An Expert Guide To Sustainble Merchandise OPtions in 2026

The Growing Problem of Ocean Plastic Pollution

Every year, 19-23 million tonnes of plastic waste leak into our oceans (UNEP), causing massive ecological damage. Over 1 million marine animals are being killed annually due to entanglement, ingestion and starvation. If we don’t tackle this issue soon, then by 2040 these numbers could triple and transform oceans into ‘underwater landfills’ where plastic outweighs fish.

Though we all have a part to play as individuals in cleaning up our oceans, businesses can make the biggest impact. One simple place to start is with eco promo materials.

By moving away from single-use plastics and disposable promotional items, businesses can reduce waste and help clean our oceans. And with the rise of re-usable merchandise gifts made from ocean waste, promotional gifting can help support the reduction in ocean plastics.

Why Businesses Are Turning to Eco Promo Material

There has been an undeniable shift in customer expectations over the last decade. The demand for sustainable practices across all areas of a business has grown, and consumer knowledge of greenwashing has also improved. No longer can business hide behind meaningless language and unsubstantiated claims.

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) is the framework used to measure a business’s sustainability and ethical impact. It delves into waste management, energy efficiency, labour standards and so much more.

The ESG score of a business can make or break it. Many customers have started looking into this before building a relationship with a brand, so you should do everything you can to keep your score high.

A clear way of showing people that you are taking action and embracing sustainable practices is with eco promo material. This includes marketing merchandise that has been sourced responsibly, that is made from eco-friendly materials and that can be reused or recycled.

This move away from disposable marketing merchandise is a solid first step in the right direction.

Fashion Whilst Reducing Ocean Plastics

These more sustainable sunglasses are the ideal promotional giveaway during summer festivals, events, or other sunny outdoor activities. The frame is made of ocean bound plastic. The temples are made of bamboo and are light and provides a comfortable fit. Conforms to EN ISO 12312-1 and has UV400 lenses which are rated as category 3, making it the perfect choice for protection against bright sunlight.

Our Workshop

Commitment To The Environment and Reuse

How Branded Products Can Help Reduce Plastic Waste

When you create branded products that steer clear of single-use plastics and instead focus on reusable promotional products, you are directly reducing plastic waste and ocean plastic pollution rather than contributing to it.

The reusability of a product means that it is less likely to be disposed of and this can be determined by its durability and practicality. An item that is functional and adds value to a person’s life encourages long-term use, and when it is durable, it can withstand these multiple uses before breaking or no longer being fit for purpose.

There is also an indirect positive environmental impact of reusable branded products. They can act as a tool for behavioural changes in the recipient. For example, a reusable branded water bottle enables people to stay hydrated while on the go, rather than buying single-use plastic water bottles. This marketing merchandise could trigger a shift in people to make more eco-friendly choices in their everyday lives.

The Thalaasa A5

Promotional hard cover notebook is made of ocean bound recycled plastic

TIDE Ocean Plastic Rubik's Cube 3x3

An iconic 3x3 Rubik's Cube made with #TIDE Ocean Material® personalised with full colour artwork on all 6 faces.

The Tova - RPET Ocean Bound backpack

RPET Ocean Bound backpack made from recycled ocean plastic with a durable, textured finish. 20 litre capacity

The Rise of Reusable Promo Drinkware: Printed Eco Bottles & Logo Bottles

Speaking of reusable promotional drinkware, these have become a powerful tool for brands that want to strengthen their visibility while spreading a clear message about sustainability.

Printed eco bottles provide ample space for displaying a logo or branding and, as items that are used in many public spaces, they are seen by a lot of people, increasing brand exposure over time.

Logo bottles are practical products that act as a walking billboard for your brand, and are regarded as high-value items that reduce reliance on single-use plastic bottles.

From Waste to Worth: The Impact of Recycled Promo Gifts

The sustainability of your company's merchandise is about more than its longevity. The materials that they are made from matter too.

Promotional products made from recycled or ocean-bound plastic are supporting circular economy principles by turning plastic that would have otherwise been waste into useful branded items. These recycled promo gifts give new life to a material that can cause great harm to the environment, and the eco-friendly credentials that they come with will certainly shine a positive light on your brand.

How Sustainable Company Merchandise Strengthens Your Brand

This reputational boost that sustainable company merchandise gives your brand must not be overlooked. Though the focus should be on doing the right thing for the planet, the residual benefits of eco promo materials only add to their appeal and make them a worthwhile investment.

As a trust-building tool, they work well because they show clear alignment between brand values and customer expectations. But they also help brands stand out in a competitive market by pulling away from traditional marketing merchandise and trying something new and modern

Explore Eco Friendly & Sustainable Merchandise Categories

RECYCLED

Explore promo items, such as recycled cottons, plastics and post consumer waste.

SOLAR

Branded solar themed merchandise, harvest the sun for your marketing message, big merchandise trend for 2026

SEEDS AND DESK GARDENS

Promotional seeds, desk gardens, and seed paper merchandise giveaways are a great sustainable merchandise gift.

Choosing the Right Eco-Friendly Promotional Products

The most important things to look for when selecting your sustainable branded products are materials, longevity and purpose.

When they are made from eco-friendly materials, this creates a visible proof point for customers. While the durability of eco promo giveaways is essential for establishing whether ot not they have a long lifespan, and the purpose these branded products serve for the users is key because if there is no practical use case, then disposal rates will be high.

Making a Real Impact with Your Promotional Strategy

Once you have moved beyond disposable giveaways and invested in sustainable marketing merchandise, such as ocean bottles, it’s time to consider the rest of your promotional strategy.

The only way to make a real impact with your recycled promo gifts is to get them in the hands of the people you want to target and the people who will value them. This could be a company giveaway at events, a prize on social media, an employee gift during the onboarding process or a corporate giveaway as part of a client campaign.

Small Changes To Promotional Gifting, For a Big Environmental Impact

Though it may seem like a small step, these changes to your promotional gifting have a big impact on the environment.

The solution to the plastic pollution problem requires every individual and every business to make positive steps in the right direction. By switching to sustainable merchandise, you are taking that step and becoming part of the solution rather than adding to the problem.

Speak to The Branded Company today to explore our range of eco promo merchandise and sustainable marketing giveaways, and find out which green merch options will work best for your business goals.