The many benefits of eliminating plastic in branded merchandise
[video below]
Most of us know eliminating plastic in branded merchandise benefits the environment and the economy; however, these benefits extend far beyond as reducing plastic in branded merchandise also impacts your brand’s reputation and customer loyalty significantly.
Firstly, let’s refresh ourselves on the environmental and economic benefits.
Environmental benefits include reduced pollution, a lower carbon footprint, resource conservation, and reduced waste.
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Environmental Benefits
Reduced Pollution: Decreasing plastic usage helps minimize pollution in oceans, rivers, and landfills, reducing harm to wildlife and ecosystems.
Lower Carbon Footprint: Reducing plastic use can lower the carbon footprint of merchandise globally as the production and disposal of plastic generates significant greenhouse gas emissions.
Conservation of Resources: Reducing plastic usage conserves non-renewable resources like petroleum, which is a primary raw material for many plastics.
Less Waste: Using biodegradable or recyclable materials reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and incinerators.
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The economic benefits of eliminating plastic are cost savings, market differentiation, meeting increased demand, and providing economic support at the local level.
Economic Benefits
Cost Savings: While sustainable materials are occasionally more expensive upfront, they can lead to long-term cost savings through reduced waste disposal fees and potential efficiencies in production.
Market Differentiation: Brands that reduce plastic can differentiate themselves in a competitive market, appealing to eco-conscious consumers and gaining a competitive edge.
Increased Demand: As consumer awareness of environmental issues grows, demand for sustainable products increases.
Support for Local Economies: Sourcing sustainable materials can support local economies and promote fair trade practices, especially when using materials like organic cotton or bamboo.
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Lastly, replacing plastic in your products positively impacts your brand by enhancing its image, fostering customer loyalty, and generating favorable public perceptions.
Brand Reputation and Loyalty
Enhanced Brand Image: Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability enhances brand reputation, building trust and credibility with consumers, stakeholders, and the community. These companies are also seen as “low-risk” as reducing dependency on plastics can mitigate risks associated with potential plastic bans and supply chain disruptions while helping brands comply with current or future plastic and waste management regulations.
Customer Loyalty: Eco-friendly practices can foster stronger customer loyalty, as consumers increasingly prefer to support brands that align with their values and make them feel good about their purchases. Additionally, pursuing alternatives to plastic encourages innovation in product design and materials often leading to better quality of products and enhancing the consumer experience.
Positive Publicity: Brands that take meaningful steps to reduce plastic use can benefit from positive media coverage across all platforms. They are also reducing exposure to toxins as many plastics contain harmful chemicals for both consumers and workers.
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Reducing plastic in branded merchandise offers a wide range of benefits, from environmental conservation and economic advantages to improved brand reputation and customer loyalty. By adopting sustainable practices, brands not only contribute to a healthier planet but also position themselves as leaders in sustainability, set industry standards, enhance their market position, and build lasting relationships with their customers.
*video features Lindsey Coffey, Head of Community Engagement & Impact Awareness at EcoBranders
Ecobranders was such an easy company to work with. They communicated throughout the entire process and was able to keep my items within my budget. Thank you so much!
Our entire team LOVES these chapsticks. The flavors smell and taste amazing, and they feel great on your lips. It took a bit longer to get to us than we were anticipating, but we will absolutely be return customers.
Ecobranders team members were knowledgeable and friendly, as well as timely in their responses to my organization. We are very happy with our Ecobranders product, and will continue to use Ecobranders as a source for our organization's swag. Thank you!
Patients love these, I love having my name on them because they aren't junk.
Everyone loves the "free" chapstick with their dental goodie bag. I've hated the ones in the past because they are toxic and here we are putting our name on something that isn't great. Not with ecobranders. This is top quality stuff. The only negative is I have at least one patient a day walks in and asks for a SECOND chapstick for a spouse/second purse/second pocket... so we are running out faster than I thought.
I was impressed from the get-go by Eco Branders...loved the instant ability to setup a time with an account rep to talk through our project and goals. Quick, easy samples to secure confidence, and the order process was clear and easy to follow. Best of all, the final product was exactly what we had hoped for, wonderful quality, and ahead of our due date. Thank you!
Our bandanas arrived today - a week before we expected delivery. They are fabulous - the print is crisp and even. The designer was easy to work with and was super responsive to my many questions. We appreciate this quality "Made in USA" product. We will recommend EcoBranders to our partners. Thank you!
Our experience with EcoBranders was as good as it gets. The customer service was exceptional, communication was timely, and the product came out fantastic. We will be doing business again with EcoBranders.
