A shift from disposable to meaningful
In our latest blog, we’re diving into all things sustainability when it comes to branded merchandise. For years, the branded merchandise and apparel industry has been criticized for producing cheap, disposable items that often end up in landfills, contributing to environmental degradation. However, as we face growing concerns over sustainability, businesses must reconsider the impact of their promotional products. At Extend, we believe that branded merchandise should do more than serve as a fleeting reminder of your brand—it should be thoughtfully designed, responsibly sourced, and genuinely valued by the recipient.
Rethinking Branded Merchandise: More Than Just a Token
The shift toward sustainability isn’t just about offering eco-friendly options; it’s about transforming how we think about promotional items altogether. In the past, the industry was known for mass-producing low-cost items with little regard for their long-term impact or usefulness. Today, businesses and consumers alike are becoming more discerning, looking for products that reflect a brand’s values and contribute to a better world.
This is where thoughtful, sustainable merchandise comes into play. When chosen carefully, branded products can enhance relationships, reinforce brand loyalty, and reduce the environmental impact.
For instance, the Aware™ totes are a fan favorite!
Aware™ traceability technology works like a
virtual passport to authenticate sustainable
materials throughout the production process –
from textile to consumer.
Sustainable Attributes: What Matters to You?
Sustainability can mean different things to different people. Depending on your company’s goals, or what resonates with your clients and employees, various attributes may matter most. Here are some we frequently hear about:
- Carbon Footprint: From the raw materials to production and distribution, the embodied carbon of a product reflects its environmental cost. By selecting items with lower carbon footprints, you’re taking a step towards more responsible consumption. Ask us about products with carbon footprint tracking and apparel with C-FREE carbon neutrality.
- Recycled Materials: Items that are made from recycled or upcycled materials are a simple but impactful way to reduce waste and conserve resources. This is especially effective when selecting apparel or every day-use items that would otherwise rely on virgin materials. For example, the Aware™ line has quickly become a fan favorite. With products made from recycled material, their traceability allows you visibility to the entire supply chain.
- Give-Back Programs: Some products come with built-in social or environmental benefits. This can include brands that donate a portion of profits to environmental causes or plant trees with every purchase. These kinds of items offer dual value—useful for the recipient and aligned with broader sustainability goals. One of our favorites at team Extend is MiiR®.
With design, generosity and sustainability at their core, MiiR® is committed to giving more and taking less. Each year, they invest a portion of revenue into nonprofit organizations whose work empowers communities while benefiting the health of their natural environments.
Creating Lasting Value: Merchandise that Matters
While sustainable materials and processes are important, the core idea is simple: only purchase and give items that the recipient will actually use and appreciate. Branded merchandise should never be seen as “throwaway” goods. We take pride in understanding the personas of the clients or employees who will receive these gifts. As a result, every item we recommend or create is something that is kept, used, and cherished. It’s not just about handing out a product. It’s about delivering value and showing that your brand genuinely cares about the individual on the receiving end.
Perfect for Holiday Gifting!
This hot cocoa mug set is sustainably made with cork, packaged in recycled materials, and assembled in the USA.
Plus, a tree is planted with every order!
Sustainability Meets Supplier Diversity
At Extend Marketing, we don’t just focus on the products themselves. We believe that how you source your products is just as important. Additionally, as a certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBENC), we offer our clients the opportunity to support a women-owned business and meet their supplier diversity goals.
For organizations with supplier diversity programs, partnering with a WBENC-certified company is a strategic advantage. By working with us, you’re not only choosing sustainable merchandise, but also contributing to the broader goals of social responsibility and inclusion.
Finally, we differentiate ourselves by focusing on the experience and satisfaction of the end user. By carefully considering who will receive each item, we ensure that the products align with the recipient’s needs and preferences. We also love to find products that support initiatives that matter to both your company, and community.
A New Approach to Branded Merchandise
The days of cheap, disposable promotional products are fading. Businesses that invest in meaningful, sustainable items that resonate with their recipients will stand out from the crowd. At Extend Marketing, we’re proud to be leading this change, providing merchandise that matters—for your brand, your clients, and the planet. And for those committed to supplier diversity as part of their sustainability strategy, we offer the added value of being a WBENC-certified partner, helping you achieve your goals in every facet of your business.
Contact us today to explore our collection and discover how meaningful, responsible branded merchandise can create lasting value for your business and the planet.