Let’s be honest, navigating the world of recycled, eco-friendly, and sustainable products can be confusing, even for well-intentioned buyers. Terms like recycled content, biobased, compostable, and carbon-neutral are everywhere, but not always clearly explained. How do you know if a tote bag is made from post-consumer recycled material? Or if a plastic tumbler is truly biodegradable?
As Earth Day approaches, brands have a valuable opportunity to reflect on their impact—and make more conscious choices about the materials and products they use. At Symphonix, we believe great branding doesn’t have to come at the expense of the planet. In fact, some of the most engaging and memorable promotional merchandise is also the most sustainable.
Whether you're building a company store, planning a direct mail campaign, or stocking up for an event, choosing eco-friendly products is a powerful way to align your brand with values your audience cares about. Here are six smart strategies for building a more sustainable promotional plan:
Look for products made from:
These materials are not only better for the environment, but they also provide texture, color, and stories that traditional plastics simply can't offer. Look for these logos:
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The best sustainable product is the one that gets used again and again. Prioritize items that are:
This approach prevents waste and ensures your brand makes a lasting impression—literally.
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It’s easy to say a product is “eco-friendly”—but how do you know it truly is? Look for reputable certifications such as:
These third-party certifications give your brand credibility and confidence.
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Sustainability goes beyond the product itself. Ask the following questions:
At Symphonix, we work with supplier partners who share our values and have made sustainability a top priority.
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Truly sustainable promotional merchandise considers what happens when it's no longer needed. Look for items that are:
We even love items that include QR codes to educate users on how to recycle or reuse the item properly—a great opportunity to tell your brand’s sustainability story.
A few client favorites:
Some products go the extra mile by donating a portion of profits to environmental nonprofits, planting trees, or removing plastic from the ocean. These items don’t just represent your brand—they become a small act of advocacy in your customers’ hands. One popular partnership is the “1% For The Planet” program where one percent of sales are donated to environmental nonprofits.
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Symphonix can help you find promotional merchandise that reflects your values without sacrificing creativity, quality, or impact. Whether you're rethinking your swag strategy or designing an eco-conscious company store, we’ll guide you toward smarter, more sustainable choices.
Let’s make every brand impression a little greener—not just on Earth Day, but every day.
After all, “the Earth is what we all have in common.” — Wendell Berry
Earth Day began on April 22, 1970, when 20 million Americans came together to demand action on environmental issues like oil spills, smog, and polluted rivers. Sparked by a devastating oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara in 1969, the movement was led by Senator Gaylord Nelson and activist Denis Hayes, who united students, teachers, and everyday citizens in a call for change.
The momentum led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the passage of major laws like the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act. Today, Earth Day is celebrated in over 190 countries and is recognized as the largest secular observance in the world. It’s not only a celebration of progress—but also a powerful reminder of how much more we can do.