Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important part of how companies approach promotional merchandise.
It is no longer just about choosing products that look good or fit within budget. Businesses are also considering how products are sourced, produced and used, and whether their suppliers align with broader environmental and social goals.
At the same time, expectations are changing.
Clients, employees and stakeholders are paying closer attention to the decisions companies make, including the products they put their name on.
In this guide, we explore why sustainability matters in promotional merchandise, and what certifications such as EcoVadis Gold can help demonstrate.
why Sustainability Has Become More Important
Promotional merchandise is designed to create visibility. But increasingly, companies are recognising that the products they choose also communicate something about their values.
This has led to a shift towards more considered merchandise strategies focused on:
- product longevity
- reusable items
- responsible sourcing
- ethical production
- environmental and social impact
Rather than focusing purely on volume or cost, many organisations are now looking at the wider impact of the products they distribute.
If you're new to sustainable merchandise, our guide to sustainable promotional merchandise explains the key considerations and helps break the topic down in a practical, approachable way.
The Link Between Sustainability and Product Effectiveness
Interestingly, sustainability and effectiveness are often closely connected.
Products that are:
- useful
- high quality
- well designed
- used regularly
tend to be both more sustainable and more effective from a branding perspective.
A reusable water bottle used daily for months will generally create more value than a lower-quality item that is quickly set aside.
As explored in our article on how to design branded merchandise people actually keep, longevity is one of the biggest drivers of long-term brand visibility.
What Companies Are Looking for Today
Sustainability in promotional merchandise now extends far beyond simply using recycled materials.
Many companies are also considering:
- supplier transparency
- ethical labour practices
- product traceability
- packaging reduction
- social impact initiatives
- carbon reduction goals
For larger organisations in particular, supplier standards are becoming increasingly important as part of procurement and ESG requirements.
Environmental Impact vs Social Impact
Sustainability is often associated with environmental impact, but social impact also plays an important role.
Environmental considerations might include:
- recycled materials
- reusable products
- reduced packaging
- carbon reduction initiatives
Social impact can include:
- fair wages and ethical working conditions
- supporting local communities
- charitable giving initiatives
- circular economy programmes
- products linked to projects such as tree planting or clean water initiatives
Both elements contribute to a more responsible approach to merchandise.
what is Ecovadis?
EcoVadis is one of the world’s most widely recognised business sustainability rating platforms. It assesses companies across a range of areas including:
environmental impact
Assesses how a company manages its environmental footprint, including areas such as emissions, waste, energy use and sustainable materials.
labour and human rights
Evaluates working conditions, fair treatment, employee wellbeing and the protection of human rights throughout the supply chain.
ethics
Measures how a company operates responsibly and transparently, including areas such as anti-corruption, compliance and business integrity.
sustainable procurement
Reviews how suppliers and sourcing decisions are managed to encourage responsible, ethical and sustainable business practices.
The assessment looks beyond individual products and evaluates the wider business practices and policies of a company.
EcoVadis ratings are increasingly used by global organisations as part of supplier evaluation and procurement processes.
what does Ecovadis gold mean?
EcoVadis Gold is awarded to companies that score within the top five percent of assessed businesses globally.
It indicates that a company has demonstrated strong sustainability performance across key ESG areas.
This can provide reassurance that a supplier is actively investing in responsible business practices and continuous improvement.
Importantly, EcoVadis is not focused on marketing claims. It is based on documented evidence, policies and assessment criteria.
why certifications matter
Sustainability claims can sometimes be difficult to evaluate.
Certifications and recognised assessment platforms help provide greater transparency and accountability.
For companies purchasing promotional merchandise, this can make supplier selection more straightforward, particularly where sustainability reporting or procurement requirements are involved.
However, certifications should be viewed as part of the wider picture rather than the only consideration.
The most effective approach combines:
- responsible sourcing
- practical product selection
- good design
- supplier transparency
- long-term usability
sustainability and brand perception
The products a company chooses can influence how its brand is perceived. Well-considered merchandise can help reinforce:
- quality
- responsibility
- professionalism
- alignment with company values
This is particularly relevant for:
- onboarding
- client gifting
- events and conferences
- employee engagement initiatives
As expectations around sustainability continue to evolve, companies are increasingly looking for merchandise that reflects both their brand and their wider commitments.
choosing sustainable promotional merchandise in practice
A practical approach to sustainability often involves asking questions such as:
- Will this product actually be used?
- Is it made responsibly?
- Does it align with our brand values?
- Can we reduce unnecessary waste?
- Is the supplier transparent about sourcing and standards?
In many cases, sustainability is not about finding a perfect solution. It is about making better-informed decisions over time.
key takeaways
- Sustainability in promotional merchandise includes both environmental and social impact
- Product longevity and usability are key considerations
- Companies are increasingly assessing suppliers on ESG performance
- EcoVadis is a recognised sustainability assessment platform used globally
- EcoVadis Gold indicates strong sustainability performance across key areas
- Responsible merchandise strategies balance practicality, quality and impact
Explore Promotional Merchandise Ideas
If you're planning a campaign or event and looking for ideas, explore our range of branded promotional merchandise or speak with our team about creating products that reflect your brand.
Frequently asked questions
EcoVadis is a global sustainability assessment platform that evaluates companies across environmental, ethical, labour and procurement criteria.
EcoVadis Gold is awarded to companies that achieve a high sustainability rating compared to other assessed businesses globally.
Promotional products are often distributed at scale, so decisions around materials, sourcing and usability can have a significant environmental and social impact.
In many cases, yes. Products that are used repeatedly over time often deliver both environmental benefits and stronger long-term brand visibility.
No. Sustainability also includes ethical sourcing, supplier standards, social impact, packaging reduction and product longevity.