your environmentally-friendly commitment the best with creatively and thoughtfully designed merchandise.
When it comes to bringing your sustainable merchandise ideas to life, Red Tomato can help you create lasting brand memories. Explore our catalogue of sustainable merch or design your own custom merch – book an ideas call with us!
