Here’s everything you might have missed from our recent webinar.

What is sustainability?

Sustainability is the avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance. It’s meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Lastly, sustainability is the capacity for Earth’s biosphere and human civilization to coexist.

Why is it important?

Sustainability practices drive social and environmental change. With growing concerns about climate change, offering sustainable promo products can contribute to an organization’s overall success in the long-term. Your next generation of buyers cares about using renewable resources and reducing their carbon footprint. Don’t get left behind!

Keywords to know:

1. Natural ingredients: Derived from plant, animal or microbial sources. Examples include aloe vera, oil (jojoba, sunflower, etc.), jute and wheat straw. These ingredients are often a way to provide an eco friendly option without the cost of paying more for a product with stricter labels (e.g., organic).
2. Sustainable ingredients: Derived in a way that can be maintained. Examples include items made using renewable resources, manufactured with minimal waste, and with the reduction or elimination of pollutants. This option is great for customers who want to reduce their carbon footprint.
3. Organic ingredients: Refers to the verification of agricultural products grown and processed according to USDA regulations. Factors like soil quality, ethical animal treatment practices, pest and weed control, and use of additives come into play with the creation of these ingredients. There are strict requirements to achieve the ”organic” label. Good markets for these products are healthcare, spas and salons.

 How do I start marketing my sustainable product offerings?

1. Spread the word. Download images of sustainable products from ESP and/or supplier websites and catalogs. Create and repurpose content with information about sustainability and the importance of using natural or organic ingredients, then share this content across different media, including e-newsletters and social media.
2. Put them in your sales presentations. Add a slide or page to your next sales pitch that includes eco friendly alternatives, products made with natural ingredients, usage stats and FAQs about sustainability.
3. Pitch quality over quantity. Be sure your clients understand the importance of waste reduction and explain how better products made in a sustainable way will yield more success than simply investing in more products. Encourage your customers to invest in reusable products.
4. Try a direct mail campaign. Build a bulk shipment marketing campaign that promotes your focus on eco friendly items. Be sure to use recycled cardboard and water-based ink to practice what you preach.

What markets should I target?

1. Healthcare, Beauty Services, Spas & MedSpas: These markets are most likely to invest in natural and organic products.
2. Professional Services: These markets are most likely to invest in eco friendly desk accessories and tech products.
3. Education/Schools: This market is most likely to invest in sustainable apparel, bags and reusable water bottles.
4. Purpose-Driven Brands: This market is most likely to invest in any eco friendly item.

 

How can ASI and ESP help me?

ASI is dedicated to the pursuit of sustainability practices in our industry, and we have a few resources to help you promote your eco friendly products. The two most useful resources are our news page, where we have constant updates on the increasing demand for organic products made from natural ingredients, and ESP. Try these search terms on ESP when trying to reduce your carbon footprint: sustainability, recycled, organic, eco friendly, biodegradable, compostable, wheat straw, jute, bamboo and cork.

Don’t forget! We offer monthly webinars the third Thursday of each month at 2 p.m. ET. Visit our webinars page to see what’s coming up!

If you want to view our full Capitalizing on Sustainability webinar, you can do so here.