Sustainability is no longer a PR bonus. It is becoming a selection criterion in tenders, something employees expect and a brand signal for partners. In 2026, eco products account for more than 30% of our orders. Here is how to choose well.
Why it really matters
Beyond PR, there are concrete reasons why companies choose eco products:
- Mandatory ESG reporting: large companies in the EU must report their carbon footprint, including marketing purchases
- Employee preferences: 73% of Millennials and Gen Z prefer to work for brands with clearly stated environmental values
- How partners see you: an eco corporate gift signals that your brand thinks long term
- Upcoming regulation: the Ecodesign Directive and restrictions on single-use plastics will gradually phase out non-sustainable products
A guide to eco materials
Not all ‘eco’ products are equal. Here is an overview of the most common materials, with their advantages and typical uses:
Made from recycled PET bottles. Cuts CO₂ emissions by 60% compared with virgin PET.
Grows without irrigation or pesticides and regenerates in 3-5 years. Biodegradable.
Grown without synthetic pesticides. GOTS certifies the entire production chain.
Harvested without felling the tree. Completely natural, lightweight and waterproof.
Sourced from responsibly managed forests. FSC guarantees full traceability.
An agricultural by-product turned into a hard material. Reduces agricultural waste.
An alternative to animal leather. Similar quality, with no animal origin.
Produced with lower water and energy consumption than virgin paper.
The certifications to look for
The word ‘eco’ on a product means nothing without genuine certification. Here is what to look for:
Common pitfalls: greenwashing in promotional products
The promotional products industry is full of items that look eco but are not. Warning signs:
- ‘Eco-friendly’ without certification: the term is not regulated, so anyone can use it
- 1% bamboo content: some ‘bamboo’ products are 99% plastic
- Recyclable ≠ recycled: the fact that something can be recycled does not mean it is made from recycled material
- ‘Biodegradable’ with no conditions stated: some ‘biodegradable’ plastics only break down under specific industrial conditions
- Eco packaging, non-eco product: a recycled cardboard box for a virgin plastic product
Our eco suppliers
We work with European suppliers whose eco ranges are well documented and certified:
- Midocean: an extensive GRS, GOTS and FSC range, with a dedicated eco catalogue
- PF Concept: a separate Eco line, with detailed certifications for each product
- Makito: products made from bamboo, RPET and organic cotton
- Halfar: specialist in bags and backpacks made from RPET and other recycled materials
- Prodir: pens made from certified materials, FSC packaging
Does eco cost more?
In the short term, yes: usually 10-30% more than the standard equivalent. But context matters:
- On large volumes (500+ pcs), the difference shrinks significantly
- Eco products have a higher perceived value: recipients appreciate them more and keep them for longer
- You can reduce the quantity and put the budget towards eco quality, with the same communication impact
- Simple packaging (no elaborate boxes) can offset the price difference
Would you like eco products for your campaign?
We will send you a tailored selection of certified eco products, matched to your budget and objectives.