In a world where brand visibility and environmental responsibility go hand in hand, promotional products are evolving. Gone are the days of throwaway swag. Today’s event planners, startup founders, and eco-conscious consumers are demanding more sustainability, more style, and more impact.

Welcome to the era of sustainable products that don’t just promote your brand, they promote your values. And it’s more than just swag; businesses are stepping up with services designed to make a real difference. These companies offer solutions that empower individuals and organizations to operate responsibly and contribute to a healthier planet.

Why Sustainable Swag Matters

Promotional merchandise is a powerful marketing tool, but traditional swag often ends up in landfills. By choosing sustainable swag, you’re not only reducing waste but also aligning your brand with the values of your audience.

What to Look for in Products

When sourcing custom sustainable merch, consider:

• Materials: Recycled, biodegradable, or organic.

• Production: Ethically made with minimal environmental impact.

• Functionality: Items people will use and keep.

• Packaging: Plastic-free or recyclable options.

If you're looking to support values-aligned businesses, there are several meaningful ways to identify them. Start by looking for certifications like Certified B Corporation, which indicates a company meets rigorous standards for social and environmental impact, accountability, and transparency. You can explore B Corp-certified businesses through Find a B Corp page on their website. Another designation to watch for is 1% for the Planet . These companies pledge to donate 1% of their annual sales to environmental causes, and you can verify members through their portal. Additionally, some businesses register as Legal Benefit Corporations, committing them by law to balance profit with purpose. These credentials are often listed on a company’s website.

Featured Vendors Leading the Way

Here are a few standout companies redefining what it means to give with intention:

Doing Good Works Branded

Doing Good Works Branded offers a wide range of sustainable swag, including pens, notebooks, t-shirts, and more. A portion of its profits supports its nonprofit arm, Foster Greatness, which provides scholarships, mentorship, and community support to individuals with lived experience in foster care. Doing Good Works Branded combines high-quality branded merchandise with a deep commitment to social impact. combines high-quality branded merchandise with a deep commitment to social impact.

Xperient

Xperient offers a wide range of printing and merchandise services with a strong focus on sustainability. They use environmentally friendly inks, recycled paper stocks, and energy-efficient production methods.  

Eco Promotional Products

Eco Promotional Products specializes in environmentally and socially responsible promotional merchandise, offering everything from reusable water bottles and tote bags to eco-friendly apparel and office supplies. Their products are made from recycled, biodegradable, or organic materials, helping businesses align their branding with sustainability goals. As a certified minority-owned and women-led company, Eco Promotional Products is committed to sustainable business practices that serve both people and the planet.

RSLVE

At RSLVE, sustainability is more than a buzzword. It’s a guiding principle. The company is redefining branded merchandise by offering apparel and products made from recycled, organic, and plant-based materials. RSLVE ships all orders carbon-neutral, uses eco-friendly packaging, and donates 1% of revenue to environmental nonprofits through 1% for the Planet. With a sustainability scorecard for vendors, a low-impact business model, and aspirations to become a certified B Corp, RSLVE is proving that doing good and doing well can go hand in hand.

Whether you're planning a conference, launching a product, or thanking loyal customers, your promotional items should reflect your brand’s commitment to sustainability. Choosing the right partners and products ensures your message is not only seen but remembered.

Services That Reflect Your Values

Sustainable swag is just the beginning. Businesses can amplify their impact by choosing services that reflect their environmental and social commitments. From insurance to banking, your operational choices can be just as values-driven as your promotional ones.

Premiums for the Planet

Premiums for the Planet is redefining insurance by turning routine premium payments into a force for climate action. Instead of supporting industries that contribute to environmental harm, this initiative helps businesses redirect their insurance dollars toward climate-positive solutions. As a proud member of the B Corp community, Premiums for the Planet makes it easy for organizations to align their coverage with their values. Offering competitive rates, tailored policies, and expert guidance while advancing sustainability goals.  

Climate First Bank

As brands seek meaningful ways to align with environmental values, a powerful step is choosing where their money lives. Climate First Bank is the world’s first FDIC-insured, values-based, digital community bank founded specifically to combat the climate crisis. It’s not just about banking; it’s about making money do better for the planet.

Climate First Bank empowers both individuals and businesses to align their finances with their values. As a full-service bank, we offer a wide range of sustainable financial products, including personal or business deposit accounts, business money market, and CDs with 3-month to 60-month terms. The Bank also provides various types loans, including SBA loans, solar loans, and real estate loans. Whether it’s funding rooftop solar, supporting mission-aligned small businesses, or offering competitive savings options, the Bank helps customers turn everyday banking into a force for good. We also hold ourselves accountable through transparent, quantifiable metrics published in our annual Impact Report. Ensuring our values are not just stated, but measured.

Ready to make your money matter? Learn more or open an account today at www.climatefirstbank.com and join the movement toward a more sustainable future.