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 towards 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 behaviors: When you gift out 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.
In fact, 92% of consumers trust brands that are socially responsible or eco-friendly.
- 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.
Research shows that 30% of people would rather spend their money with companies that deliver on their social responsibilities.
- Leading by example: When you choose sustainable swag, you’re walking the talk.
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 all about profits?
Research shows that 64% of millennials are happy to turn down a job with a business without an eco-friendly ethos.
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 is a stylish and sustainable alternative to single-use plastic bags.
It’s made from pre-consumer waste generated by factories during the fabric cutting process.
Moreover, 1% of each 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 materials that stand the test of time — meaning your logo stays in your audience’s hands (and minds) for years.
2. Reusable Water Bottle
A reusable water bottle is made with materials like stainless steel, bamboo, ceramic, or glass, ensuring durability and style
Gifting a reusable water bottle makes it easier for recipients to switch out disposable plastic bottles and keep their drinks hot or cold.
Plus, reusable water bottles help reduce the single-use plastic that clogs our oceans and fills our landfills.
Ideal for: Company swag package for virtual events and in-person conferences.
Why we recommend it: Customize these bottles with your logo, and you’ll get a portable advertisement every time 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. Reusable Straws Set
Plastic straws? No, thanks.
Reusable straws can be used repeatedly, which helps reduce your personal plastic waste.
Each set comes with a handy reusable pouch to ensure these straws stay clean and can be carried everywhere.
Ideal for: Giveaways at eco-conscious events, conferences, trade shows, or as a unique touch to virtual event gift boxes.
Why we recommend it: Stainless steel straws are a durable, washable, and chic way for your gift recipients to sip their favorite beverages.
They make an excellent companion to eco-friendly tumblers and water bottles, too.
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 as a memorable giveaway item 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 a great alternative to plastic because it’s one of the most renewable resources on the planet.
This lunch box is reusable, easy to clean, and made from natural materials that won’t leak chemicals into your food.
Plus, it’s a great conversation starter—everyone will want to know where to get one!
Ideal for: Corporate gift giveaways at eco-focused events.
Why we recommend it: By choosing bamboo over plastic, you’re supporting a shift towards more environmentally-friendly practices that help reduce waste and pollution.
It’s also a gorgeous and durable product that recipients will want to use daily.
6. Bamboo Cutlery Set
This bamboo cutlery set goes well with the bamboo lunch box.
It’s made from bamboo fiber and recycled PET, reducing reliance on single-use plastics.
The kit includes a fork, knife, spoon, and a pair of chopsticks, all wrapped up in a handy case.
Ideal for: Conferences, trade shows, or virtual events.
Why we recommend it: It’s a responsible way to improve the daily routine of your clients and employees, one meal at a time.
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 will keep your food at optimal temperature.
Ideal for: Virtual events, conferences, or trade shows.
Why we recommend it: Unlike plastic bags, which can often only survive a single use, reusable coolers can be washed and reused multiple times.
Plus, the option to customize these bags with your company logo or design makes them an excellent choice for brand visibility.
8. Reusable Tumbler
This tumbler is a favorite of ours and, hopefully, for you and your gift recipients too!
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 it and reuse it daily.
Ideal for: Corporate gifts, virtual event giveaways, conferences, or trade shows.
Why we recommend it: Using it every day instead of a plastic alternative reduces your exposure to microplastics—those tiny particles that can end up in our bodies and cause health issues.
9. Bamboo Toothbrush
While gifting a toothbrush might initially seem personal, it’s actually a powerful opportunity to engage with your audience on environmental issues.
Plastic toothbrushes are a major contributor to global plastic waste, with each person using around 300 in their lifetime.
By offering a bamboo toothbrush, you’re encouraging a shift towards more sustainable, everyday products.
Ideal for: Corporate gifts, giveaways, and eco-friendly gift sets at virtual events, conferences, or trade shows.
Why we recommend it: We’re big fans of this toothbrush because it challenges the norm.
Plus, starting the day with a natural bamboo toothbrush feels refreshingly different from the usual plastic. It’s a thoughtful, impactful way to reduce plastic waste—one smile at a time.
10. Eco-Friendly Accessories Pouch
We suggest you pair the bamboo toothbrush with this eco-friendly accessories pouch.
The pouch is made from 70% recycled cotton and 30% recycled polyester.
Likewise, it’s roomy enough to hold essential makeup products or small toiletries.
Ideal for: Virtual events, conferences, or trade shows.
Why we recommend it: This pouch is so compact that you can carry it daily in your bag or use it while traveling.
11. Recycled Materials Apparel
Who says sustainable can’t be fashionable? With this line, you prove that you can look good while doing good.
This jacket is made from recycled polyester and equipped with a recycled zipper tape.
It’s an example of how recycled materials can be transformed into stylish, high-quality clothing.
Ideal for: Corporate gifts, giveaways, or as standout swag for virtual events, conferences, and trade shows.
Why we recommend it: We’re all too aware of the heavy environmental footprint left by fast fashion—massive waste, extensive water consumption, and high carbon emissions.
By using recycled materials for our apparel, we help nip these impacts in the bud.
12. Eco-Friendly Notebook
This notebook features a recycled PET hardcover and 80 sheets of recycled paper.
With this classy notebook, your recipients get a tool they can use every day, and every page will remind them of your brand.
Ideal for: Perfect for any corporate gift, employee gift set, virtual event swag.
Why we recommend it: An eco-friendly notebook will inspire your gift recipients to recycle paper.
According to The World Counts, recycling one tonne of paper saves around 1400 liters of oil, 26,500 liters of water and 17 trees.
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.
- Sustainable packaging: Go for eco-friendly packaging options that are good for the earth.
At SwagDrop, we’ve taken significant steps to improve our packaging by using Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC)-certified paper and transitioning from plastic to cardboard product trays.
This way, we help our clients ensure that their packaging is as responsible as the products themselves.
- Supplier certifications: Work with suppliers who have certifications like the Forest Stewardship Council® (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 in the latest eco-friendly innovations into your swag to keep your brand current and insightful.
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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.