Eco 101: The Scoop on our EcoSmart® Custom Branded Merch Collection

Sustainability is more than a trend – it's a long-term shift in thinking. With EcoSmart®, we've made it easy to find the best sustainable products and make good choices for the planet.

And what makes these promotional products better for the planet? Most often, it's the unique materials and fabrics. Each one has an interesting story about how it became part of a branded umbrella or backpack. Here's a quick primer: 

 

1. Recycled PET

Polyethylene terephthalate, better known by the abbreviation PET, is the most common type of plastic used for water and soft drink bottles, food containers such as peanut butter jars and containers for household cleaners. It's a favorite of the food and beverage industry thanks to its strength, durability and transparency. Unfortunately, these characteristics also mean that it takes about 450 years for a plastic water bottle to decompose (Popular Science). 

It's not all bad news, though. PET happens to be the most recycled plastic in the world. Used PET containers are sorted, cleaned and ground into pellets that are reintroduced to the manufacturing process that produces our EcoSmart backpacks, umbrellas and even journals that can be customized with your company logo.

Want to feel good about what you're wearing? Our eco apparel is made with a blend that includes more than 30% recycled PET, taking plastic waste and turning it into something you can feel good about wearing. But it's not just good for the planet – it's high-quality fabric that feels good and looks good, too.

 

2. Bamboo

Pandas love bamboo and so do we. We use it for everything from custom logo lunch boxes and cutlery to branded photo frames. Aside from being 100% biodegradable, bamboo is durable and highly renewable. Incredibly, it grows several feet in 24 hours and requires 30% less water to grow. Plus, we think it looks pretty classy too!

3. Wheat Straw

Ever wonder: After all those wheat grains are harvested to make your favorite baked goods, what becomes of the rigid stalk that's left over? Believe it or not, it ends up in some of our EcoSmart swag.

When added to the barrel of a promotional pen or a lunch box, wheat straw greatly reduces the amount of plastic in the product. And no need to worry about allergies. Since there is no wheat grain in these products, they are totally gluten-free.

4. Recycled Cotton

According to the Council for Textile Recycling, annual textile waste is estimated to equal 25 billion pounds. Once in landfills, all that material can take hundreds of years to decompose.

 

The Bottom Line

We believe that big change begins with small steps. Choosing eco-friendly products is your way of making a difference.  For every purchase of EcoSmart products, a portion of proceeds is donated to nonprofits dedicated to protecting the planet. For more earth friendly branded merch ideas, contact Red Canoe Promotions of Denver today!