If this past year has taught us anything, life is indeed precious. Not only do we need to safeguard our health and well-being; it is also time also to seriously consider what can be done *now* to protect our planet for future generations. In 2018, the EPA reported that 27 million tons of plastic were landfilled, while only 3 million tons were recycled. This is where eco-friendly/green products come into play. Small changes—such as using personal water bottles that can be filled with spring and/or filtered water, products made from recycled materials, and products made with fewer chemicals—can have a huge impact on the environment.
Lauri Felson shares Symphony Seed Papers/Okina’s mission when it comes to eco-friendly items. “We are continuing our quest to ‘green up’ the world by making handmade in the USA seed paper,” she comments. “People are giving high quality, heartfelt gifts, such as our rose boxes and seed paper shapes that will actually be recycled into the soil, resulting in fresh blooms when planted.” She adds that demand has been incredible, and the company is busier than ever. “Low cost, lightweight, environmentally friendly seed paper is easy to mail!” she enthuses.
According to RJ Hagel at Goldstar, there are a number of current trends and materials in the eco-space that are gaining in popularity quickly. “The use of reclaimed materials such as wheat straw that is left over from harvesting the edible wheat from grain,” he says. “The straw is usually burned after the grain is extracted, emitting pollutants in the air. Wheat straw is mixed with more durable materials, such as plastic, to maintain is durability and rigidity. The same can be said for coffee grounds and other materials usually disposed of in a non-ecological way.
“Recycled materials such as glass, plastic, metal, and fabrics are also making their way into the mainstream,” Hagel continues. “Items like our Aqua Clear Eco Pen has a body that is made from 100 percent recycled water bottles. Plus, it uses a high-capacity ink cartridge that makes it longer lasting, furthering its brand value as well as its usable shelf life.”
Additionally, Hagel points out that natural, renewable materials such as bamboo and organic cottons are also continuing to gain in popularity as these materials limit the amount of processing that is required for a finished good. “Plants like bamboo also do not require pesticides thus furthering its value to nature,” he adds.
While Hagel shares that demand has been a bit slow given the current economic situation, he also notes it is certainly rising in its importance as a percentage of market share. “Samples and other pre-sale/top of the funnel activities are continuing to gain attention and as the market starts to recover, I believe that the market for eco-products will continue to expand in a positive, non-linear way,” he elaborates. “In our European office, we have seen the popularity of eco-products start a few years back and the 2020 PSI Show in Dusseldorf was flooded with eco- friendly product offerings. Much of the new demand is coming from the likes of Germany, Switzerland, France, and Italy.”
Grethe Adams at Southern Plus reports the company has been seeing a lot of interest in drinkware. “This is a new category for us but the need for personal beverage vessels continues to grow as the push to eliminate single-use bottles is stronger than ever,” she states. “Of course, this category has had an increased focus during the pandemic as everyone wanted to limit exposure. Either way, this is a win-win category and one that’s well received by all demographics.
“Another trend that emerged during the pandemic but that will continue as an eco-friendly trend is reusable take-out bags for restaurants,” Adams continues. “As take-out and delivery dominated the restaurant business last year, the need for larger, more durable, nicer take-out bags emerged. When your survival as a restaurant depended on your delivery/take-out business, getting your name out there in an economical way became important. Many opt for a nonwoven PP tote that is not only reusable, but also recyclable.” She adds that basic cotton totes are also popular because they are easily washable and can be used over and over again for takeout or weekend trips to the park. “Just make sure you opt for a wide gusset so the bag will fit a standard takeout box,” she recommends.
Felson at Symphony Seed Papers/Okina is excited about the company’s new Seed Pop Bouquet and newly designed Recipe Bookmarks. The Seed Pop Bouquet is a set of four seed pops and a 2-inch folded customizable tag bound together with a colorful raffia tie. After removing the paper, the herbs or vegetables that are featured in the recipe can be planted. Plus, the bookmark is functional and fun, she adds. “While you are reading your book and waiting for the herbs to grow you have a bookmark with your featured logo,” she notes. “Once the herbs are grown, you can make the recipe that is featured on the bookmark!”
Over at Goldstar, Hagel reports there is a great deal of buzz surrounding the Costa Rica Wheat Tumbler (Item # WCQ-C) and Zen Eco-Wheat Pen (Item # AFZ-C) where up to 40 percent of the product is made from a wheat/plastic mixture. The wheat tumbler is made of eco-friendly plastic, made with 51 percent reclaimed wheat straw, and features a matching lid and double-wall construction to keep coffee, tea, or other beverages at temperature longer. The company’s Aqua Clear Eco Pen (Item # AGF) has a body that is made from 100 percent recycled water bottles. Plus, it uses a high-capacity ink cartridge that makes it longer lasting, furthering its brand value as well as its usable shelf life. Finally, the Bambowie Pen and Pencil is made with a barrel made of eco-friendly, 100 percent renewable bamboo.
When presenting eco-friendly/green products to clients, remind them of the multitude of purposes they serve: promoting businesses, building a brand, and helping to sustain future generations. “Everyone wants to give something that reminds people of how much you appreciated their business, a bookmark with a recipe attached is a great gift in which your logo will be seen over and over again,” Felson at Symphony Seed Papers/Okina comments. “Your customers will also be reminded of your thoughtful gift when the herbs grow for their cooking fun!”
Hagel at Goldstar shares similar sentiments. “Unless a client is asking directly for an eco-product, it is great to present these items as fashion forward and present them as you would any other product,” he says. “The difference is being an added benefit of eco-related materials/content. Many products you see on the market today focus on designing a quality product that is not only better for our environment than traditional products but also look the part as well.”
Hopefully, these green initiatives that are currently underway will have a positive impact on future generations—and inspire similar measures. This Native American Proverb is particularly fitting at this time: “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”