It goes without saying that plastic pollution is a significant problem that our world is battling against. But despite the global awareness of the importance of recycling, more than 90% of plastic waste ends up in landfills and in the ocean.
That’s why it’s important to encourage your brand to embrace an eco-friendly attitude. One way to do so is to consider alternatives to plastic promotional merchandise. But what are the best sustainable materials that manufacturers can use to make branded eco-friendly products?
Cork
Cork is a fully natural, recyclable, renewable, and biodegradable material. What makes cork so special is that cork oaks are not cut down during the harvesting process. Instead, people harvest cork by hand every nine years. In other words, cork collecting saves trees, making this material incredibly sustainable. And best of all, cork is very versatile, meaning that manufacturers can create all sorts of promotional products using it, such as drinkware, coasters, and even bags.
Bamboo
Generally speaking, bamboo is not only a delicious snack for pandas but also one of the most popular eco-friendly materials in the world. More specifically, it can grow stunningly fast, usually up to 3 feet in 24 hours. It also doesn’t require fertiliser and has the ability to regenerate from its own roots. Therefore, its cultivation and harvesting don’t involve polluting pesticides. And, just like with cork, almost all promotional materials can be manufactured using bamboo instead of plastic, particularly pens and bamboo coasters.
Jute
Known for its durability, jute is a perfect material for promotional bags. But besides its long lifespan, jute is also biodegradable and recyclable, which makes it 100% eco-friendly. When it comes to cultivation, jute is grown similarly to cotton and doesn’t require a lot of water to grow. Furthermore, farms cultivate it without the use of fertilisers or other dangerous chemicals, since it also replenishes quickly on its own.
Corn
The corn-based plastic substitute, also known as PLA or polylactic acid, is a very innovative and sustainable material. It is made using plant waste like corn husks, which is fermented and processed using a non-polluting method. The resulting material is completely disposable and compostable. Thus, PLA is a great alternative to traditional plastics, particularly for custom pens.
Cotton
Most people are already familiar with cotton and its sustainable, biodegradable, and renewable properties. Thanks to its heat and drought-tolerant nature, cotton needs minimal water during the growing process. As opposed to cotton, traditional fibres are petroleum-based and are grown using industrial methods that often pollute the environment.
In addition to its eco-friendly cultivation and extraction, cotton is also very strong and durable. That’s why many companies rely on reusable cotton bags to replace the classic single-use plastic ones. As a result, cotton is definitely worth checking out, especially if you’re not sure where to start on your plastic-free journey.
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Final Thoughts
The golden age of plastic is ending, slowly but surely. But that doesn’t mean you should give up on your promotional campaigns. In fact, this is the perfect opportunity to experiment and embrace one of the many alternatives available out there.
From cotton to cork, there are many eco-friendly materials that are as durable and stylish as plastic. Some of them are even more affordable than plastic, allowing you to kick-start a marketing campaign on a budget. So be sure to read more about these amazing materials in order to find one suitable for your marketing strategy and environmental goals!
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If you have any more questions about promo products, you can contact GoPromotional. You may call us at 0800 0148 970 or simply email us today. We have been in the business for years and know the ins and outs of the industry better than anyone. Give us a call, and let’s talk about all things promotion!
