This is a guest post by John Simonetta, owner of Proforma Green Marketing, an eco-friendly promotional items consultancy (see proformagreen.com). John’s blogs are designed to keep us up to date on the “greening” of his industry.
Stromberg Brand has been selling umbrellas since 1942 and is recognised as a leading manufacturer of umbrellas for the promotional products industry.
This year Stromberg has entered the eco-friendly promotional products field with their first green umbrella, the Eco Umbrella – Automatic Folding #82ECO.
Stromberg is known for their quality products and imprinting – indeed Stromberg has won 3 Gold Medals for screen printing – and the Eco Umbrella does not disappoint for quality or craftsmanship.
The 46in canopy of this automatic folder is made of 100% natural, 100% biodegradable cotton. The steel shaft and frame are recyclable metals and the handles are made of wood instead of plastic. I would have liked to have seen an organic cotton canopy and bamboo instead of hardwood used for the handle, but all in all this is a very good first try from an industry leader.
At EQP $11.50 with one color imprint the Eco Umbrella is competitively priced to similar quality traditional umbrellas. The umbrellas have a 7in x 7in good size imprint area, and come in Enviro Green, Black, and Natural. As the name suggests this is a one touch automatic opening umbrella. A matching case, which can be imprinted, is included with each unit.
The umbrella might be an overlooked idea in the promotional items market, however it must be said that umbrellas offer a large, highly visable graphics area, and are practical as giveaways, since a quality umbrella is often an item that is held onto for years.
The ECO Umbrella would work well as a giveaway or even branding tool for Ecopreneurists working in the hotel and travel industries, as well as a nice item for corporate retreats. Good quality. Eco-materials (looking for better in 2011). Large imprint to cost ratio. Certainly worth a look.
To learn more about the long history at Stromberg and their reasoning for the ECO Umbrella, contact President Helen Stromberg. If you are interested in umbrellas to promote your own business, contact your local promotional items vendor or email info@proformagreen.com for information and pricing.
Adventures in Green Marketing 
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