The Truth About Sustainable Swag: Beyond Greenwashing

Sustainability in corporate merchandise isn't quite what most people think it is. When HR and marketing professionals talk about "sustainable swag," they typically think of organic tote bags made from recycled cotton or steel tumblers using recyclable materials. But the reality is much more nuanced – and impactful – than the materials alone.

The Hidden Costs of "Sustainable" Materials

Sustainability comes with a cost, and many companies are willing to pay that premium to be associated with and ethical and eco-friendly image. There's value in being perceived as environmentally conscious, and of course it's a big plus if it can genuinely be better for the planet.

However, there are significant downsides that aren't discussed often enough:

Quality and Longevity Issues:

• Recyclable cotton fibers used in apparel (hoodies, t-shirts, etc.) are much shorter than their non-recyclable counterparts. Shorter fibers tend to wear and tear faster.
• Sustainable dyes often don't maintain their colors as well as regular dyes. Go for Undyed items if you are choosing organic items.

This creates a paradox: initially, these products seem more sustainable. But if employees wear their merchandise less because it doesn't hold up well over time, is it truly sustainable? A product that needs to be replaced quickly might actually create more waste than a more durable, less "green" alternative.

The Wastefulness of No-Choice Swag Programs

Perhaps the biggest sustainability issue isn't about materials at all – it's about choice. In traditional swag programs:

• Employees rarely get to choose what items they receive
• Onboarding kits are typically purchased in advance, in bulk
• These programs assume everyone likes and needs the same things
• Global teams have different needs based on climate and personal preferences

An employee in Brazil would most likely not choose a beanie but might prefer a cap or zip hoodie due to the climate. And many employees already have numerous water bottles from previous jobs – they don't need an additional one.

The hard truth: If swag is given but not used, that's the most unsustainable approach possible – regardless of how "green" the materials are.

The Bulk Purchasing Problem

Many swag vendors force companies to buy merchandise in bulk and warehouse it, either at office spaces or with the vendor. While this might initially seem efficient, companies quickly discover:

• They end up with tons of leftover sizes (typical the odd sizes)
• Popular sizes need constant replenishment (requiring more bulk purchases)
• Limited warehousing space restricts variety and choice
• Leftover items eventually get thrown away
• Rebranding or acquisitions can render entire inventories obsolete

This bulk purchasing model is fundamentally unsustainable compared to an on-demand approach where items are produced only when needed, eliminating waste and warehousing completely.

The Hidden Carbon Cost of Global Distribution

For global companies, traditional swag distribution creates enormous carbon footprints:

• Many vendors force companies to ship from one, or if you are lucky two locations
• To ensure brand consistency, items produced in the US might ship to India, the UK, or dozens of other countries
• The carbon cost of this global shipping is substantial (not to mention taxes and customs fees, but thats for another article).

One of Jaapi's clients has over 800 employees across 41 different countries. By producing approximately 94% of their swag locally to where employees are located, we've dramatically reduced their carbon footprint. When a UK employee orders a t-shirt, it's printed in the UK and shipped directly to them – not sent halfway around the world.

The True Path to Sustainable Swag

While the materials themselves matter, truly sustainable swag programs focus on:

1. Reducing waste by giving people choices and never producing more than needed
2. Producing on-demand rather than in bulk
3. Manufacturing locally to minimize shipping distances
4. Focusing on usage rather than just eco-friendly materials

These approaches have a far greater environmental impact than simply choosing organic cotton or recycled plastics.

A Better Way Forward

The alternative is giving employees choice through by giving employees swag store credit (instead of coupons) or send gift links. Recipients can select from a wide variety of merchandise, with everything made on demand and produced locally. This approach:

• Ensures items are actually wanted and used
• Eliminates waste from unwanted products
• Reduces carbon emissions from shipping
• Prevents warehousing and inventory obsolescence
• Provides a better employee experience

Conclusion

Sustainable swag isn't just about the materials used – it's about reducing waste by giving employees options. By focusing on choice, on-demand production, and local manufacturing, companies can create truly sustainable merchandise programs that employees love and that genuinely reduce environmental impact.

The next time you're planning a swag program for onboarding, work anniversaries, or team building, remember that sustainability goes far beyond organic materials. The most sustainable item is the one that's actually wanted, used regularly, and produced with minimal waste.