Promotional products are a statement about who you are as a brand and what you stand for. At a time when “sustainability” is no longer just a buzzword, but actually influences purchasing decisions, it makes all the more sense to opt for promotional products made from sustainable materials. Why? Because customers appreciate it. Sustainability and beautifully designed promotional products are no longer opposites – thanks to our top 6 ecological materials for promotional gifts and employee gifts.

In this blog post, we dive into the world of sustainable materials for promotional gifts. We look at why they are sustainable and how sustainable materials are used in promotional products and giveaways. In addition, the most important certificates are listed. We present these 6 materials:

Bamboo – for the natural look

Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants in the world and requires little water and fertilizer. It is a renewable resource that absorbs CO2 and produces oxygen. Thanks to its versatility, stability and natural look, bamboo is a perennial favorite among sustainable materials.

Bamboo is used for a variety of promotional gifts such as pens, notebooks, cutting boards and coffee mugs. Thanks to the smooth surface, bamboo is perfect for logo finishing with laser engraving or printing.

The most important certificate is from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). FSC certification ensures that the bamboo comes from responsibly managed forests.

Sustainable cotton – quality ,

which is noticeable

Sustainable cotton, often referred to as organic cotton, is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. This not only protects the environment, but also all employees involved in the cultivation and processing of cotton.

Sustainable cotton is especially popular for textile promotional products. The pleasant and soft feel and breathable properties make organic cotton perfect for T-shirts, hoodies (e.g. printed with a company logo) or caps. In addition, ecologically produced cotton is also popular for carrier bags.

The most important and best known certificate for sustainable cotton is the GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard). This certification ensures that the cotton was grown without the use of harmful chemicals and that fair working conditions were observed throughout the production process.

Also relevant for merchandise is an OEKO-TEX® certification. The most important standards are the OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN (environmentally friendly factories, safe and socially acceptable workplaces, materials tested for harmful substances), the OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON (no use of genetically modified organisms, pesticides and harmful substances) and the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 (all product components tested for harmful substances, harmless to health).

Jute – a classic promotional item

Jute is a natural fiber that is biodegradable and compostable. It grows quickly and requires little to no pesticides or fertilizers, making it an environmentally friendly option. The natural texture and strength make them a popular choice for environmentally conscious promotional products.

The World Fair Trade Organization ( WFTO ) certificate can be an indication of ethically produced jute products. Moreover, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification can confirm the absence of harmful substances.

Jute is a great example of a material that is both practical and environmentally friendly. It offers a natural aesthetic that is well received by customers while supporting sustainable agriculture. Jute is widely used for printed promotional products e.g. mats, shopping bags, pouches and other carrier bags.

Cork – material of the future?

Cork is obtained from the bark of the cork oak without cutting down the tree. The bark regenerates and the tree can continue to absorb CO2. Cork is biodegradable, renewable and has been used for thousands of years.

Cork is already used in the promotional products industry for a variety of products, including yoga mats, mouse pads, bags and even umbrellas. Its unique texture and feel make it an attractive material for environmentally conscious brands and can be easily engraved or printed. Learn in our article about cork promotional products more about it.

FSC Certification ( Forest Stewardship Council ) can confirm the sustainable origin of cork. It ensures that the cork comes from responsibly managed forests.

Stainless steel – reusable instead of disposable

Stainless steel is a durable and 100% recyclable material. Its strength and corrosion resistance mean that stainless steel products often have a long service life, reducing the need for disposable products. Thanks to these special properties, stainless steel is food safe and ideal for food and beverages.

Stainless steel is used for a variety of promotional items such as drinking bottles , thermos flasks, key rings and cutlery, mostly in combination with an engraved logo or printed patterns.

ISO 14001 can confirm the environmentally friendly production of stainless steel. It defines the criteria for an environmental management system.

Recycled plastic – promotional products

from rePET

Recycled plastic (rePET) uses existing plastic materials, reducing the need for crude oil and reducing the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills. In this way, the use of recycled plastic supports the circular economy and minimizes the ecological footprint.

Recycled plastic is used for coffee mugs , pens, bottles, bags, cell phone cases and many other promotional items, mostly in combination with engraving, but color printing is also possible.

The Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) is a common certificate for recycled plastic that confirms the amount and type of recycled material in a product. You can find more helpful information about rePET here .

Durable and sustainable promotional products with Twing

It is important to us to offer our customers the full range of sustainable materials for promotional products, which in turn will put a smile on their customers’ (or employees’) faces. We’ll be happy to advise you on your way to the perfect, sustainable giveaway. Just send us a non-binding inquiry or call us now. We are very happy to hear from you.