Archive | biodegradable RSS feed for this section

“A place to start is to look at what you give out”

17 Nov

A note from SproutWorld

Line Rygaard Christiansen, Marketing Coordinator at Formpipe

“The plantable pencils were a good place to start. We believe that changing small things to more sustainable solutions will make an impact in the long run. Being a sustainable business is a must if you want to be relevant now and in the future.” Line Rygaard Christiansen

We’re sharing another example of how one of our customers uses our plantable pencils.

Line Rygaard Christiansen works as a Marketing Coordinator at Formpipe, a software company that’s listed on the Scandinavian stock exchange.

Formpipe helps over 5,000 clients globally with digitalization and automation of business processes.

We asked Line how Formpipe uses SproutWorld pencils and why sustainability is an important message.

Hi Line – we are curious to know what you use the pencils for?

We mainly use SproutWorld pencils for 3 things…

1. Giveaways for events like a recent conference about the good digital life

2. Giveaways at fairs

3. As part of the Formpipe welcome bag for new colleagues

Why are SproutWorld pencils ideal for giveaways?

We acknowledge that being a sustainable, socially responsible organization is a process and journey as much as it is a goal.

Therefore, we started to change all our merchandize and giveaways into more sustainable solutions – the SproutWorld pencils were a perfect match for us.

It’s both a fun giveaway and a way for us to tell our customers and employees that we’re moving in a more environmental way, and we take responsibility for the things we can influence right now.

It makes sense for us to give away gifts that will last for a long time and keep reminding people of who we are.

What has the feedback been?

Everybody loves the pencils. The idea of giving our customers and new employees something sustainable and unique that they can use and plant afterwards makes so much sense.

We can’t wait to see all the new “forget-me-not”-flowers in our customers’ and employees’ homes and offices.

Do the pencils underline your work with sustainability?

A high priority for us is responsible procurement. We have an impact when purchasing from our suppliers: We maintain a practice for all resources our employees need to use for events, meetings, and fairs.

We want to buy locally produced or organic groceries, environmentally friendly cleaning products and office supplies, and products with recyclable packaging.

SEE WHAT OTHER SPROUT CLIENTS ARE DOING

If you are interested in these products to promote your own business, or if you wish to see some samples, email info@proformagreen.com for information and pricing.

And as always, if you really want to do something sustainable, do not buy promotional products. All products are consumption at one level or another. So if you must buy, 1) Buy local (i.e. made in USA), 2) Buy useful, long lasting items, 3) Buy sustainable/recycled/recyclable products if possible.

Marathon Swag Bags Are Made to Self-Destruct

18 Oct

The 40,000 runners in this year’s Bank of America Chicago marathon received recovery bags made from plant-based, recyclable and biodegradable plastic.

By Theresa Hegel of ASI

Runners in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon this past weekend were greeted with a sustainability message at the finish line – in the form of plant-based, recyclable and biodegradable bags designed to tackle plastic pollution.

These recovery bags, handed out at the end of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, are made from recyclable plastic designed to biodegrade in two years in natural conditions. (Courtesy of Polymateria)

The 40,000 recovery swag bags, stocked with post-race snacks and refreshments, are made of a so-called “self-destructing plastic technology” that’s designed to biodegrade quickly in open environments. Printing on the bags reinforces the idea, proclaiming, “this bag is running out of time,” and sharing instructions to “recycle this bag before it self-destructs.”

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon partnered with British company Polymateria to debut its Lyfecycle technology for the race. Lyfecycle products can be recycled, and recipients are encouraged to do so, but Polymateria says its product “offers a Plan B” for the plastic that escapes the circular economy and winds up in the natural environment. Thanks to “time-set biodegradation,” Lyfecycle’s plant-based plastic bags will break down within two years without leaving toxins or microplastics behind.

“Lyfecycle’s goal is to ignite action and cause a ripple effect that will solve ocean pollution and leave the planet in a better place for generations to come,” according to the company.

Carey Pinkowski, executive race director of the marathon, says the partnership with Lyfecycle is exciting. “Since 2010, our team has worked to incorporate environmentally and socially responsible practices into the production of our events, with the goal of limiting our impact on the communities we run through,” he said. “Lyfecycle is helping us advance this mission at this year’s race.”

Liepa Olsauskaite, head of activation for Lyfecycle, noted that the company is constantly pushing the limits of its technology. “Five years ago, it would have seemed impossible to product a self-destructing plastic bag,” she said. “And now, the bags that we are debuting at the marathon are not only recyclable and biodegradable, they are also made from renewable plant-derived materials, making it the most sustainable solution on the market.”

The recovery bags use renewable sugarcane, rather than fossil fuels, in the manufacturing process. Sugarcane captures carbon dioxide as it grows, reducing the impact the packaging industry has on climate change, according to Lyfecycle. Sugarcane plastic is also recyclable.

Lyfecycle uses a proprietary additive in the sugarcane plastic that lets it “self-destruct” after a set time period, transforming into an earth-friendly wax substance that breaks down in natural environments.

The Chicago marathon was the first running event in the U.S. to launch Lyfecycle’s technology, and Olsauskaite noted that it’s “part of a larger goal to showcase what this solution can do at scale.”

“With each event we participate in, we’re getting one step closer to stopping 450 million tons of plastic from reaching our oceans by 2040,” she said.

If you are interested in these products to promote your own business, or if you wish to see some samples, email info@proformagreen.com for information and pricing.

And as always, if you really want to do something sustainable, do not buy promotional products. All products are consumption at one level or another. So if you must buy, 1) Buy local (i.e. made in USA), 2) Buy useful, long lasting items, 3) Buy sustainable/recycled/recyclable products if possible.

Spector 2022 Feels Good Catalog

29 Mar

The Spector 2022 Feels Good Catalog has been published online.

This is a full catalog of the sustainable and recycled products in the Spector line.

Notebooks, drinkware, pens, backpacks, desk item, the Spector 2022 Feels Good Catalog has a little bit of everything.

If you are interested in this product to promote your own business, or if you wish to see some samples, email info@proformagreen.com for information and pricing.

And as always, if you really want to do something sustainable, do not buy promotional products. All products are consumption at one level or another. So if you must buy, 1) Buy local (i.e. made in USA), 2) Buy useful, long lasting items, 3) Buy sustainable/recycled/recyclable products if possible.

Javalina Eco, One of the New Wheat Pens

22 Feb
The Javalina® Eco is the perfect match for companies looking to have a greener impact. Feel good about adding your brand to a pen composed of reclaimed wheat stalks. With the natural speckled cream barrel and bright accented trim color, your message is sure to catch everyone’s attention. Plus, create the best user experience with our ultrasmooth black writing ink

Hub pens calls this body type the Javalina. But in all honesty, nearly all manufactures have this body design. Koozie Group has the Dart, PCNA sells as the Cougar, and funny enough Primeline also calls their pen the Dart.

So why are we talking about one of the most common pen bodies in the promo business?

Because the wheat plastic Javalinas, or Darts, or whatever name you want to call these pens, have started to arrive. And since we throw out so many millions of plastic pens each year, every little bit helps.

So why all the excitement for wheat plastic. Google it. “When Wheat Straw is used to make plastic, it becomes compostable and can decompose in a home or commercial site. As it decomposes at a rate similar to paper, wheat straw plastic leaves behind no toxic material, so the compost can be used for future plant growth.”

If you are looking for a better understanding of this material, the 7 Things To Know About Wheat Straw page at S”wheat is a good primer. (S”wheat is in the business of making bottles out of Wheat Straw).

Wheat Straw plastic is not so new to the industry. It is used in everything from pens, to mugs, to speakers. But maybe like the adoption of bamboo, we will continue to see more items made from Wheat Straw material.

If you are interested in this product to promote your own business, or if you wish to see some samples, email info@proformagreen.com for information and pricing.

And as always, if you really want to do something sustainable, do not buy promotional products. All products are consumption at one level or another. So if you must buy, 1) Buy local (i.e. made in USA), 2) Buy useful, long lasting items, 3) Buy sustainable/recycled/recyclable products if possible.

The Eco Trend: Gifts You Can Feel Good About

15 Feb

{reprinted from PCNA newsletter 01/18/2022}

Sustainability is becoming a higher priority for people everywhere, and demand for eco-friendly products is on the rise. Consumers are more mindful of their purchases, and businesses are taking strides to be more environmentally conscious.

The “green” movement is making big waves in the promo industry, so we sat down with AJ Dickson, PCNA Senior Category Director, to learn more about one of the biggest trends of 2022.

Q: It seems like in the past five or so years, we’ve seen a huge increase in eco-friendly promotional products. Why do you think that is?A: “Whether you’re talking about consumers or corporations, there’s been a seismic shift toward sustainability. In retail, shoppers are seeking out eco-friendly products. And at the corporate level, sustainability initiatives are driving decisions. Everyone is waking up and realizing the importance of preserving and protecting our environment, and the promo industry is doing its part by offering a bigger selection of eco-friendly products.”

Q: More and more retail brands are taking sustainability seriously. What’s the driving force behind this change?A: “I think there are a few factors. For starters, people want to buy from brands whose values are aligned with their own, and the brands have taken notice. Also, brands have a responsibility to the environment, and they’re stepping up in big ways. Whether it’s tentree planting 10 trees for every item sold, Karst making tree-free paper from 100% recycled stone or Welly donating more than one percent of sales to provide clean drinking water, it’s wonderful to see companies doing their part. These are the kinds of brands we like to partner with, and we’re always looking for others that share our commitment to the environment.”

Q: Why do distributors who are focused on sustainability look to PCNA?A: “Our commitment to making a difference goes far beyond offering the industry’s biggest eco-friendly collection and partnering with likeminded retail brands. Yes, we want to make it easy to create promo gifts everyone can feel good about, but we’re also taking big steps toward sustainability as a company. Three of our facilities locations have earned Chain-Of-Custody certification from the Forest Stewardship Council®, a global, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of responsible forest management worldwide. Chain-Of-Custody certification traces the path of FSC®-certified products from forests through the supply chain, ensuring that the FSC®-certified products you buy from us come from responsibly managed forests. It shows that we’re not just here to sell products, but we genuinely want to do our part for the planet as well.”

Q: Recycled materials are becoming more commonly available in manufacturing. Which categories are benefitting the most?A: “It’s nearly impossible to pick just one. Almost every new apparel item we’re launching this year is made with recycled materials. We’ve also added lots of new bags made from recycled cotton and drinkware made from recycled plastic. Aside from recycled materials, we have food storage made from wheat straw and tech accessories made with natural bamboo fiber. Safe to say that all categories are moving in the right direction, and we’ll keep pushing them that way.”

Better For The Planet

Make a difference with eco-friendly and sustainable gifts. Click here to see our entire collection.

If you are interested in this product to promote your own business, or if you wish to see some samples, email info@proformagreen.com for information and pricing.

And as always, if you really want to do something sustainable, do not buy promotional products. All products are consumption at one level or another. So if you must buy, 1) Buy local (i.e. made in USA), 2) Buy useful, long lasting items, 3) Buy sustainable/recycled/recyclable products if possible.

Out of The Woods® is coming to Gemline in 2022.

25 Jan
Above: Out of The Woods® Seagull Cooler – Insulated and padded to keep your produce fresh at the Sunday farmer’s market or your workday essentials protected, and spacious enough to double as a weekender bag

From the Out of The Woods homepage on GEMINE, “Out of the Woods® specializes in reusable bags and insulated coolers that are FSC®-Certified (FSC® C153080) and made from Supernatural Paper™ using tree cellulose sourced from responsibly managed forests. These products are washable, durable, and sustainable – designed to reduce the negative impact on the environment by developing lasting products made of better materials.”

The Out of The Woods line brings a new dimension to sustainable items available to the marketing professional, and are sure to be a great fit for sustainability, values, ethical, and responsible marketing projects.

The brand has a very contemporary look to it, and will certainly work for projects built around fashion, style, and design.

To see all Out of The Woods for 2022, that can be decorated with your custom artwork or brand, take a look at the GEMLINE Out of The Woods Selection with this link.

We will be posting on individual Out of The Woods items as we get a chance to review the line. So stay tuned for more on this new, exciting concept.

If you are interested in this product to promote your own business, or if you wish to see some samples, email info@proformagreen.com for information and pricing.

And as always, if you really want to do something sustainable, do not buy promotional products. All products are consumption at one level or another. So if you must buy, 1) Buy local (i.e. made in USA), 2) Buy useful, long lasting items, 3) Buy sustainable/recycled/recyclable products if possible.

Modern Sprout Seed Ornament

29 Dec

These showed up but a bit late to the party (let us blame supply chain issues) but what a fun idea.

The Seed Ornament by Modern Sprout is an ‘eco-friendly ornamental see kit’ made of molded paper pulp. Here is the run down from the manufacturer.

“Deck the halls, plant and grow! Make the holidays more sustainable with Modern Sprout’s Eco-Friendly Ornament Seed Kits. Featuring festive seed types in bold and playful packaging, these plastic free ornaments are the perfect accent for decking the halls. Once the holidays are over they become an excellent indoor gardening activity to take you from the post holiday blues right into spring fling!
Each ornament includes seeds and an expanding coco disc for planting.”

Seed Ornament by Modern Sprout varieties include:
Grow Joy Poinsettia – A holiday favorite, this plant features an incredible range of foliage colors perfectly complimented by brilliant red-orange foliage blooms
Grow Hope Spruce -This species of spruce is native to the northern part of North America and a favorite Christmas tree variety
Grow Cheer Cosmos – A cousin to the daisy, cosmos yield an abundance of delicate white and magenta colored blooms
Grow Peace Eucalyptus -This versatile and aromatic plant features slender sage green stems and delicate small leaves.

Your custom imprint is placed on center on the back panel, at a maximum of 1.25″W x 1.25″H. Full color imprint is possible, however one color imprints seem to work best.

You can seem more items from Modern Sprout on there website, https://www.modsprout.com/. Already a number of these items are available to the promotional market from our partner Gemline, see items on the Gemline site here.

If you are interested in this product to promote your own business, or if you wish to see some samples, email info@proformagreen.com for information and pricing.

And as always, if you really want to do something sustainable, do not buy promotional products. All products are consumption at one level or another. So if you must buy, 1) Buy local (i.e. made in USA), 2) Buy useful, long lasting items, 3) Buy sustainable/recycled/recyclable products if possible.

What Does it All Mean?

18 Mar

Our partners at Raining Rose sent us this little primer on how they define their terms for their products. I am reposting as I feel it is useful information.

ECO-FRIENDLY MADE EASY: What is Natural Vs. Sustainable Vs. Organic?

Did you know 72% of consumers purchased more environmentally friendly products in 2019 than 2018, per the 2020 Global Ad Impressions Study? The numbers don’t lie: There’s a growing demand for promos made from natural, sustainable and organic ingredients. But what do those words mean, exactly? We’re breaking down each term so you can educate and pair clients with the perfect eco-friendly promos for their next project.

Even if sustainability isn’t a top concern for your clients, it may be for their audience. Let clients know that more than two-thirds of consumers consider sustainability when making a purchase and are willing to pay more for sustainable products, per the CGS 2019 Retail and Sustainability Survey. If clients weren’t prioritizing sustainable products already, they will be now.

Hand sanitizer is a great “in” right now to get your clients on the natural trend. These customers are already thinking about health, so keep the conversation going by highlighting ingredients that are non-toxic and naturally derived.

Use lip balm’s affordable price point to your advantage. Your clients will get all the brand association benefits of investing in organic products without breaking the bank – and down the road, they’ll already be sold on why it’s worth it to get organic items for their next order.

NATURAL INGREDIENTS

What Does It Mean?

The Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients defines a natural product as one that is “derived from plant, animal or microbial sources.” Simply put, it means that the product has ingredients that come from a living organism. While there are no specific qualifications a product’s ingredients must meet beyond that, promos made from natural ingredients are a cost-effective way to provide clients with naturally derived items without clients needing to pay more upfront for the accreditations that come with stricter labels.

For example the SOOTHING STICK (SPC-SS) from Raining Rose; Featured natural ingredient: Jojoba oil. With all the time spent indoors, consumers will appreciate promos that give their skin extra healing and hydration. Another example is the 1-OZ. 64% HAND SANITIZER GEL BOTTLE (HSG-1B64). Featured natural ingredient: Ethyl alcohol. Formulated with 64% ethyl alcohol, this hand sanitizer will keep germs and viruses at bay, the natural way.

SUSTAINABLE INGREDIENTS

What Does It Mean?

In short, sustainability means that ingredients are derived in a way that can be maintained. For example, sustainable products are made using renewable resources that don’t disrupt ecological balance when harvested. Products are also dubbed sustainable when they reduce or eliminate pollutants and when companies strive for minimal waste during the manufacturing process and throughout the supply chain – from field to consumer. When it comes to company concerns like lowering their carbon footprint or reducing waste, promos made from sustainable ingredients are the way to go.

Examples include SUSTAINABALM (PLB-SB). Featured natural ingredient: Beeswax. Kind to lips and kind to the planet? What’s not to like? Bonus: each tube is made from potato bio-resin, post-consumer recycled plastic and virgin plastic, making it 100% recyclable and sustainable. 1-OZ. MINERAL SPF 30 BROAD SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN BOTTLE (MSS-1B). Featured natural ingredient: Zinc oxide. Not only is it made from planet-friendly ingredients, this sunscreen will keep skin protected against the most powerful rays.

ORGANIC

What Does It Mean?

Organic verification refers to the way agricultural products are grown and processed, as outlined by USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) organic regulations. Per the USDA, this includes factors such as soil quality, animal raising practices, pest and weed control, and use of additives. To become certified and given permission to represent products and ingredients as organic, a supplier must apply to a USDA-accredited certifying agent. Because of the strict requirements necessary to achieve an organic label, organic products are perfect for clients who won’t settle for less than the best. They’re also a wise choice for companies in healthcare, as they’re more likely to invest in the most natural and healthy ingredients possible.

Examples include USDA ORGANIC LIP BALM (PLB-UO). Featured natural ingredient: Sunflower oil. Raining Rose offers label options with and without the USDA organic seal for customer flexibility. EOS™ LIP BALM (EOS-LIP). Featured natural ingredient: Shea butter. Made with 95% organic ingredients, this retail favorite will keep lips soft and sensationally smooth.

If you are interested in these products to promote your own business, or if you wish to see some samples, email info@proformagreen.com for information and pricing.

And as always, if you really want to do something sustainable, do not buy promotional products. All products are consumption at one level or another. So if you must buy, 1) Buy local (i.e. made in USA), 2) Buy useful, long lasting items, 3) Buy sustainable/recycled/recyclable products if possible.

High Caliber Line

15 Mar

New flyers today of Earth Day idea flyers from High Caliber Line.

If you are interested in these products to promote your own business, or if you wish to see some samples, email info@proformagreen.com for information and pricing.

And as always, if you really want to do something sustainable, do not buy promotional products. All products are consumption at one level or another. So if you must buy, 1) Buy local (i.e. made in USA), 2) Buy useful, long lasting items, 3) Buy sustainable/recycled/recyclable products if possible.

ArielPremium.com

3 Mar

Earth Day Options Flyer from Ariel Premium

flyer

If you are interested in these products to promote your business, or if you wish to see samples, email info@proformagreen.com for information and pricing.

And as always, if you really want to do something sustainable, do not buy promotional products. All products are consumption at one level or another. So if you must buy, 1) Buy local (i.e. made in USA), 2) Buy useful, long lasting items, 3) Buy sustainable/recycled/recyclable products if possible.

← Older Entries

%d bloggers like this: