Corporations caring about the environment and doing what they can to make a positive impact have been on trend and growing. With global warming becoming more and more palatable, people feel a responsibility to do what they can to make a difference and support our earth. This can be reflected in consumer buying preferences, trends, and corporate gifts for clients. This added push to go green has filtered down into the regular habits of corporations, including how branded merchandise is managed, created, and gifted.
According to a comprehensive study conducted in 2024 by GiftAFeeling Inc., 87% of consumers felt that gifts that are thoughtful gifts can strengthen a relationship. This holds true for all sorts of relationships, including professional colleagues, staff, team members, clients, and more. Gift giving is a powerful way to build trust, alliance, positive feelings, and demonstrate appreciation. You can learn more about this by reading The Psychology Behind Corporate Gifts: Why They Matter to Your Staff.
In that same consumer study, researchers found that 65% of people value personalized gifts and 72% prefer sustainable gifts. This translates into the meaning that sustainability is a huge factor in the success of gift-giving. This is true to the extent that some people may not even want corporate giveaways if they are not sustainably sourced, support eco living, or are recycled.
In 2024, the global gifting industry was found to be valued at $72.56 billion. It is also projected to grow at a rate of 3.74% CAGR through 2031. If companies want to win over their clients and consumers, they must adapt to the growing need for eco-living and sustainability. In order for custom corporate gifts to hit a home run with their recipient, being sustainable is a virtual requirement.
Help your company thrive this year with sustainable corporate gifts!
This article will walk you through just a few reasons why being sustainable for things like swag items for events is necessary.
1. Make An Outstanding Impression With Sustainable Corporate Gifts
Research has found that being sustainable is what 72% of people want. That means that if you choose to ignore this, you will be letting down the majority of your gifting recipients. Gifts are a massive financial investment for your brand. Choosing the wrong ones that will not achieve their marketing goals can be detrimental to the growth of your business. Being sustainable is not just advisable, it is a staple of thriving corporations. If you need some support in making the best gifting decisions for your brand, reach out to Social Imprint, and we will guide you to the best gift to meet your needs.
2. Genuinely Care And Reduce Your Brand’s Environmental Impact With Sustainable Promotional Items
If your brand is talking the talk but not walking the walk, people will notice. It’s truly not in your brand’s best interest to forfeit transparency and engage in unethical business practices to make a little more profit. When companies do this, it can be the end of them.
Be among thriving companies that partner with companies who participate in recycling programs, reduce waste, have sustainable waste management, or support nonprofits that fund environmental missions. There are many ways to engage with high ethical business practices that will impress your target audience.
3. Present Your Brand’s Environmental Core Values With Eco-Friendly Products
If environmentalism isn’t mentioned on your company website or as part of your core values, you may want to seriously think about some revisions. Selecting eco-friendly products for gifts and other purchases is a strong signal to the community that you are doing what you can for the environment. Put your brand’s best food forward by partnering with sustainable companies.
4. Win Over New Brand Loyalty, And Reinforce Previous Relationships With Sustainable Giveaway Items
Caring for the environment is a very good look. And the alternative is a serious turn-off for the majority of people. Going with sustainable promotional items will signal to your existing clientele that you are keeping up with the times and are an ethical company. Furthermore, sustainable custom corporate gifts can turn heads and even recruit new admirers to your brand. Be current, attractive, and ethical to maintain and enhance your brand’s popularity.
5. Improve Your Company Image By Utilizing Sustainable Branding
Utilizing sustainable corporate gifts is a facet of sustainable branding. Your brand can take this further and weave eco-friendly products and green messaging into your marketing strategy. However you include sustainable branding on your website, mission statement, or core values, it’s incredibly attractive and will boost your brand’s desirability.
6. Demonstrate That Your Brand Upholds Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) With Employee Gifts
The way in which corporations spend their money is a major indicator of where their intentions lie. Your company can demonstrate high ethics by opting for sustainable giveaway items, transparency, environmental waste management, or supporting a good cause. Making sure that your teams feel valued with employee gifts will demonstrate that you care about people’s mental health and well-being.
Beat Your Competitors With Sustainable Swag Items For Events!
Having strong business and professional relationships is the backbone of thriving companies. It’s a necessity to build a network and grow a business. Giving sustainable corporate gifts is a solid way to reinforce existing relationships and forge new ones. For help designing the best sustainable branded merchandise, reach out to bizdev@socialimprints.com, and one of our product specialists will be in touch!