A failsafe 10-step guide to making your branded merchandise sustainable

Switching to an ethical and eco-friendly branded merchandise strategy is more important than ever. 

Of course, with sustainability an ever-growing priority in all corners of business, it’s a change that will align with your broader ESG goals. You’ll be cutting back on wasteful practices and supporting responsible suppliers. 

But genuinely useful and eco-friendly branded merch is also what your clients and employees want to receive. It’s a proven way to maximise impact and avoid wasting money on ineffective promotional products.  

If you’re eager to make the change but feeling overwhelmed with the challenge of ensuring you’re making truly green, ethical choices – fear not. Our 10-step impact checklist is the thorough yet easy-to-follow guide you need for better branded merchandise. 

How do you make merchandise sustainable?

There are two main elements to making your branded merchandise sustainable: the product and the supplier. Our checklist includes an impact scorecard for each, to help you see how they weigh up against sustainable standards. 

When it comes to the product, considering the materials, ingredients and packaging is key. Are they sustainable, organic and durable, for instance? 

Equally, it’s important to consider whether this is a fad product or something timeless. You want to move away from the disposable or useless items that end up being thrown away and towards those your recipients will cherish. 

Once you’re clear on the green credentials of a piece of merch, it’s time to reflect on who made it. Our supplier scorecard prompts you to think about their manufacturing process, what certifications they have and the transparency of their supply chain, among other considerations. 

You’ll also want to get a sense of the supplier’s driving purpose. It’s always positive if there’s a clear social mission or a charitable partnership at its heart. 

Ethical, eco-friendly branded merchandise in 10 steps

When it comes to the 10 steps we recommend to making your branded merchandise sustainable, the first are all about defining your aims, audience and expectations. 

Then we dive into the practical steps for creating a list of potential suppliers and promotional products – you might like to discover just a few ideas to inspire you on our marketplace. 

The final steps are geared towards refining that list. Whittle it down to the most impactful and eco-friendly pieces of branded merchandise, that are also most relevant to your specific brand values.

Follow the guide, finetune your strategy and feel confident you’ve nailed sustainable, eco-friendly branded merch. If you want to make things simpler still, talk to us for personalised advice and guidance.