When you’re going to put your logo and your branding onto a product, you want it to be perceived as really good quality. At Steel City, we pick kitchenware that stands up to the commute, the coffee spills, and the daily wash.
We know that if a product breaks or lands badly with a client, it can do your brand negatively. So, whether you’re ordering for events, onboarding, gifting, or direct mail, we use our experience to take the guesswork out of materials and lead times. We want to make sure you don’t end up buying the items twice.
- Items for day-to-day use: We choose lunchware, mugs, aprons, and compact utensils in sizes people will actually use in their working lives (like 700-1000ml lunch boxes and 250-330ml mugs). It’s really important that these items fit in work bags and sit properly on desks. If a product is awkward to use, or the lid pops off, it’s not going to be kept. We make sure our suggestions avoid those usual failures so the product is a real boost to the recipient.
- Getting the branding right: Our process is very tight. We use defined branding zones and visual proofs to ensure the print placement is consistent across the full order. We want to avoid off-centre logos or artwork getting clipped by seams, curves, or handle breaks. We back you every step of the way to ensure the finish is strong.
- Durability in the wash: We’ll take a consultative approach to branding methods based on what the surface can take. We’ll suggest engraving on metal or bamboo when you want it to last time and time again, and 1-colour or full-colour printing when you need maximum visibility. We want to stop fading, scratching, and ink breakdown that can make a product look tired after a few dishwasher cycles.
- No greenwashing: Sustainability is a real priority. Our recycled-content and UK-made options are selected so you can clearly say what the product is made from and where it’s produced. We don’t want vague claims; we want to help you tick the boxes for your CSR goals without that awkward moment where an item still feels like disposable plastic in someone’s hand.
- Making the message clear: We pick items with big, clearly defined print areas (like up to 200 x 290mm on textiles). This ensures your tagline stays readable and, if you’re using QR codes to tell a backstory or as a call to action, they scan cleanly. We want to ensure the message doesn’t turn into a blur once the item creases or gets washed.
- Meeting your deadline: Lead time is a really popular question. Our short lead-time options are chosen because they typically run 5-8 working days from proof approval. If you have an urgent deadline or an event coming up, these give you workable choices so you aren’t left without stock.
- Going bespoke: Our starting range covers the reliable, low-risk options, but if you have the time and budget, we can go further. We can source outside the standard list to find bespoke shapes, materials, and packaging if your audience needs something specific. We can really narrow down the choice to get you exactly what you need.