Looking for eco-friendly and sustainable swag ideas for your brand? We’ve got you covered. 

In this article, we’ve highlighted 12 eco-friendly and sustainable promotional products that we believe your clients will love.

Our suggestions are based on our client feedback on how sustainable swag has helped them build solid business relationships and our research on the current trends.

So, you can trust that each item on this list has been tried and tested already.

Let’s check them out.

Table of Contents

What Are the Benefits of Eco-Friendly Promotional Products?

12 Sustainable Swag Ideas to Help You Stand Out

How to Choose the Best Eco-Friendly Swag for Your Needs?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Are the Benefits of Eco-Friendly Promotional Products?

Besides the rave around eco-friendly promotional products, what other benefits do they bring to your business? Good question.

Here are the reasons why you should start going green with your company swag:

• Positive environmental impact: Every eco-friendly promotional product you gift your clients — think biodegradable tumblers to organic cotton tees — is one step closer to a cleaner environment. 

With these products, you get to cut down on waste and reduce the use of non-renewable resources. 

• Builds a socially responsible corporate image: According to Forbes, 88% of consumers feel more loyal to companies that support social or environmental causes. 

Choosing eco-friendly promotional products helps your brand make a statement showing you care about the bigger picture. 

As a result, this boosts your image and helps you build deeper connections with your clients.

• More marketing opportunities: You already know eco-friendly swag is great for the environment. Did you know it’s also a marketing powerhouse?

Having your staff or even clients show up to events with green products can really make your brand stand out. 

What’s more? It’s also a great conversation starter.

• Encourage sustainable behavior: When you gift products like reusable shopping bags or even a wheat straw set to your clients, you’re also encouraging them to build daily sustainable habits. 

It’s like saying, “Hey, we’ve done our part. Now, do yours!” 

In turn, you get to align your brand with healthy, sustainable habits.

• Stand out from the competition: Let’s face it. Being eco-friendly is one of the few trends that’s here to stay.

So, opting for sustainable promotional products will set your brand apart from the crowd and show that you’re future-forward. 

According to a 2023 ASI report, 46% of US consumers would have a better opinion about an advertiser if they gave them an eco-friendly promotional item.

• Leading by example: When you choose sustainable swag, you’re walking the walk. 

Plus, your decision can inspire other businesses to follow suit — positioning you as a brand that makes bold moves for a better future.

• Earn a green reputation: Embracing eco-friendly products shows how serious you are about environmental responsibility. This act can help you attract new clients and retain existing ones. 

After all, who doesn’t want to support a brand that’s not just about profit?

In fact, a PwC survey found that 80% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainably produced or sourced goods.

12 Sustainable Swag Ideas to Help You Stand Out

Here’s our curated list of eco-friendly swag ideas that are as useful as they are ethical.

1. Grocery Tote

This eco-friendly grocery tote bag is a stylish and sustainable alternative to single-use plastic bags.

Our swag bag is made from pre-consumer waste generated by factories during the fabric-cutting process.

Moreover, 1% of each reusable bag sale goes to nonprofits dedicated to protecting the planet.

Ideal for: Trade shows, corporate events, and daily errands like grocery shopping. 

Why we recommend it: It’s reusable, washable, and made from high-quality eco-friendly materials that stand the test of time — meaning your logo stays in your audience’s hands (and minds) for years.

2. Reusable Water Bottle

Gifting a reusable water bottle makes it easier for recipients to dump disposable plastic bottles and encourages them to stay hydrated.

Plus, reusable water bottles help reduce the single-use plastic that clogs our oceans and fills our landfills.

Our Sona water bottle is made from 100% recycled PET and features a minimalist design with an eye-catching bamboo lid.

Ideal for: Company swag packages for virtual events and in-person conferences.

Why we recommend it: Customize these bottles with your logo, and you’ll get a portable advertisement whenever someone takes a sip.

As a bonus, each bottle sold contributes 1% of its sales to charities dedicated to providing clean, sustainable water solutions worldwide.

3. Insulated Bottle

Insulated bottles are another sustainable choice of drinkware that reduces plastic waste.

These promo items are typically made from stainless steel, copper, aluminum, or bioplastics.

The Welly bottle features a durable double-wall, stainless steel, vacuum construction, and copper insulation.

Therefore, it will keep beverages cold for 48 hours or hot for at least 12 hours.

Ideal for: Giveaways at eco-conscious events, conferences, and trade shows.

Why we recommend it: An insulated bottle is good for the planet and allows your recipients to enjoy their favorite beverages wherever they go.

So, these eco-friendly promotional products can generate a lot of brand exposure.

4. Eco-friendly Backpack

An eco-friendly backpack is designed to include all your daily essentials.

This product is made from 100% recycled PET and features a classic design that works well in any setting.

Ideal for: Corporate gifts or memorable giveaways at virtual events, conferences, or trade shows.

Why we recommend it: Whether used for daily commutes or outdoor adventures, it sends a positive message about your brand’s values.

5. Bamboo Lunch Box

Bamboo is an excellent alternative to plastic because it’s biodegradable and 100% compostable.

Our clients often opt for this reusable lunch box due to its convenient and eco-friendly bamboo cutting lid.

This swag item can also motivate recipients to bring home-cooked meals to work and eat healthily.

Ideal for: Corporate gifts or giveaways at eco-focused events. 

Why we recommend it: By choosing bamboo over plastic, you’re supporting a shift toward more sustainable practices that help reduce the carbon footprint. 

6. Sustainable Hoodie

Branded apparel is one of the most popular promotional items worldwide.

Therefore, by choosing t-shirts, hoodies, or outerwear made from sustainable materials, you help reduce the carbon footprint and promote environmental responsibility.

The tentree^? hoodie is an ideal choice, as it’s made from an extra soft and sustainable blend of organic cotton and recycled polyester.

Ideal for: Corporate gifts for employees or new clients.

Why we recommend it: All tentree^? products are manufactured in fair and safe working conditions and are made from sustainably sourced and recycled materials.

Moreover, for every item purchased, tentree^? plants trees to regenerate ecosystems, capture carbon, and provide jobs in various communities worldwide.

7. Eco-Friendly Lunch Cooler

This reusable cooler bag is perfect for carrying your lunch to work or going on a picnic.

It’s made from durable and washable recycled PET, offering a smart alternative to plastic bags. 

The cooler is designed to withstand leaks and spills from your meals and keep your food at optimal temperatures. 

Ideal for: Virtual events, conferences, or trade shows. 

Why we recommend it: Unlike plastic bags, which often only survive a single use, reusable coolers can be washed and reused multiple times.

The option to customize these bags with your company logo or design makes them an excellent choice for brand visibility. 

8. Reusable Tumbler

This custom tumbler is a favorite of ours due to its practicality and classy design.

Whether you prefer starting your day with coffee or tea, this insulated tumbler will keep your beverage hot for hours.

The best part is that you can wash and reuse it daily. 

Ideal for: Corporate gifts, virtual event giveaways, conferences, or trade shows.

Why we recommend it: Using this tumbler instead of a plastic alternative daily reduces your exposure to microplastics — those tiny particles that can end up in our bodies and cause health issues. 

9. Eco-Conscious Grocery Cooler

If you’re looking for a more spacious yet equally sustainable alternative to the grocery tote bag, this cooler is an excellent option.

The Out of The Woods cooler is made from FSC-certified washable paper that is lightweight, durable, and sustainable.

Moreover, the PEVA, heat-sealed interior lining allows you to transport frozen food from the store to your home safely.

Ideal for: Thanksgiving gifts for employees and clients or eco-conscious event giveaways.

Why we recommend it: Out of The Woods uses only renewable or recycled materials and supports environmental initiatives by donating 1% of each sale to the National Forest Foundation.

10. Sustainable Sportswear

Promotional fitness products, like branded sportswear, encourage people to stay fit and healthy through exercise.

However, these products can also promote environmental responsibility.

The Greatness Wins training full zip is made from 88% recycled polyester and is designed for low to high-impact workouts.

Our clients love this product because it’s breathable, moisture-wicking, stretchy, and provides UPF 40 sun protection.

Ideal for: Wellness gifts for employees and customers or giveaways at corporate wellness events.

Why we recommend it: Greatness Wins is a brand committed to sustainable practices, including ethical manufacturing and responsible sourcing.

11. Recycled Duffle

An eco-friendly duffle positively impacts the environment and is also a highly practical travel promotional item.

The Herschel duffle is made from 100% recycled post-consumer water bottles and features elegant vegan leather handles.

Moreover, this stylish swag bag is roomy enough to hold all your recipient’s essentials for a weekend getaway or a short business trip.

Ideal for: Promotional Christmas gifts for clients and employees or summer giveaways.

Why we recommend it: Recycled duffles promote sustainable travel and tourism, contributing to the reduction of the carbon footprint.

12. Eco-Friendly Notebook

Branded notebooks and notepads are swag items that will never go out of style.

The only problem is that they generate a lot of paper waste.

However, you can end all that waste by opting for our eco-friendly notebook.

This notebook features 60 sheets of recycled paper, a professional design, and a matching ballpoint pen.

Ideal for: New employee onboarding swag or small business promotional items for customers.

Why we recommend it: An eco-friendly notebook will inspire your gift recipients to recycle paper, which is good for the planet. 

According to The World Counts, recycling one tonne of paper saves around 1,400 liters of oil, 26,500 liters of water, and 17 trees.

Next, we’ll give you some pointers on how to choose the best eco-friendly promotional items.

How to Choose the Best Eco-Friendly Swag for Your Needs 

Here’s a straightforward guide to help you choose promotional items for your brand.

• Understand your audience: First things first, know who you’re targeting with your company swag and what they care about. 

This will help ensure they value and appreciate your gift.

Some of your clients might prefer swag made from recycled materials and some might prefer items that support zero-waste lifestyles. 

• Material quality and sustainability: Opt for eco-friendly swag that’s made purely from natural, renewable, or recycled resources. 

For example, products like bamboo toothbrushes, stainless steel water bottles, or organic cotton tees are durable and stylish.

Make sure you also opt for biodegradable or reusable packaging solutions that are good for the earth.

• Supplier certifications: Work with suppliers who have certifications from the likes of the FSC. This simple check can help add a layer of trust and integrity to your promotional items.

It also shows that your commitment to sustainability is thorough and genuine.

• Functionality and usability: Make sure the items you pick are both functional and sustainable, like a solar-powered charger or a reusable lunch set. 

Practical, long-lasting products reduce waste and keep your brand in a positive light for longer.

• Cost-effectiveness: Remember, investing in quality eco-friendly items can often save you money in the long run. 

Plus, it’s about investing in the future of our world and you can’t put a price on that. 

• Brand alignment: Every eco-friendly product you choose should mirror what your brand stands for. 

If your business is innovation-focused, consider high-tech, eco-friendly gadgets. 

If wellness is your style, go for organic health products. 

• Keep up with the latest sustainability trends: Staying updated on sustainability can give your promotional efforts an edge. 

Add the latest eco-friendly innovations to your swag to keep your brand current and insightful. 

Over To You!

With our list of eco-friendly promotional items, you’re all set to start making a mark on the environment. 

Whether you decide to give your clients a reusable water bottle or to give your employees a bamboo cutlery set, every choice you make adds up.

If you’re ready to start gifting sustainable swag but aren’t sure where to start, we’re here to help! 

Get in touch, and we’ll guide you in choosing the right eco-friendly items for your clients and employees.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions our clients asked us.

What is sustainable swag?

Sustainable swag is promotional items made from recyclable, biodegradable, or reusable materials. They also follow practices that support environmental conservation.

What makes a promotional product eco-friendly?

A promotional product is eco-friendly if it’s made from sustainable materials, such as recycled or biodegradable elements, and can be used repeatedly. 

What materials are commonly used for sustainable swag?

Common materials used for sustainable swag include recycled paper, organic cotton, bamboo, stainless steel, and biodegradable plastics. 

Are sustainable swag items more expensive than traditional swag?

Sustainable swag items may initially be expensive, but they provide long-term value. As demand for eco-friendly products continues to grow, these items are also becoming more cost-competitive.