Promo pros from near and far converged on the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas this week for PPAI Expo 2024, a trade show that had drawn more than 10,000 distributors as of this writing. 

They came to learn and to see products from what Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) reported was nearly 1,000 exhibitors. From sustainability-themed discoveries to nostalgia-infused retail items, here are eight of the unique trends/developments ASI Media spotted on the show floor.

1. ‘Eco-Conscious and Budget-Friendly Finds’

There’s a perception that if a product is sustainable, then it must be expensive. Promo suppliers are trying to change that.

At Expo, suppliers were showcasing items that were made responsibly from eco-friendly materials – and that were far from bank breakers. Top 40 firm Gemline (asi/56070), for instance, devoted a section of its booth to items a sign heralded as “eco-conscious and budget-friendly finds,” with many of the bags showcased therein costing around $10.

Gemline (asi/56070) was showcasing products made from recycled materials at budget-friendly prices.

The new-for-2024 RueMe recycled mini-tote is, as the name suggests, made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate plastic (rPET), PVC-free, and $9.35 a pop for quantities of 300. The Out of the Ocean Reusable large shopper tote is made 100% from plastic reclaimed from the ocean and goes for $9 for quantities of 300.

Other examples could be found throughout the show floor.

This year, Indiana-headquartered EMT (asi/52263) has brought to market an eco-version of its popular phone loop straps, which attach to the back of smartphones, making them easier to carry (and to prevent dropping). EMT has made the loops from recycled PET polyester. The straps run $2.85 per unit for 100; $2.15 per unit for 500. “There was demand for a sustainable option with this product and we’ve had a lot of interest already at the show,” said EMT’s Victoria Hamilton.

Elsewhere, Wovin Brands/Promopet (asi/79698) was spotlighting its new Swedish dishcloth, which is great for tidying up spills and other kitchen mishaps. The cloth is made completely from natural plant fibers, reusable and biodegradable. The product features full-color prints created with earth-friendly water-based inks. “The performance you get out of one Swedish dishcloth equals 17 rolls of paper towels,” said Wovin Brands’ Jessie Johnson.

2. Conscientious Packaging

The sustainability theme manifested in many ways on the show floor, and among the most notable was in packaging. The attention promo collectively paid to packaging soared during the pandemic, in significant part, because it became integral due to the many branded goods being drop-shipped to remote workers. Indeed, so important did packaging become that ASI Media named it the industry’s Product of the Year for 2022.

The availability and decision to create attractive, retail-inspired packaging has continued to pervade promo. But now, there’s a growing additional element in the category: Namely, reducing or eliminating packaging waste and/or making packaging from planet-friendly materials.

Rupt (asi/84203) designs packaging so that it has a second life, such as this box drinkware came in that transforms into a planter.

Take EMT’s phone loop. It comes to recipients packaged on an instruction card that’s made from recycled material. Meanwhile, Austin, TX-based Rupt (asi/84203), the new supplier firm founded by Origaudio creators Jason Lucash and Mike Szymczak, is looking to elevate promo packaging to a new level.

Bearing the messaging “Packaging with Purpose,” Rupt’s packaging is designed for second-life use. That means the package one of the firm’s technology, backpack or drinkware products comes in can be turned into everything from a desk clock, bird feeder or spice rack to illuminated tables, mini greenhouses, cord organizers, night lights and more. In effect, the packaging is a second product/gift for the recipient – something that doesn’t get thrown out, thereby eliminating waste from the gifting experience.

3. More Transparency on Sustainability

As demand for products made sustainably increases, greenwashing becomes a greater risk in promo and other industries. It’s a practice that involves making unsubstantiated claims that deceive a potential buyer into believing a product is environmentally friendly when it’s not.

Suppliers like Gemline and Top 40 firm HPG (asi/61966) are among those counteracting greenwashing with transparency.

Gemline, for instance, has partnered with Aware, a global textile traceability solution for the fashion and textile industry. Aware is the world’s first hybrid (physical tracer plus public blockchain) traceability technology. It works like a virtual passport to authenticate sustainable material throughout the production process.

As part of its Goods to Know sustainability transparency initiative, HPG (asi/61966) is providing short descriptors that help distributors and their customers understand the sustainability merits of a product or a particular HPG eco effort.

In 2024, HPG is kicking off its Goods to Know initiative. This includes providing documentation that verifies the sustainability merit of a particular product and making it easy for distributors and their customers to understand why a product warrants a descriptor like “sustainable” or eco-friendly with brief text. “It’s all about transparency and being open,” said Ben Pawsey, HPG’s vice president of marketing.

4. Items That Make Travel Easier, More Comfortable

With pandemic-era travel hesitancy well in the rearview, air travel has again ignited. Maybe that’s why one of the niche trends at Expo centered on products that aim to make traveling easier.

The new inflatable travel pillow from Philadelphia-based Pop! Promos (asi/45657) was one such item. Featuring edge-to-edge full-color dye-sublimated prints, the pillow can be inflated when needed for use, supporting the spine and neck on those long flights and train journeys.

The inflatable travel pillow from Pop! Promos (asi/45657).

When no longer needed, the pillow is deflated and folded into a pocket for simple storage. Custom hang or woven tags are available with the product. “It’s a really practical item, and an end-user takes your client’s brand with them wherever they travel,” said Kristine Eng, marketing manager with Pop! Promos.

Another travel-facilitating item on offer was The Airplane Clip from Virginia-based FLYGA (asi/54872). This Made-in-the-USA item acts as a portable, brandable drink or phone holder for travelers on planes, trains and automobiles. “No more crushed cups in your seatback pocket, or having to hold your phone,” the company website said. “Think of all the people who fly to and from industry events … FLYGA creates a unique and impactful brand engagement opportunity.”

The Airplane Clip from FLYGA (asi/54872).

5. For Some Apparel, Bigger Is Better

Apparel is promo’s top-selling category, and there was a vast array of new styles and trends to spot. Among the more eye-catching examples: Oversized offerings and heavyweight T-shirts appear to be enjoying a moment, at least among the tastes of more fashion-forward/youthful end-user audiences.

Top 40 supplier Next Level Apparel (asi/73867) was drawing ample attention with its new unisex 100% combed ringspun cotton T-shirt – The Legend, which officially launches in March. The tee is a heavier-weight style, clocking in at 6.8 ounces and featuring a ribbed neck and dropped shoulder seams that create a relaxed, casual, oversized look.

The Legend is a 6.8oz heavyweight tee from Next Level Apparel (asi/73867).

Next Level pros at the booth said there’s been rampant demand for such heavyweight styles, particularly among end-markets like brands, retail, collegiate/education and music/entertainment. In further response to that market appetite, Next Level later this year plans to launch heavyweight fleece options that tally around 10 ounces.

Meanwhile, San Diego-based Terry Town (asi/90913) was talking with more than a few distributors about its new Oversized Lounge Zip Hoodie. The baggy, fleecy, soft-lined style is a natural fit for markets like collegiate, travel sports teams, the legal cannabis niche, tech/start-ups and fitness/wellness. “We’re seeing this look at retail, and there’s definitely demand for it,” said Alp Ereren, content manager at Terry Town. “It’s a style that’s all about comfort. It lets people kind of cocoon themselves, and they love that.”

Markets like collegiate and wellness are keen on this oversized hoodie style from Terry Town (asi/90913).

6. Nostalgia Is in the Air

It’s no secret that retail/broader marketplace trends can influence what’s hot in terms of promo product preference and the tone/messaging of branded merchandise campaigns. One of those trends just may be nostalgia for bygone decades, like the 1980s and ’90s. For sure, nostalgia is permeating pop culture, and that’s driving business for some promo suppliers.

Links Unlimited (asi/67617) carries a wide range of retail brands. Beyond names like Amazon, Sonos, Oakley, Camelbak and Costa, the Ohio-based supplier offers Polaroid. The cameras – which evoke those nostalgic ’80s vibes – have been strong sellers for Links Unlimited, which can decorate the side of the products with a custom print/logo. “Polaroid couldn’t believe how much we moved for them last year,” said Anthony Fullenkamp, inside sales manager at Links Unlimited.

Links Unlimited (asi/67617) offers retail brands that include Polaroid cameras – products that have been sharp sellers thanks to their nostalgic feel, the firm said.

Alpi International (asi/34415) was also surfing the nostalgia wave, so to speak, with products on offer and the fun uniforms that team members were wearing at their booth.

The Alpi pros had on neon windbreakers that would have been well in place at any mall in the 1980s. The look that harkened to Alpi’s founding decade (the ’80s) and played up the connection with the firm’s products that have a nostalgic feel, like magic eight balls that give answers to questions after being shaken. Booth giveaways included stress balls shaped like a TV that said, “I Want My MTV” and another designed like a dial phone printed with the messaging “Phone Home” – a reference to the ’80s classic movie E.T.

“It’s all about nostalgia,” said Alpi Sales Manager Marc Canet.

Megan Embrey and Marc Canet of Alpi International (asi/34415).

7. The Stanley’s Still Huge, But Competitors Might Be Emerging

The 40-ounce Stanley Quencher was the undisputed king of drinkware in 2023 – so much so that ASI Media named it the Product of the Year. The reusable thirst-slaker continues to wield a massive influence, with end-buyers wanting both the Stanley itself and alternatives that mimic or try to evolve upon the style.

The Owala Freesip is available from ETS Express (asi/51197).

Still, certain distributors were on the lookout for what may be the next big thing in drinkware.

Some think styles like the smaller, thinner Owala Freesip, a 24-ounce double-wall stainless-steel thermal bottle with copper vacuum insulation, might be it. The product, which was drawing eyeballs at the ETS Express (asi/51197) booth, includes a push-button locking mechanism, sip opening and built-in straw. “It’s going to be big,” predicted Nikko Munoz of ETS Express.

8. Perforated Performance Trending in Caps

Hats with performance features and perforated styling on the sides and back picked up considerable sales steam for Top 40 supplier Cap America (asi/43792) in 2023. Expecting that momentum to accelerate, the firm is bringing to market in 2024 a new version of the style: the Flexfit 110 Perforated Performance snap back cap. It’s a mid-profile, six-panel structured cap with a pre-curved visor, UV protection, moisture wicking and an adjustable plastic snap back closure.

The Flexfit 110 Perforated Performance snap back cap is available from Cap America (asi/43792).

“It’s going to do very well in the golf market, as well as corporate, finance – and with the C-suite in general,” said Rhyen McFarland, communications and engagement strategist with Cap America.

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