The GRIND is a new concept mug from Ora. It seems to be a play on the old “This is Not a Cup” ceramic mugs, however this time with recycled content.
“The 470 ml / 16 oz The Grind is a single wall eco-friendly cup made from 50% coffee grounds, 15% cornstarch, and 35% melamine material. It features a light brown color with a textured coffee ground finish and a “RECYCLE RE-USE” all over print. Included is a PU sleeve composed of 58% recycled material. The body is paired with a screw-on threaded lid with a keyhole drinking spout. The wide mouth design makes it ice cube friendly and easy to clean”
We like this idea because it is reusable, and recycled, and also because it has a story that is fun, and can be incorporated into your marketing message. Also, seems to be a no-brainer idea for folks in foods services, food distribution, and coffee industry.
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.
The Bolingbrook, IL-based promotional products supplier announced that the thin microfiber it uses in many of its best-selling products is now produced from 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET).
Going forward, all products made with the thin microfiber will contain rPET material. Items include cleaning cloths for mobile devices and eyewear, screen cleaners and protectors, and smart pouches.
Notably, Toddy Gear is maintaining the same price point on the products. The items will also continue to be manufactured domestically, the firm said.
“We are committed to a more sustainable product culture,” said Toddy Gear President Jason Emery. “This initiative is monumental for our organization and the right thing to do for the earth.”
Benefits of rPET
• Making recycled polyester uses 90% less water than the production of virgin polyester.
• 70% less energy is used to make rPET fiber than virgin fiber.
• Recycling just one plastic bottle saves enough energy, on average, to power a 60-watt light bulb for three hours.
• When 30 water bottles are recycled, they create one pound of rPET fiber.
(Source: Toddy Gear)
Since Toddy Gear began converting to rPET thin microfiber, the firm and its customers have kept nearly 454,600 plastic water bottles out of landfills, according to company data.
Toddy Gear shared that it has developed relationships with trusted rPET suppliers to make the eco-friendly options a legitimate, cost-effective and planet-friendly reality.
In January 2023, the supplier plans to expand its rPET offerings to include its popular ICE Series of cooling wraps, rally wraps and active bands. The products – nearly a dozen – will be sold at the same pricing as when the items were made from traditional materials, Toddy Gear said.
“By converting such an extensive offering of our best-selling items to the rPET material, we will be part of the global solution to improve our world,” said Emery.
There's a widespread bias that the #promoproducts industry is disposable, schlocky and wasteful. It's more than an image problem; it creates a sales & profit issue. How do we fix that? Industry thought leaders weigh-in. https://t.co/ORgmmfQuug
Compelled by end-buyer demand and a moral imperative to do better for the planet, a growing number of promo products suppliers have been intensifying efforts to offer products made from more sustainable materials and to run operations in a way that has less of an impact on the environment – something industry thought leaders believe will benefit promo and its customers significantly.
Just last week, another supplier, AAA Innovations (asi/30023), announced that it’s in the process of transitioning its product line so that items are made from eco-friendly materials. Like Toddy Gear, the firm is doing so without raising prices.
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.
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 Heschel retail line is slowing bring similar products to the promotional products industry. “Founded in 2009 by brothers Jamie and Lyndon Cormack, Herschel Supply Co. adopted the name of the town where three generations of their family grew up. Based in Vancouver, Canada Herschel Supply Co. is a design driven global accessories brand that produces timeless utility products.”
The Herschel Eco Novel Duffel makes it to this page because it is made with 100% Recycled 600D Polyester. “A signature style made sustainable, the Herschel Eco Novel™ Duffle features a removable shoulder strap and Herschel’s signature shoe compartment. Perfect for long days and weekends away, this classic duffle is reimagined with 100% recycled fabrics and industry-leading recycled materials from the liner to the label.”
In addition to the sustainable pedigree, the Herschel Eco Novel Duffel does capture the Herschel goal “to create a timeless product with fine regard for detail”. Which makes this duffel another recycled product that does not “look recycled”.
The Herschel Eco Novel Duffel is a good size overnight bag, with at 11.75in high, 20.5in wide, and 11in deep. The bag can be decorated with Digital Print Transfer or Embroidery, with Digital Print Transfer being the preferred method.
This is a casual, cool bag for business travel, or marketing events like team building. I look forward to seeing more of the Herschel line enter our industry.
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.
“Activation: Grow Organics is a small, family-owned business that creates organic and locally sourced baby foods in their home state of Washington. They started out selling primarily at farmer’s markets but they were very interested in expanding into brick and mortar stores.
They had been using catalogs to showcase their offerings, but they wanted a less wasteful option to spread the word even more. They felt physical catalogs did not align with their company values of sustainability, but they still liked the idea of handing something out in meetings.
The iClick – Wheat Straw allowed them to hand out digital copies of their catalog. The item itself is eco-friendly, being made out of wheat straw, a byproduct of wheat production. Plus, they know the iClick – Wheat Straw can be reused in the future and will not be tossed in the trash. This led to more brand recognition, a giveaway that really aligned with their company values, and a partnership with a major supermarket chain.”
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.
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.
The Field & Co. Fireside Eco Duffel is a duffle that wants to get outside, go to the gym, take a weekend trip. This Recycled Polyester duffel is really ready for just about anything.
From the manufacturer, “The Field & Co. Fireside Eco Duffel is great for outdoor adventures. It features a durable tarpaulin-coated bottom along with a main material made from recycled water bottles. Adjustable straps on the front can carry a sleeping pad or other rolled items. The spacious interior pocket has a back organizational panel and custom plaid-print Field & Co. lining. It also has a zippered shoe pocket and double exterior lash tabs for attaching other necessary items via carabiner. The adjustable padded removable shoulder strap features Sherpa lining for added comfort.”
The shell of the Field & Co. Fireside Eco Duffel is constructed of 100% recycled polyester. Factory decoration methods for the Field & Co. Fireside Eco Duffel include Digital Print Transfer, Embroidery, and Digital Print Transfer via PhotoGrafixx.
Placing your logo or marketing message on a named brand like Field & Co. Fireside is always a easy way to add perceived value in the perception of the recipient.
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.
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.
So according to earth911, in 2019, “Americans toss 1.6 billion disposable pens annually. These plastic pens end up in landfills and as litter. Some of this plastic waste makes its way to our waterways, where it breaks down into microplastics, polluting our water and harming ocean life.”
That is a lot of pens. It is an amount that gets your attention, but still something difficult for individuals to address.
In truth I am no longer a fan of pens, preferring pencils made of wood grown from FSC sources. Still our industry produces a lot of pens, indeed I have many, many samples here at the office. To me this issue is something that only a systemic change can address.
To the point, if the industry is going to keep making pens, and people keep using pens, we need to start making pens in a more sustainable way.
So if you are buying pens for the office, or for giveaways, take a minute to check what you are buying, and maybe support these new styles. Because the more they sell, the stronger the argument for the manufactures to keep making them.
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.
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.
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.
Adventures in Green Marketing 