Over the last few weeks, we’ve discussed what sustainability is and why it’s become such a focus in all industries, including the promotional product industry. We also discussed many of the certifications you now see on a variety of projects.
Today, we highlight three of our major suppliers and discuss what sustainability means to them and some of the projects and initiatives they are working on.
The Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) is the largest trade association for the promotional products industry. Sustainability has ranked as a top focal point and trend in the industry for many years and as such, they have had ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) Goals for the association and have been encouraging members to sign on to their code of conduct and establishing their own ESG goals.
The PPAI goals are:
Here are how three of our major suppliers have established goals and projects for their sustainability practices:
HPG is a promotional products supplier that provides great promotional products under several brands. They are a top 10 supplier in the industry with a focus on hard goods – from custom key chains to technology to items for around the home, there are very few items HPG can’t source.
Their Sustainability Priorities:
Environmental – committed to cutting emissions, diverting landfill waste, and sustainable product development
Example: Every year, Hub (one of the HPG Brands) donates 10,000’s of misprinted pens to local schools. It is just one of the ways HPG is committed to diverting landfill.
Social – Fair labour, fair wages, equal opportunity and contributing to the communities HPG operates in.
Example: HPG has over 1,000 employees spanning the continent from Nogales, Mexico to Montreal, Canada who are able to participate in a paid volunteer program which enables staff to take time off to support the local causes they’re most passionate about.
Governance – Leadership in ethical corporate governance, supply chain transparency, and human rights.
Example: HPG’s suppliers are required to adhere to a Supplier Code of Conduct and they partner with third parties to ensure compliance to their high standards. The Code of Conduct speaks to labour rights, diversity, employee well-being, environmental impact and anti-corruption measures.
A Canadian clothing and bag company, born in British Columbia; Stormtech features very technical products to help you get out there and explore with confidence. Stormtech has an extensive ESG Policy (Environmental, Social and Governance) that covers everything from responsible sourcing to energy and resource conservation to fair labour practices.
Some of the projects Stormtech has been working on are:
1:1 Initiative
Stormtech donates essential outdoor apparel to organizations who focus on introducing young people to the joys of outdoor adventure. Their 1% of global sales commitment has already gifted 82,735 products as of the time of writing and they continue to enable everyone to experience the benefits of an active outdoor lifestyle.
PFC-FREE
PFCs (perfluorinated chemicals) are used to make materials stain and water resistant, slippery and long lasting. They are extremely stable and can build up over time in the environment and the human body and there is growing scientific evidence that they may be toxic to humans and to ecosystems. Prior to 2021, Stormtech launched PFC free for all WP and DWR outdoor apparel. They have partnered with fabric mills to find alternative, breathable water repellent treatments that are PFC-Free without sacrificing the quality Stormtech is known for.
Sustainably Sourced
We discussed the Better Cotton Initiative in a previous blog and Stormtech has been working to minimize the negative impacts of fertilizers, pesticides and water consumption associated with cotton production. They have also been working to reduce the impact on our oceans caused by microfibers by sourcing more durable, shed resistant fleece fabrics and also introducing items with recycled polyester.
Cutter & Buck produces iconic clothing under a variety of brand names, CB, Clique, and Cutter & Buck. Founded on Seattle’s working waterfront, their clothing is crafted for your active lifestyle, engineered for versatility.
Cutter & Buck is committed to sustainability, creating long lasting products through sustainable production practises. Their objectives fall in to four areas:
Sustainable Products: Harmony is Possible
Committed to making 90% of our products from sustainable materials by 2025. C&B believes harmony is possible between business, nature, and society in the creation of quality, long lasting products.
Sustainable Production: Fair Labour Organization
Committed to accountability, C&B is an Affiliate of the Fair Labor Association to ensure the equitable treatment of all persons throughout the supply chain.
Sustainable Operations: Zero Air Freight & All Digital Materials
C&B eliminated 99% of all air-freight from the supply chain as shipping sea freight reduces CO2 emissions an average rate of 20-30X. Eliminating print catalogues saves the equivalent of 37 million sheets of paper.
Sustainable Packaging: PCR Recycled Solutions
Committed to utilizing 100% Post-Consumer Recycled plastic product packaging.