16 Sustainable Promotional Products to Renew Your Marketing Strategy

Sustainability may have started out as a consumer trend. Going green was once the cool thing to do. Now - it’s the expected thing to do. As consumers become more and more socially conscious, they expect their favorite brands to do the same. This has elevated the sustainability trend to a business imperative. 

The promotional product industry is no different. Companies are now looking for eco-friendly promotional products that align with their values and showcase their commitment to the environment. 

So, what exactly are sustainable promotional products, and how do you implement them into your marketing strategy? 

What is a Sustainable Promotional Product?

According to the Sustainable Products Corporation, sustainable products “provide environmental, social, and economic benefits while protecting public health, welfare, and environment over their full commercial cycle, from the extraction of raw materials to final disposal.”

Sustainable promotional products are made from all-natural materials and produced in a manner that minimizes harm to the environment. These products are designed to be long-lasting, reusable, and recyclable, reducing their overall environmental impact.

Different Types of Eco-Friendly Promotional Products

As the term “eco-friendly” becomes a popular buzzword, greenwashing has become all too common. This is when companies invest more time (and money) into marketing their products as “green” when they aren’t really as sustainable as they claim.

So how do you see through false claims and choose truly eco-friendly promotional products? Start by understanding these common categories:

• Recycled Fabrics - Common fabrics we see used are recycled PET fabrics and recycled cotton.
• Natural Materials - Bamboo, hemp, wheat straw, and cotton are all-natural and biodegradable.  
• Giveback Items - Products that support sustainable causes are becoming more and more popular.
• Reusable Products - Water bottles, straws, and bags are all reusable and help reduce the use of single-use plastics.
• Sustainably Made Items - It’s not just about the product itself, but how a company does business. Is the manufacturer B Corp Certified? Do they have sustainable and ethical practices in place?

Best Sustainable Promotional Products for Green Marketing  

According to the most recent Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) Global Ad Impressions Study, 46% of consumers report a more favorable opinion of an advertiser if the item they receive is environmentally friendly. 

Implementing eco-friendly promotional products into your brand’s overall marketing strategy is no longer a suggestion. It’s key if you want to reach today’s consumer. By choosing sustainable products, you’ll not only appeal to your customers and prospects, but you’ll establish a positive reputation for your company.  

However, deciding which items are best for your industry, event, and target audience can be difficult. Here are a few popular eco-friendly promotional product ideas to help get you started.

1. Bees Wrap and Swedish Dishcloth Kit

Support local artisans and contribute to a healthier planet with this unique gift set that offers a sustainable alternative to plastic wrap and disposable towels. Made from certified organic cotton and infused with natural ingredients like beeswax and tree resin, it’s the perfect solution for preserving snacks, leftovers, and other food items without creating any extra waste.

2. Unisex Organic Basic Crew

Sustainable and ethical fashion is a leading branded apparel trend this year. Consumers are becoming more mindful of the impact their clothing choices have on the environment, and brands are responding by investing more in organic materials and fair labor practices. 

This unisex crewneck t-shirt is made from 100% certified organic cotton and comes in a wide variety of sizes and colors, making it a great addition to any company uniform or event giveaway.

3. ApPeel Medio Slim Journal

This unique branded journal is made from apple pulp and other vegetable fibers that have been made into organic material, making this item eco- and animal-friendly. The cover is available in several natural-looking colors, from Red Delicious to Granny Smith, and allows plenty of room for your foil-stamped or debossed logo on the front. The journal measures 5.25 x 8.375 inches and comes with 160 pages with green lines, a gold ribbon marker, and a back pocket.

4. AWARE™ Recycled Cotton Shopper Tote Bag

Rule of thumb for choosing memorable corporate gifts: never settle for ordinary. And that's precisely what this recycled tote bag is - extraordinary and truly unique. It's the first bag to use traceability technology to offer an indisputable way to track and validate the textile impact from origin to consumer. Your eco-conscious recipient can find out exactly where the bag came from, how it was made, and the positive impact it has had on both people and the planet. Pretty cool, huh? 

5. Recycled Backpack Cooler

One of the most common single-use items is the dreaded plastic bag. The average American consumes a staggering 365 plastic bags each year - yikes.

If you want to give your recipients a green alternative to plastic bags and a reusable way to carry their lunches, snacks, or food, look no further than this recycled backpack cooler. This two-in-one bag comes with a PEVA-lined, zippered main compartment that will keep food cold and fresh for hours. This cooler can be customized with a logo imprint on its front pocket. 

6. Repreve® Ocean Everyday Computer Backpack

Elevate your brand's image and showcase your commitment to sustainability with this branded computer backpack made from recycled ocean plastic. With a spacious main compartment, padded laptop sleeve, and multiple pockets, this backpack is perfect for distant clients or employees on the go. And with every purchase of this bag, one percent of sales is donated to ocean conservation efforts.

7. RuMe Recycled Pouch

This recycled pouch is made from post-consumer plastics and has two zippered pockets ideal for organizing and carrying small, hard-to-keep-track-of items. It’s machine washable and features a hidden gusset on the bottom for extra storage capacity. The pouch is available in black or burlap with a heat transfer imprint option for maximum visibility.

8. Eco-Friendly Lip Balms

Lip balm is a cost-effective branded giveaway every smart marketer should have on hand. And maybe you’ve received a promotional lip balm before. Do you recall what container it came in? Plastic? Well, if you want to stand out and be more sustainable as a company, consider choosing an eco-friendly alternative. 

This lip balm is made with sustainable and responsibly sourced materials. Plus, the packaging is made from recycled post-consumer plastic and potato bio-resin, which comes from excess potato starch. A 100% recyclable product.

9. CamelBak Eddy+ Bottle

This sustainable water bottle from CamelBak is a great brand-name option for VIP clients. It’s shatter, stain, and odor resistant, so your outdoor-loving receipts can confidently take it with them wherever they journey next. It features a screw-on lid and spill-proof bite valve to prevent any accidental spills. Plus, it’s made with 50% recycled post-consumer plastic. 

10. NAYAD® Neo Coffee Grounds Tumbler

This custom tumbler is made from recycled coffee grounds and crafted from rust-free stainless steel. With a sophisticated and stunning copper finish, it’s perfect for impressing clients and rewarding hardworking employees. Whether sipping a steaming cup of joe or enjoying an ice-cold smoothie, recipients will appreciate this high-quality, eco-friendly item that doesn't sacrifice style for function. 

11. Wheat Straw Mug

Wheat straw is the natural, eco-friendly material that’s left over after wheat grains are harvested. It’s commonly treated as waste and many farmers end up burning it, contributing to air pollution. The good news is it can be used to create sustainable products, such as this wheat straw mug. 

With double-wall construction and a stainless steel liner, this eco-friendly mug keeps drinks at just the right temperature. Specifically designed to fit K-cup coffee machines, your clients and employees will love the added convenience and appeal of this 14 oz. spill-resistant mug. Plus, you can brand it with a color print silkscreen logo on the outside for maximum brand exposure.

12. Slowtide® Quick-Dry Fitness Towel

While your employees, clients, and sales prospects sweat it out at the gym, golf course, or yoga studio, give them this game-changing accessory they can feel good about. This fitness towel is made from 100% recycled materials and is designed to dry faster than regular cotton towels, making it the perfect addition to any workout routine. Plus, with a large double-sided imprint area for your logo or message, you can ensure that your brand stays top of mind during every sweat session.

13. Wool Dryer Balls

This unique promo item will help your recipients say goodbye to wasteful dryer sheets and hello to reusable, biodegradable goodness. Each pack contains three ethically sourced wool balls that can withstand a whopping 1000 small- to medium-sized loads of laundry. That's right, these babies are built to last, fragrance-free, and suitable for all types of fabrics. 

14. Bio Plastic Bento Box

This bento box isn’t just a lunch box – the bamboo lid serves as a cutting board, too. The lid and container are tightly secured with a matching band and it even includes a fork/spoon combo that attaches to the side. It’s made of two different sustainable materials: bamboo and PLA. PLA is a bioplastic made from polylactic acid created with plant starches. This eco-friendly promotional product is perfect for cause-related marketing campaigns thanks to its partnership with 1% for the Planet.

15. Recycled Fleece Blanket

This eco fleece blanket combines comfort with the social responsibility that your audience craves. It’s made from 100% recycled PET material, measures 50 x 60 inches unfolded, and easily fits into the cotton canvas pouch it comes with for convenient storage and transport. 

The pouch contains a cinch rope to enclose the blanket and offers a handle on the bottom for easy carrying or hanging options. It’s comfort and sustainability all wrapped up into one. Consider branding the pouch with either a color print silkscreen or digital print transfer. The blanket comes in black, green, natural, or navy.

16. W&P Porter No Waste Lunch Set

Give your team a lunchtime experience that's fun, fashionable, and sustainable with this eco-friendly gift bundle that combines a silicone bowl and a matching utensil set. The 24 oz.  bowl is spacious enough to hold all types of meals, from yogurt and fruit to soup and pasta. And with its leak-proof lid, recipients won't encounter any messy spills while transporting. With this sustainable promotional item, your employees can elevate their lunch game and make a statement in the break room. 

Refresh Your Green Marketing with Eco-Friendly Promotional Products 

By promoting your brand with eco-friendly promotional products, your company is taking part in a revolutionary movement that defines this generation. Decrease your company's ecological footprint and increase brand awareness with sustainable promotional products you can feel good about giving away.

While investing in eco-friendly promotional products is a good starting point, it doesn't mean your work is done. You need to promote other sustainability initiatives and incorporate eco-friendly practices in your daily office routines. Here are some tactics to consider:

• Opt for fair trade items or swag made from natural materials such as bamboo or cotton 
• Give employees reusable items like water bottles, tote bags, or pens made from recycled materials
• Implement eco-friendly printing practices 
• Switch to eco-friendly options for items like printer ink, cleaning supplies, and office furniture (look for certifications such as Energy Star or Forest Stewardship Council to ensure these products meet sustainability standards)
• Offer incentives for employees who carpool, use public transportation, or bike to work
• Educate employees and provide resources for individual sustainability efforts at home

Once you've got the knack for green marketing, you’ll see the results as your prospects and customers become more loyal and connected with your brand. Get in touch if you need assistance selecting sustainable promotional products for your organization. We’ll work with you to find eco-friendly items that are not only good for the environment but for your budget, too

Editor's Note: This post was originally published on March 1, 2021, and has been updated for accuracy and current best practices.