Eco-Promo

In the promotional products corner of the world, the green scene is taking root, too. Expect an increasing number of suppliers to offer green lines and products in a variety of categories. “A seismic shift is occurring toward sustainable practices,” says Dale Denkensohn, president of Petaluma, California-based supplier ECOnscious“. By purchasing organic cotton products, everyone can be a part of this movement, make a positive statement about their brands and at the same time reduce their environmental impact on our planet.” “Going green is a huge trend,” says Jason Finnis, president of Vancouver, British Columbia-based supplier Hemptown Clothing Inc. “When a company decides to purchase organically made apparel, it’s not just buying a promotional t-shirt—it’s making a statement. When someone receives one of these garments, it’s probably the first time he or she has ever been given a hemp, bamboo, soy or recycled polyester t-shirt—so, it becomes an instant conversation starter.”Finnis believes that through the inherent eco-friendly benefits of organic apparel, ordering environmentally friendly promotional products can become part of a company’s social responsibility mandate. “At the end of the year, the company can issue a report stating where the company stands environmentally and promotional products become part of its public relations efforts,” he says. “The company can not only allocate money for green promotional products from its marketing budget but also from its PR budget.”The west coast is a hotbed for eco-friendly cars and green homes. So it may be no surprise that Vancouver, BC-based distributor Arelco Promotional Group Inc., initiated a Eco-Friendly products category for its USA and Canadian clients. Vice President Richard Wolak says, “We feel that using eco-friendly products is the socially responsible thing to do.”