Top Sustainable Corporate Gifts

Choosing sustainable branded merchandise not only helps to reduce waste and carbon emissions – it also shows your audience that your brand genuinely cares about the planet and its people. In turn, it helps attract the growing audience of like-minded customers who share those sustainable values.

So where to start? Well in this guide, we highlight some of the top sustainable corporate gift ideas that can elevate your brand’s impact while reducing your environmental footprint. You’ll also find insights on the different sustainable materials available, how to spot greenwashing and what certifications to trust. You’ll come away with plenty of ideas and tips to help you choose sustainable merchandise that align with your brand values and your audience’s expectations.

Trending Sustainable Promotional Products in 2025

1. Reusable Travel Cups

New to the promotional industry is the FOAMO Cup. It’s ultra-light, reusable and what’s really exciting is it’s 100% recyclable! The FOAMO is created with patented foaming technology: each cup is packed with tiny air bubbles, making it robust and able to keep your drink warm without the need for an extra sleeve.

What’s more, it’s made from materials including cooking oil saved from landfill and using a zero-waste process. FOAMO coffee cups are also proudly designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK using 100% renewable energy.

View Prices Here.

Sourcing Tip #1: Choosing branded items that are reusable means they will be used time and time again, and will be less likely to end up in landfill. 

See More Reusable Travel Mugs here.

2. Gadgets Made With Sustainable Materials

Promotional technology can sometimes have a bad rap for being throwaway and bad for the environment. However, advances in material science and manufacturing mean that we are seeing an increased number of gadgets being made from recycled materials. Take the Octopus Multi Cable – it is now made from Ocean Bound recycled plastic. So for each unit sold, 5 plastic bottles are prevented from entering the Oceans.

You can read more about Ocean Bound Plastic here.

View Prices Here.

Sourcing Tip #2: Items made with recycled materials not only reduces useless waste which would otherwise sit in landfills or our oceans, but will also save energy (recycling uses less energy than virgin materials). Initiatives to collect plastic in at risk areas also provides local people employment and financial empowerment.

3. Solar Panels

Gifts with integrated solar panels are on the rise – from powerbanks, speakers and earbuds, to backpacks and even cooler bags. Why is it a great move? We are reliant more than ever on our devices, and by using the energy of the sun through solar panels, it cuts down on the amount of electricity we use.

We really like the stylish 12W Skywave Speaker below. It has a 2000 mAh battery to ensure up to 8 hours of playing time, plus it is made with 16% RCS certified (transparent supply chain) recycled ABS and includes a RCS certified recycled TPE charging cable.

View Prices Here.

Sourcing Tip #3: When choosing an item with technology incorporated, make sure you invest in quality. Durable components which last will not only be used more frequently and valued, they will also more efficient and safer to use with your devices.

4. AWARE Tracer Technology

One question you may be asking is how do I truly know the sustainable claims are guaranteed on my promotional gifts? Welcome to AWARE™ disruptive physical tracer and blockchain technology. Products made with the AWARE™ tracer have a dedicated digital passport which is accessible via a QR code. You can see exactly how the material and product has been sourced and made and its environmental impact.

There is a whole host of items made with AWARE including the below Unisex modern fit zip through hoodie. Made from 100% cotton, of which 50% is recycled and 50% organic, in 340 G/M².  Not only do you have the assurance that the recycled & organic fabric is genuine, and environmental impact claims are guaranteed, 2% of proceeds of each sold product will be donated to Water.org.

View Prices Here.

Sourcing Tip #4: By choosing an item that has the AWARE™ physical tracker, you can guarantee that your items are genuinely made from recycled or organic materials and you will be able to prove the environmental impact made by producing the item.

There are many other certifications and credentials available to prove the sustainability of your promotional product, simply ask the team here at Steel City and we can provide these for you when possible.

5. Reusable Lunch Containers

Looking after our health is a top priority for many of us, and so taking control of our diets and what we consume is one way to help. No surprise then, that reusable lunch boxes and bags are rising in popularity, particularly in the promotional world. The MIYO lunch box is made in the UK, and features a recycled PET band to secure the lid, and is packed in a recycled PE plastic bag.

View Prices Here

Sourcing Tip #5: By selecting items made with durable materials and designed to last, not only will this reflect your brand in high regard, but the item will keep your brand present for many years. It will also mean you won’t need to replace the item as often, saving both money and environmental impact.

See Premium Promotional Products here.

6. Biodegradable / Compostable Items

Another recent fantastic sustainable innovation is materials that will break down naturally without harming the environment. We’ve seen biodegradable and compostable materials coming through in promotional items such as cutlery sets, water bottles, pens, keyrings, rulers, ice scrapers, phone cases and even ear plugs to name but a few.

The below cutlery set is 100% recycled and biodegradable.* It’s made from recycled polymers from waste products with a biodegradable additive which speeds up the biodegradable process of plastic. The set contains a knife, folk and spoon in a handy travel case which you can clip onto your bag. Ideal as a giveaway at an all-day event or tradeshow or simply for anyone who wants to avoid using single-use cutlery.

View Prices Here.

R+ is certified proprietary biodegradable recycled plastic designed and manufactured in Cornwall, UK. There is a wide range of promotional products that you can have made with this biodegradable material, with your logo on.

*Biodegradation testing in line with ASTM D5511** showed 6.4% biodegradation after 45 days of testing. **ASTM D5511 is the Industry Standard Test Method for Determining Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under High-Solids Anaerobic-Digestion Conditions.

Sourcing Tip #6: If you opt for a biodegradable or item that is compostable, why not include a QR code in your design, which takes your customers to a guide of how to dispose of their item responsibly? This will strengthen your sustainability message whilst educating and helping your customer.

7. Easy to Plant Seeds

Promotional seeds and plants have been rising in popularity over the past couple of years, reflecting the growing desire to be in our gardens more, and look after both our green spaces and our health. By choosing to incorporate promotional seeds into your marketing you will be aligning your brand with the messages of cleaner air, enhancing biodiversity, supporting pollinators and creating a moment for mindfulness. Read more about this on our blog: Promotional seeds and plants.

There are a number of different seeded items, from paper embedded with seeds – think business cards, bookmarks, notebooks, to Seedsticks™ and pencils with seeds encased at the tip.

The latest product to join the party are seed bombs. Simply throw onto soil and water – it’s as easy as that. The new Seed Bomb Pouch shown below is made from compostable Kraft paper, meaning there is no waste whatsoever.

Another positive about choosing promotional seeds is that they are on the whole grown and packaged in the UK, which means your carbon footprint is lower too!

View Prices Here.

Sourcing Tip #7: By selecting a UK or European Made promotional gift rather than one made in the far east, the number of air miles to transport that item is dramatically cut or erased – meaning your carbon footprint is considerably lower.

Want even more trending sustainable merchandise ideas? Get in touch with our team today!

Now let’s take a deeper look at why sustainability choices matter, the key terms to know, the materials to look out for, and how to avoid greenwashing.

Sustainability Statistics

Sustainability has shifted from a trend to a core business priority, with brands across all sectors now being held accountable for their environmental impact.

Have you noticed that customers are not only more informed, but also increasingly selective?  With over 60% of consumers actively seeking out products and companies that reduce environmental impact, this growing demand for eco-conscious products presents a powerful opportunity for forward-thinking brands to stand out.

Not convinced? Check out these interesting statistics:

• 78% of consumers say that a sustainable lifestyle is important to them. (NielsonIQ)
• Over 60% actively seek out products and companies that reduce environmental impact. (McKinsey)
• 80% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products, with an average premium of 9.7%. (PwC)
• 46% are buying more sustainable products to reduce their personal environmental footprint. (PwC)
• In just five years, global online searches for sustainable goods have jumped by 71%. (BusinessDasher)

Key Sustainability Terms to Know

• Eco-Friendly: Products or practices that are not harmful to the environment. ‘Eco-friendly’ is a vague term and considered greenwashing if not explained, so details need to be used to back this term up e.g. made from 100% recycled materials or biodegradable within 12 months.
• Recyclable: Products or materials that can be collected, processed, and reused to manufacture new items.
• Biodegradable: Materials that can break down naturally by bacteria, fungi or other living organisms without harming the environment.
• Compostable: Biodegradable materials that can be decomposed into nutrient-rich soil by microorganisms in a composting environment. Unlike “biodegradable,” compostable materials must meet certain standards (EN 13432 in Europe) to ensure safe degradation. 
• Carbon Emissions: A measure of total greenhouse gas emissions caused by an individual, event, organization, service, place, or product, expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e).
• Carbon Neutral: Balancing carbon emissions with an equivalent amount offset or removed from the atmosphere. E.g. purchasing certified carbon credits such as tree planting.
• Net Zero: A more comprehensive version of carbon neutrality, aiming to reduce all greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible, with any remaining emissions offset.
• Circular Economy: An economic model that prioritises reuse, repair, remanufacturing, and recycling to keep materials in use for as long as possible. E.g. Circular & Co Drinkware.
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): refers to a company considering its social and environmental impact in addition to economic performance. CSR covers four categories: environmental, philanthropic, ethical and economic responsibility.

For a more in depth glossary of sustainability terms, you can visit the PPAI website here.

Sustainable Materials

Organic Cotton

Responsibly cultivated cotton, grown without the use of any synthetic agricultural chemicals such as fertilisers, pesticides or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

The Organic Content Standard (OCS) verifies the percentage of organically grown material and tracks it from the source to the final product.

Benefits:

• Organic cotton production uses up to 91% less water and reduces about 14% of greenhouse gas emissions, compared to conventional cotton production. (Textile Exchange)
• Safer for farmers and ecosystems due to chemical-free farming.

It can be recycled and reused again, just like conventional cotton. It is also biodegradable and durable.

Recycled PET (rPET)

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) also known as Polyester, is the most commonly produced plastic in the world and the easiest to recycle. It is commonly used in reusable shopping bags, backpacks, jackets and pens.

Benefits:

• Diverts plastic from landfills and oceans.
• Requires less energy to produce than virgin plastic.
• Durable, lightweight, and versatile.
• It can be recycled and reused again (depending on the quality and recycling method).

The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) & Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) verify the percentage of recycled material and tracks it from the source to the final product. Some products will also have the AWARE™ tracer which is a physical tracer, linked to public blockchain technology for trusted traceability and transparency. Find out more here.

Read more about Recycled Promotional Products in our blog.

Recycled Aluminium

Aluminium reclaimed from previously used products like cans and electronics, and reprocessed for reuse without losing its original properties. Commonly used in reusable water bottles, travel mugs, straws, pens, keyrings and wireless power banks.

Benefits:

• Capable of being recycled indefinitely, without degradation in quality, making it one of the most circular materials available.
• Recycled Aluminium uses 95% less energy and reduces more than 50% of GHG-emissions, when compared to conventionally produced Aluminium.

Recycled Stainless Steel

Stainless steel made from recycled scrap metal, often sourced from end-of-life appliances, automotive parts, and industrial waste. It is 100% recyclable without loss of quality and is used in premium promotional gifts such as reusable insulated flasks and bottles, food containers, cutlery, multitools and keyrings.

Benefits:

• One of the best corrosion-resistant materials that can be recycled indefinitely, without losing its quality and other properties.
• The extended life of stainless steel makes it a key material in circular economy.
• Recycled Stainless steel reduces energy by up to 70% and saves about 44% of GHG-emissions, compared to the products manufactured from conventional stainless steel.

FSC® Certified Wood, Bamboo and Paper

Sourced from responsibly managed forests and supply chains. The FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) is a non-profit organisation that sets strict environmental, social, and economic standards for forest products. Wood, bamboo and paper based products can be recycled and reused again.

Benefits:

Products with the FSC® label ensure:

• Forests are managed to preserve biodiversity and prevent deforestation.
• Workers are fairly treated and paid, and indigenous land rights are respected.
• The supply chain is fully traceable from forest to final product.

Use of materials from responsibly managed sources reduces the climate impact of cutting down forests, which store CO2 and contribute to biodiversity.

Wheat Straw Plastic

Wheat straw plastic is made from the stalks leftover from harvesting wheat grains. What would otherwise be a discarded or burned by-product, is now converted into a fully recyclable and versatile material. Whereas plastic is made from artificial polymers, Wheat Straw contains natural polymers, without any of the harmful toxins found in regular plastic.

Wheat Straw is used in items such as tech gadgets, stationery, drinkware, toothbrushes and cutlery.

Benefits: 

• Fully Recyclable and biodegradable. Depending on the blend, some Wheat Straw plastic can decompose in as little as 3 to 6 months under home composting conditions.
• Safe for food use being BPA-Free and FDA Approved.
• Is lightweight, durable and has a natural appearance.

Cork

Cork comes from the outer bark of the cork oak tree and is taken from the bark, meaning the tree itself doesn’t need to be cut down. As the bark regenerates naturally, it can be harvested every 9-12 years. Cork is becoming more popular in the promotional products industry, with coasters, notebooks covers, gadgets and kitchenware using the sustainable material.

Benefits:

• Naturally renewable, and beneficial to the environment as stripped cork oaks absorb more CO² during the regeneration process.
• Biodegradable and recyclable.
• Cork forests are rich ecosystems that support biodiversity and protect endangered species and support rural economies (WWF).
• Longevity: High-quality cork lasts for years, especially when bonded well to other surfaces (e.g. notebooks, bags).

Look for FSC® certified cork to ensure it comes from responsibly managed forests.

Hemp

Hemp is a fast-growing, low-impact plant used in items such as textiles, paper products, lanyards and bags. Unlike cotton, it requires minimal water and no pesticides, and nearly every part of the plant is usable.

Benefits:

• Fast growing – it reaches maturity in 3-4 months and requires little to no pesticides or herbicides. It also improves soil health and prevents erosion.
• Low water consumption – around 50% less than cotton (SEI).
• Absorbs up to 22 tons of CO per hectare (Guardian).
• Durable, strong natural fibers and a long-lasting material.

Certifications to look for: 

• GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): For hemp textiles blended with organic fibres.
• OEKO-TEX®: Ensures textile safety and chemical-free processing.
• Fairtrade: For ethically sourced and fairly produced hemp products.

If you would like to know more about any of these sustainable materials or any others not mentioned above, contact our team of promotional product experts for further clarification and certification.

Understanding and Avoiding Greenwashing

What is Greenwashing?

Greenwashing is when a company or product presents itself as more environmentally friendly than it really is—whether through exaggerated claims, vague language, or visual cues (such as green packaging or leaf logos) without explanation or evidence.

How to Avoid Greenwashing as a Business?

1. Use Clear, Specific Language. For example, reference the composition of a product: “Made from 100% recycled PET bottles”. Don’t use vague language like: “Eco-conscious product” without any explanation.
2. Provide Evidence. Make sure you have any relevant certifications to hand (e.g. FSC®, GOTS, Fairtrade, OEKO-TEX®), so that you can prove the sustainability of your branded merchandise.
3. Avoid Over-Claiming. Don’t make claims you can’t verify. You could provide information to your customer about how to dispose of the merchandise responsibly.

Sustainable Marketing Tip: Use established frameworks like ISO 14021 (Environmental Labels & Declarations) or the UK’s Green Claims Code to ensure your sustainability message meets legal and ethical standards. 

The UK’s Green Claims Code advises all environmental claims must be:

• Truthful and accurate
• Clear and unambiguous
• Fully substantiated with credible evidence
• Not omit key information
• Consider the full lifecycle of the product

You can read the full Green Claims Checklist here.

Why Should You Switch To Sustainable Merchandise?

It’s Easy

Opting for sustainable merchandise is an easy and quick way to reduce your waste and cut carbon emissions. It’s a transparent way to show your committment to the environment, particularly if you are working towards sustainability goals and credentials.

Creates a Positive Brand Image

Consumers are increasingly preferring brands that demonstrate environmental responsibility. By meeting these expectations, it will help to create a positive brand impression and image.

100% of promo end-buyers ages 25 to 34 say it’s important that the companies they work with offer eco-friendly products. (ASI)

Brand Loyalty

Sustainable practices can enhance customer trust and loyalty. Customers are more likely to stay loyal to brands that align with their values. 

46% of consumers felt more favourable about a company who gave them an environmentally friendly promotional product. (ASI)

Gain Competitive Edge

If your competitors aren’t using sustainable merchandise, become an early adopter and position your brand as a leader in your industry.