Barker Specialty (asi/132690) is bringing a European-style sustainability stateside. The Cheshire, CT-based promotional products distributor – and 2022 Counselor Distributor Family Business of the Year – recently announced a partnership with Swedish premium lifestyle brand and certified B Corp Agood Company.

The Stockholm-based firm was founded in 2019 by Anders Ankarlid and Henrik Jonsson and is dedicated to sourcing production materials that have a minimal environmental impact.

Already recognized in Europe for its sustainable products, Agood Company is making inroads in North America and chose Barker Specialty as its first partner in the U.S.

“We researched potential partners throughout North America and were impressed by the value and commitment of Barker Specialty to sustainability and environmental consciousness,” said Taina Buscato, global sales director for Agood Company. “In addition, we respected Barker Specialty’s longevity in the business for over 75 years, and their outstanding commitment to customer service.”

Stone Paper notebooks from Agood Company are made in a small family-owned factory. They’re sourced from 100% reused crushed stone material that’s a byproduct of the construction industry. They’re waterproof, printed with soy ink and made without cutting down a single tree or using any water.

Gerry Barker, president of Barker Specialty, told ASI Media that the partnership continues a long tradition of his company seeking out and introducing new brands to the promotional products industry. “I found this company, and we agreed that they would start with me, but can certainly open up to other dealers and distributors,” he explained. “This is simply Barker Specialty taking the initiative.”

Agood Company offers a range of products, from natural grass pens to recycled organic cotton T-shirts to bamboo toothbrushes. One unique product is its Stone Paper Notebook, which is made from leftover limestone and marble from the construction industry. The stone is crushed into a fine powder called calcium carbonate, which is then transformed into a waterproof paper product that doesn’t result in any trees being cut down in the process.

The supplier is also dedicated to transparency and accountability in its sustainable practices.

“We detail the environmental footprint of each and every one of our products,” Ankarlid said. “We account for the materials used, total water consumption, the source of energy used in the production and the carbon emission footprint of both production and shipping. We also benchmark our products against competing products in the same category.”

Agood Company offers pens made from natural grass, which are designed to use as little water as possible in the production process.

He added: “We continuously challenge consumers to transform mindless consumption into conscious decisions by helping people make informed and well-thought-through decisions when it comes to the things they buy. It makes sense for today’s advertisers to use Agood Company products for their promotional marketing needs.”

Barker Specialty notes that partnering with Agood Company was an easy decision because it aligns with the distributor’s mission, vision and values.

“Our clients are asking for high-quality products that are eco-friendly,” said Ewa Wlaz, account director at Barker Specialty. “While we have many options, the products of Agood Company are some of the best we have found.”

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