Sustainable products are not just good for the environment, they’re also good for business. A report from the Natural Marketing Institute (NMI), a strategic consulting firm specializing in health and wellness, recently found that 58% of consumers are more likely to purchase products from a company that says they are mindful of environmental impact. In fact, a new demographic of consumers dubbed ‘Cultural Creatives’ from respected sociologist Paul H. Ray and psychologist Sherry Ruth Anderson now comprises over 50 million Americans who consciously seek out products that do not harm the environment.
So, what does this mean for you? The movement towards sustainability offers businesses a chance to do good and turn a profit. Unlike the very-granola products of early sustainable movements, the environmentally conscious products of today are sleekly-designed, cutting-edge, and well, pretty freaking cool.
The Adidas ‘Parley’ Sneaker Made from Recycled Waste
When Adidas unveiled it’s newest sneaker at the Parsons School of Design BIOFABRICATE conference in late 2016, the famed shoe company proved environmentally conscious manufacturing and good design is possible.
The German-based company worked with a biotech company to manufacture a line of sneakers made of AMSilk, a material that biodegrades completely and is made of 100% recycled materials. During the premier Adidas VP James Carnes said, “We thought we needed to do something that has a great impact on the world.” This kind of sentiment resonates with a consumer base that increasingly demands companies to be transparent in how products are made. The new sneakers will hit stores in 2017.
Patagonia’s Recycled Polyester Products
Patagonia is a bad ass company. From creating products designed to explore the great outdoors to its transparent supply chain process to a policy of mid-afternoon surf breaks for employees (it’s a real thing — we’re jealous too), the famed company is paving the way for socially conscious corporations.
The company’s product line primarily uses recycled polyester to create sustainable fleece made from recycled plastic bottles, soda cans, and unusable manufacturing waste. In its pursuit to create Eco-friendly goods the company generates an average of $600 million in annual revenue. A figure that continues to increase as the CEO steers the company towards increasingly transparent and sustainable policy. In fact, the company donated 100%, you read that right, all of its profits from 2016 Black Friday Sales – $10 million dollars – to nonprofit groups working to save the environment. Now that’s a company doing something to help the world. Pretty freaking awesome, right?
Dakine’s Project BLUE Surfer Backpack Made from 100% Recycled Materials
Outdoor retailer brand Dakine launched the project BLUE series of backpacks made entirely from recycled materials in 2009; a noteworthy feat considering that eight years ago the idea of turning recycled material into a durable product was considered more of a pipe dream than a reality.
The company lead the charge for innovation in using recycled materials in its production process. In its debut of the product, the revolutionary company turned plastic bottles into surfer-inspired backpacks dubbed ‘surf packs’. A portion of proceeds from the sale of the line went towards supporting the Surf Rider Foundation, an organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of the world’s oceans. Today the company’s entire line of backpacks are made from the plastic bottle recycled material.
Brand+Aid’s Picks for Sustainable Promotional Products
Ready to jump into environmentally-friendly products for your brand? A great way to incorporate sustainability is to choose sustainable promotional products for your marketing events. To help you get a head start, we’ve curated a selection of our favorite Eco-friendly promo products. Check ‘em out below.
From Left to Right as shown: Socially-responsible, Fair Trade Recycled Leather Backpack, Stainless Steel Water Bottle, Seed Paper Spiral Notebook, Washable Paper Kraft Tote Bag, All Natural-Bamboo Planter and Evergreen Seedling. For more product information, contact: Brand+Aid via happy@brandaiding.com
Brand+Aid is a promotional marketing agency based in Salt Lake City, Utah and Los Angeles, California. We turn ideas into tangible, fun experiences through experiential advertising. Have an idea you’d like to make happen? Contact our rescue team for a free consultation today at 323-800-2241 or shoot us an email at happy@brandaiding.com. For more information, check out our website: www.brandaiding.com.
