We’re proud to have renewed our BPMA StepForward Pledge, reaffirming our commitment to sustainability.
Established by the British Promotional Merchandise Association, the pledge is a nationwide initiative recognising distributors and suppliers committed to improving sustainability across the promotional merchandise industry. It encourages meaningful progress in three key areas: Product, Planet, and People.
Sustainability has been part of how we work for a number of years. Renewing the StepForward Pledge recognises the progress we’ve made so far while providing a framework to help us keep improving.
Read our full sustainability statement (PDF)
Why it matters
By joining the StepForward Pledge, we’re not only reaffirming our values, we’re holding ourselves accountable to higher standards and the wider shift towards more ethical, environmentally responsible practices within our industry.
“Signing the StepForward Pledge isn’t just about ticking a box – it reflects how we already think and operate at Steel City. More clients are looking for partners who share their values, and we want to lead by example in making sustainable choices easier and more accessible.“
James Biggin, Managing Director
What we’re doing
As part of our ongoing commitment, we continue to:
- Champion Eco-Friendly, Sustainable, Recycled, Reusable and UK Made promotional products.
- Stay up to date with new sustainable products, materials and supplier standards.
- Help customers make informed decisions through practical advice and transparent sustainability information.
- Minimise unnecessary travel and prioritise low-emission transport where practical.
- Reduce waste through smarter packaging, digital alternatives and product reuse where possible.
- Support community initiatives and promote a positive, ethical workplace.
Progress since signing the pledge
Over the past 12 months we’ve continued to make practical improvements across our business. From launching dedicated Eco-Friendly product collections on our website to introducing more sustainable packaging and supporting charitable organisations, we’re proud of the progress we’ve made.
- Renewed our BPMA StepForward Pledge for a second year.
- Published our Sustainability Statement.
- Launched a dedicated Eco-Friendly section on our website, including Recycled, Reusable, Sustainable and UK Made product collections, making it easier for customers to browse and compare more sustainable merchandise options.
- Introduced recyclable paper padded mailing envelopes and Recycle Me labels.
- Completed the BPMA TPM Sustainable Merchandise module.
- Donated surplus product samples to Pepala to support educational initiatives.
- Worked with a local charity to repurpose 2,800 travel mugs, preventing unnecessary waste.
- Continued to expand sustainability guidance through blogs, newsletters and customer communications.
Looking ahead
Renewing the StepForward pledge is another milestone in our sustainability journey, but we know there is always more to do.
Rather than trying to achieve everything at once, our focus is on continuous improvement. We’ll continue to review our progress, learn from others within the industry and look for practical ways to reduce our environmental impact while helping customers make more informed branded merchandise decisions.
Over the coming year we’ll be:
- Updating our carbon emissions assessment using the SME Climate Hub Business Carbon Calculator.
- Expanding the educational content within our Eco-Friendly section.
- Continuing to review supplier sustainability commitments and recognised certifications.
- Sharing more practical sustainability advice to help customers make informed branded merchandise decisions.
If you’d like to chat more about the pledge or would like to explore sustainable merchandise options for your next campaign, get in touch – we’d love to help.
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