Planet Friendly Promotional Product Terminology Made Easy

Planet Friendly Promotional Product Terminology Made Easy | Keep Up With The Latest Eco Terms

Many organizations are seeking promotional products that not only look fantastic but also represent a planet-friendly approach to their branding. In the past, the term “Eco-friendly” was used to cover any product that was recycled, recyclable, or biodegradable. There weren’t a lot of options and many found these products to be expensive and lacking in style. Fast forward and now there are so many options for planet-friendly products that are both cost-effective and stylish. But a new host of terms, materials, and missions can make marketers and buyers feel overwhelmed. We’re here to make it easy with the following guide to help you determine the right eco-friendly and sustainable products for promoting your message – plus our top pick for each one:

Bamboo Promotional Products

When it comes to renewable and versatile, a bamboo plant is probably not something that comes to mind. These incredible crops are tough like wood but are actually a type of grass that require very little water to grow. Pesticides and fertilizers aren’t necessary, either. Bamboo plants release 35 percent more oxygen into the air compared to trees similar in size, therefore making it a great eco-friendly option for companies to use as one of their raw materials.

There are lots of promotional products made exclusively of bamboo like Bamboo Spoons and Bamboo Coaster Sets. But our top pick for bamboo promotional products features a bamboo accent giving it a retail quality look. These Shaco Stainless Steel Bottles with a Bamboo Cap also feature a large imprint area for your green message or brand.


Shaco Copper Vac Bottle w/Bamboo Cap – 17oz.

Promotional Products Made with Organic Cotton

Organic cotton excludes harmful chemicals, genetically modified seeds, and water-intensive farming techniques. Organic cotton is available in a wide range of printed products. Organic cotton bags and totes are the most popular of our eco-friendly bags and there are many options to choose from. These Organic Cotton Flat Travel Pouches offer a smaller, travel-friendly option. Their neutral tone offers a great background for your custom logo and is well suited for any traveler.


Organic Cotton Flat Travel Pouches

Recycled Cotton Promotional Products

Recycled cotton is sourced from cotton that already exists and helps keep waste minimal which also leads to less impact on the environment. Organic cotton excludes harmful chemicals, genetically modified seeds, and water-intensive farming techniques. This ecological textile production method significantly saves water, energy, and carbon dioxide emissions and creates regenerated material that is natural, bio-based, biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable.

Recycled cotton is also popular for bags and totes and these Recycled Cotton Drawstring Backpacks are a great back-to-school marketing idea. Our top pick is these Recycled Cotton Convention Totes. They are a great choice for eco-friendly and sustainable marketing for both their budget-friendly price and stylish good looks.


15 x 16.5 Recycled Cotton Convention Totes

Promotional Products Made with rPET

rPET is made from existing plastic (usually water bottles) that has been recycled, reprocessed, and made into something new. By using RPET plastic, waste that ends up in landfills, oceans, and backyards is reduced while giving this material a second life instead of using valuable energy and resources to create material that cannot be recycled.

rPET Fleece Blankets offer the comfort and feel of polyester micro plush but are made with a material that is environmentally friendly. They’re a great way to onboard new hires, recognize star employees, and thank clients. But if you’re looking for a unique rPET product then these Cooler Sling bags are a great choice for keeping drinks cold while on the go. They are perfect for outdoor marketing and are a great promotional product for festivals and outdoor events.


Traver RPET Adjustable Bottle Sling Cooler Bags

New Material and Mission – Repreve®

At least 8.8 million tons of plastics make their way into the ocean annually. This amount of waste is the equivalent of dumping a garbage truck’s contents into the ocean every minute. 80 percent of plastic flows into the oceans from land and there eventually will be more plastic by weight than fish by 2050.

REPREVE® Our Ocean is a premium collection of fiber and resin sourced from high-risk bottles entering the ocean. Plastic drinking bottles and their white lids have transformed into recycled polyester that transforms into outdoor, active apparel, and more. In 2016, an investment of 28 million US dollars allowed plastic bottles to be processed in-house instead of in a third-party facility. Repreve’s lower environmental impact is one of many advantages compared to virgin polyester fibers manufactured from raw materials.

This exciting new concept is making its way into the promotional product industry in a variety of products including backpacks. Our favorite is the Repreve® Ocean Every Day Computer Backpack which offers a generous imprint area for your imprint as well as printed tags that help recipients understand the importance of the Repreve® material. And it gives them a retail look at a reasonable price.


Repreve Ocean Everyday Computer Backpacks -15″

Wheat Straw

Renewable and sustainable, wheat straw is one of the latest eco-friendly materials that is a smart and environmentally friendly alternative to plastic. BPA-free, FDA approved, and is a premium food grade material, so it is a safe eco-friendly option. Wheat straw is overall a better alternative to plastic, and your health, and is environmentally friendly.

Wheat Straw is becoming a popular option as it immediately resonates as an eco-friendly product that adds some punch to any green or sustainable marketing. This versatile material is available in a variety of products like drinkware and food storage but these Wheat Straw Notebooks offer a new take on wheat straw that has lots of branding power.


Wheat Straw Notebooks With Pen – 5 x 7
Eco-Friendly And Sustainable Products - Better Alternatives: Bamboo, Organic Cotton, Recycled Cotton, rPET, REPREVE Ocean and Wheat Straw

As Products Evolve, We’ll Be Ready to Help

Positive changes and new concepts of environmental and social responsibility are coming into the promotional products industry creating a rich assortment of eco-friendly and sustainable products. There’s a lot to learn and we’ll help you stay one step ahead as the marketplace continues to evolve. Our company has helped several businesses for over 20 years with their marketing campaigns and we have plenty of experience creating promotional products for all types of companies. Connect with an account manager to get started right away!

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