The array of environmentally-friendly promotional products from which to choose continues to grow along with the overall consumer demand for “green” products. The research firm, Mintel Oxygen, reported in 2009 that consumer demand for “green” products held steady with 2008 even amidst the recent economic recession, and that 36% of Americans said they either “almost always” or “regularly” buy green products. And, Mintel Oxygen forecasts a 19% growth for 2013 especially in personal-care products and household cleaners.
Individuals and organizations as a whole are making the effort to consider eco-friendly products. Sometimes, this is an informal buying preference and other times is it can an organization mandate. For example, American University located in Washington, DC has stated a goal of buying environmentally-friendly products throughout the organization. To foster participation in this effort, the purchasing department sponsored a “purchasing fairs” focusing on “green” products which they intend to make an annual event. University staff was invited, and preferred vendors were allowed to exhibit products and services that were in keeping with those goals.

Customers and organizations have varying perspectives on what it means to buy eco-friendly promotional products. Exploring and understanding that perspective has to be our first step to selecting the best products and incorporating them into a successful campaign. For example, a product might be made from recycled materials (pre or post consumer) or it might be recyclable, or it might be reusable. Another possibility is that the product might be made from organically grown cotton, or from corn plastic which is a sustainable resource and is biodegradable for rapid decomposition upon disposal.

In addition, to the product we need to consider how the product will be imprinted, packaged and distributed. Are environmentally-friendly inks available? Could “natural” dyes made from organic, biodegradable or non-toxic substances be used? Could collateral materials, such as direct mail or brochures, be printed on recycled paper? Can the product be distributed by hand at an event to reduce the amount of transportation required? If the product is intended to replace an existing one, what are the options for disposal and recycling? What we are learning here is that every element of a given program or campaign is an opportunity for us to consider whether there are environmentally-friendly alternatives.

There are several new “crops” of eco-friendly textiles available to the promotional products industry, such as…
Organic Fabrics are cultivated without chemical pesticides, herbicides or insecticides.
Soy Silk is made from liquefied proteins forced into fibers and then spun.
Ingeo Corn Fiber is made by extracting starch and sugar from corn, and then processing them into a form which can be spun into yarn or woven into fabric.
Fortrel EcoSpun polyester is made out of recycled plastic bottles and is frequently used to make fleece outerwear.
Biodegradable Fabric has the ability to decompose into natural elements when exposed to air, moisture and bacteria found within landfills or composting facilities.
Natural Bleaching means that hydrogen peroxide was used to whiten fibers instead of a chemical like chlorine.

So, you might be wondering what some of the most popular earth friendly promotional products are currently. Our trade journals report that they are Biodegradable Plastics (pens, rulers, mugs, note and clip dispensers); Solar-powered Accessories (flashlights, radios, calculators); Organic Cotton (t-shirts, polo shirts and totes); Recycled PET (shirts, jackets, lanyards and totes); and Natural Items (live plants, tree seedlings, gardening seeds and growing kits).

Please contact TheMarketPro when you are considering promotional products and corporate wearables so that we can provide the information you need to make the best possible purchasing decisions. TheMarketPro can be reached at 800-905-0073 or sales@themarketpro.net . Additional articles can be found at www.TheMarketPro.net in our “Going Green with Promotional Products” and “Coffee Break Reading” sections.

Kimbrough, Tonia Cook, Eco-Friendly Explained, Advantages University, Advantages magazine, April 2010, pages 76-77.

Author: Connie King
Published: June 2010