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Refresh Glass Rescue and Transformation Process in 60 Seconds

27 Jan

Refresh Glass is bring a new idea to the marketing table. I love new ideas. Their pitch, take old glass bottles, and make new glass tumblers.

Take a look at the video

See the unique Refresh Glass rescue and transformation process in 1 minute. Working towards our 10 Million Bottle Rescue Mission, we collect empties from the community and repurpose the orphaned bottles into functional wares that can be reused and enjoyed for years to come.

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.

Arctic Zone® Repreve® Backpack Cooler with Sling

3 Nov

The Arctic Zone® Repreve® Backpack Cooler with Sling is a great idea for a corporate gift that is reusable, practical, long lasting, and just happens to be made from 100% Recycled materials.

The Arctic Zone® Repreve® Backpack Cooler with Sling is a great cross between a true cooler and an easy to carry backpack. Your logo can be placed on the Arctic Zone® Repreve® Backpack Cooler in full color using factory level digital print transfer.

From the manufacturer, “Arctic Zone® RPET Backpack Cooler with removable insulated sling makes your outdoor adventure even easier! This fully insulated backpack cooler features a padded back panel and comfortable backpack straps for easy carrying. The exterior is made from REPREVE® RPET, the world’s leading recycled fiber, which makes it extra eco-friendly. Through a partnership with 1% For The Planet, one percent of sales of all EcoSmart® products are donated to environmental nonprofits.”

I think the Arctic Zone® Repreve® Backpack Cooler with Sling is a great promotional item for companies in the food, beverage, and leisure industries. The large internal pocket measures 17in x 11.5 in, and boasts a full color four inch wide imprint area.

The Arctic Zone® Repreve® Backpack Cooler with Sling also includes a hangtag for every unit, printed with the message “MADE FROM RECYCLED BOTTLES” and explaining the nature of the recycled fibers from which it is made.

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.

Eco Gifts For Virtual Conferences And Tradeshows

22 Feb

Online Events Reduce Your Footprint – And So Can The Gifts, article present by PCNA Eco Style.

January is about more than trying to stick with New Year’s resolutions. It’s also a big month for conferences, tradeshows and sales meetings.

Now that those events are moving to virtual platforms, people are discovering that hosting them online has some advantages – for one thing, it opens up the event to more presenters and attendees, who no longer have to worry about scheduling conflicts or the time, effort and expense required for travel.

Another huge benefit of going virtual? It eliminates the environmental impact of bringing together hundreds or thousands of people:

+ No travel to and from event.

+ No lighting, heat or AC for the venue.

+ No heaping mounds of trash destined for a landfill.

Sustainability and eco-consciousness emerged as big trends in 2020, so promoting 2021 virtual events as a win for the environment makes a lot of sense – starting with an eco-friendly swag bag. And as a bonus, all the products you’re about to see are part of our 1% For The Planet program, meaning one percent of sales are contributed to environmental nonprofits.

Pretty cool, huh?

Dege Eco Knit Half Zip | 18306 (M) and 98306 (W)

Want to feel good about what you’re wearing? This half-zip is made from recycled polyester AND it looks great. The convertible collar gives you two different ways to wear it. It also has moisture-wicking, snag-resistant, wash-and-wear fabric with UPF 40+ protection (light colors UPF 15-24) and an anti-microbial finish to keep you feeling fresh.

Can’t have a killer swag bag without really cool apparel. Trend-right style and casual comfort make the Dege a standout, but what’s even better is that it’s made with more than 30% recycled polyester, taking plastic waste and turning it into something you can feel good about wearing.

 

Cougar Wheat Straw Ballpoint | SM-4482

The Cougar Wheat Straw Ballpoint features 40% wheat straw barrel. Click action mechanism. Black ink cartridge with 1.0mm pen tip. 800m writing length. Through a partnership with 1% For The Planet one percent of sales of this and all EcoSmart products will be donated to nonprofits dedicated to protecting the planet.

Here’s the thing about people doing virtual events: They can’t take notes on their laptop! So a pen and notebook really come in handy. (We’ll get to the notebook in a second.) The Cougar Ballpoint has a barrel partly made with sturdy, sustainable wheat straw instead of planet-harming plastic.

5” x 7” EcoFlex PerfectBook | PEC-700EB

Flexible, wraparound 100% recycled paper covers in Natural or Black. Includes 1-color foil or blind deboss imprint. 100 sheets of 60# lined EcoFiller, or blank. Graph or dot grid available for an upcharge (contact sales for pricing). Perfect-bound spine

OK, about that notebook. The EcoFlex features a flexible wraparound cover made with 100% recycled paper. In other words, it’s pretty much a no-brainer for your eco-friendly swag bag.

Wheat Straw Storage With Utensils | SM-2226

The Wheat Straw Food Storage with Utensils comes equipped with a band to hold the lid and utensils in place. Container is microwave safe. Do not put band or utensils in microwave. Through a partnership with 1% For The Planet one percent of sales of this and all EcoSmart products will be donated to nonprofits dedicated to protecting the planet.

Food storage is another gift that’s big right now, with more people packing lunch as part of the new routine for 9 to 5. And in case you’re wondering, the wheat straw container is microwave-safe.

Recycled 5oz Cotton Twill Tote | SM-5830

This recycled cotton twill tote is great for any convention and helps promote corporate social responsibility. It is manufactured from pre-consumer waste generated by factories during the fabric cutting process. Approximately 70%-80% recycled cotton and 20-30% RPET. Through a partnership with 1% For The Planet one percent of sales of this and all EcoSmart products will be donated to nonprofits dedicated to protecting the planet.

Naturally, you’re going to need a nice bag for everything. This trendy twill tote is made with pre-consumer recycled cotton, which is material that’s left over from the manufacture of other cotton goods. So instead of going to a landfill, that extra cotton is turned into an eco-friendly alternative to plastic conference totes.

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.

Lunch box design with cutting board

26 Nov

This new Bamboo Fiber Lunch Box with Cutting Board Lid makes a nice end of year gift for employees, as well as works well as a marketing idea for corporate wellness programs.

From the manufacturer, “This innovative food storage piece features a bamboo lid that doubles as a cutting board. The lid has a silicone lining and silicone band to ensure food is kept secure in the container. The item is made of 55% bamboo fiber and 45% resin. This container is not suitable for liquids and must be used for solid food only. This item is not suitable to be used in the microwave. Due to the nature of the bamboo material, variations in laser imprinting quality may occur. Through a partnership with 1% For The Planet, one percent of sales of this and all EcoSmart products will be donated to nonprofits dedicated to protecting the planet.”

The Bamboo Fiber Lunch Box with Cutting Board Lid is made from Bamboo Fiber and Melamine. Bamboo is bamboo, a quick growing, hardwood like grass, used a lot in the promotional products industry. Melamine I had to look up. Apparently, melamine is, “an organic-based, nitrogen-rich compound used to manufacture cooking utensils, plates, plastic products, and more. Melamine resin is durable, fire and heat resistant and virtually unbreakable, making melamine products more desirable than other plastic housewares.”

Honestly I am not sure what organic-based means in this context. It is still not microwavable. “Keep melamine tableware cool, and use it only for serving and storage”. Here is the FDA FAQ page on melamine, https://www.fda.gov/food/chemicals/melamine-tableware-questions-and-answers.

So, I don’t know. I think I would stay will 100% bamboo containers, or stoneware, or glass. Or maybe take a look at the new stainless steel h2go essen from ETS Express.  The h20 essen is not making any sustainability claims, but a least we know what stainless steel is.

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.

TRENDS & NEW PRODUCTS

24 Sep

Reduce Plastic Waste With Easy Product Swaps. Everyday decisions that make a difference. Ideas from PCNA.

We believe that big change begins with small steps. And when backed by organization-wide commitment, the small steps add up to real progress. At PCNA, their EcoSmart® program is the driving force behind the actions we’re taking to move our organization, and the promotional products industry, toward a more eco-friendly future.

In honor of the everyday eco-friendly decisions we can all take, PCNA put together a list of some easy ways to send a message of eco-friendliness and actually be eco-friendly at the same time. Amplify your brand with these reusable products that can easily be swapped with their disposable counterparts.

Swap: One reusable water bottle can save 167 plastic water bottles per year (Fast Company).

Hugo Vacuum Insulated Bottle 18oz. Double-wall construction, vacuum insulated. Keeps drinks hot for 5 hours and cold for 15 hours. Leak-proof locking cap.

Swap: One reusable cup can save 115 disposable coffee cups per year (Freedonia Group).

Copper Vacuum Insulated K Mini Tumbler 14oz. Part of our Bold Geometry trend collection this style is defined by angles that create a great tactile and visual experience. Double-wall vacuum construction with copper insulation. Keeps drinks hot for 8 hours and cold for 24 hours. The construction also prevents condensation on the outside of the tumbler. Compact design fits easily under most single cup or K-cup coffee makers as well as in all standard cup holders. Easy sipping, push-on lid with slide closure. Wide opening for comfortable filling and pouring.

Swap: One reusable grocery tote can save 500 plastic bags per year (Reusethisbag.com)

Laminated 100% Recycled Shopper. This fashionable tote is laminated to provide maximum durability. Reusable shopping bag is perfect for all your grocery essentials. Large main compartment and generous gusset for maximum capacity. 23.5″ shoulder straps. This product is made from 100% PET recycled fabric.

Swap: One reusable food container can save 250 disposable takeout containers per year (Huffington Post).

Plastic and Wheat Straw Lunch Box Container. Through a partnership with 1% For The Planet, one percent of sales of EcoSmart products will be donated to nonprofits dedicated to protecting the planet. Pack your food in style with the plastic and wheat straw lunch box. This item features a tray to keep your food separated and a locking lid with handles for carrying. FDA tested. BPA free.

Swap: One reusable cooler can save 200 plastic or paper bags per year (Huffington Post).

Through a partnership with 1% For The Planet, one percent of sales of EcoSmart products will be donated to nonprofits dedicated to protecting the planet. This cooler features a 100% recycled polyester outer main material. Top fold-over style reminiscent of a paper lunch bag and includes a grab handle. Note: Foil lining, webbing handle and webbing trim are not made with recycled materials.

If you are interested in sustainable ideas 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.

This Holiday, Make It Last with Glass

29 Oct

Footed Square Glass Jar

What could be sweeter than a holiday gift that promotes your business or organization all year long? During the holidays, food-related gifts are popular, but it’s important to make sure that the container (and your logo) lasts long past the time the treats are devoured.

Enter the glass goody container, which can be used and displayed on office desks and kitchen counters for years to come.

The more attractive the jar, the longer it will be used and the more prominently it will be displayed. Mid-Nite Snax has many handsome glass containers to choose from (filled or empty). I am a fan of both the Footed Square Glass Jar with Sports theme candies and the classic Glass Square Jar.

While you’re on the Mid-Nite Snax website, check out their snack tins too – since metal and glass are more likely to be reused than a cardboard container, and are by their nature recyclable, they can help promote your client’s sustainable message or brand better than a tosh away container, especially if language explaining the re-usability of the contain is included with your marketing message.

If you are an ASI distributor, you can get more information about Mid-Nite Snax’s glass containers on their website. If you are interested in Mid-Nite Snax products to promote your own business, contact your local promotional items vendor or email info@proformagreen.com for information and pricing.

New Generation of BPA Free Bottles Aims at Spas and Gyms

3 Oct

This is a guest post by John Simonetta, owner of ProformaGreen, an eco-friendly promotional items consultancy. John’s blogs are designed to keep us up to date on the “greening” of his industry.

I mentioned before in this blog that the gym and spa industry is one of the main buyers of sport bottles. It makes sense, sign-up for a membership, get a water bottle and t-shirt.

I also mentioned that the BPA scare pretty much halted the market for plastic gym bottles. This was an event especially felt by eco-friendly gyms, yoga studios and spas that had been using bottles as giveaway items. Many businesses gave up on plastic altogether and moved to aluminum or steel bottles.

Well the industry is fighting back with BPA free bottles especially designed for gyms – like Glass America’s 19 oz. Treadmill BPA Free Bottle – bottles designed with wide mouths and easy grips.

These new bottles also have the words “BPA free” imprinted directly on them to make sure the audience does not miss the fact these are “safe” bottles.

We will see how well these new bottle designs do. It is nice to see the industry bouncing back in this area and at the same time moving forward on green products.

For more information on BPA free bottles from Glass America please visit their website or visit us at Proformagreen.com.

Organic Cotton Bags Getting Less Expensive

20 Sep

This is a guest post by John Simonetta, owner of ProformaGreen, an eco-friendly promotional items consultancy. John’s blogs are designed to keep us up to date on the “greening” of his industry.

Non Woven Poly bags are great but many of our clients don’t like non wovens and keep asking when an inexpensive organic cotton tote would be available.

Well the new Econo Tote Bag from Debco seems to fit the bill at 14.75” W x 16.5” with runs under $2 for orders over 1000 units and starts around $3.50 for a small run of 50 units with one color imprint included. These bags are 100% natural organic cotton processed AZO-Free with no hazardous chemicals. Continue reading

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