Searching for environmentally conscious & ethically produced corporate gifts? Continue reading for our top 5 eco-friendly and ethical corporate gift ideas for 2021

The most eco-friendly and ethical version of these items are made from Fairtrade Certified Organic Cotton.

Organic cotton is the most sustainable alternative option to products made from synthetics, such as polyester and nylon- derived from crude oil. Synthetic fibers take hundreds of years to biodegrade, leaving ecosystems plagued with microplastics. On the contrary, organic cotton is a natural fiber that biodegrades in roughly six months and is produced using holistic farming practices that restore and sustain the health of the ecosystem.

Organic cotton products consume fewer resources in comparison to conventional cotton or synthetic products. This is environmentally beneficial and helps communities that often suffer from exploitative industries that consume much of their natural resources. Organic cotton is namely rain-fed, which significantly reduces pressure on local water sources for such communities. In terms of energy resources, organic cotton only requires a tiny fraction of the energy it takes to produce polyester and nylon.

Producing organic cotton products emits much less atmospheric carbon than producing products from conventional cotton or synthetic materials. Compared to conventional cotton, organic cotton emits only half the amount of carbon. While compared to synthetic fiber production, there is roughly an 80-90% reduction in carbon emissions for organic cotton. These are significant differences in the amount of carbon being accumulated in the atmosphere, which contributes to climate change.

Organic cotton is also free of toxic chemicals and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) since it is produced according to organic agricultural standards. This limits the toxic chemical exposure for farmers, their families, and their communities. Fairtrade Certified Organic Cotton takes this a step further by following the Fairtrade Standards to ensure workers’ rights are protected. Workers have safe working environments and gender equality. They are also paid a fair price for their goods and services through the Fairtrade Minimum Price guarantee and the Fairtrade Premium placed on top of their goods' selling price.

With this in mind, if you are looking for the most ethically produced and environmentally friendly corporate gifts, purchase products made from Fairtrade Organic Cotton. Listed below are the top five Fairtrade Organic Cotton products that would make wonderful corporate gifts for your clients and employees. Best of all, the below products can easily be customized to add your company’s flair with a logo, slogan, or artwork.

1. Backpacks

   Backpacks are the most functional corporate gift that anyone can use, and therefore they are first on our list. Employees and clients can use them on a daily basis for carrying their office essentials to and from work. A backpack allows them to carry their laptop, lunch, water bottle, jackets, and more all in one place. For those who commute using public transit, backpacks provide the most convenient way to carry their many personal items while riding the bus, train, or subway. This way, they can be hands-free to use their phone to reply to emails on-the-go.

   Not only will backpacks benefit your employees and clients, but they also provide an excellent opportunity to showcase your brand. Your company logo can be added to the backpack, and wherever your gift recipient carries their backpack, people will see your logo. This can increase your brand exposure and also elevate your brand image.

2. Duffel Bags

   Duffel bags are second on our list because they are another useful corporate gift for employees and clients that often go on business trips or travel with their families. They can conveniently carry clothes, shoes, and travel essentials. On flights, your employees and clients will appreciate having an accessible bag that they can easily fit in the overhead bin. Duffel bags are also wonderful because they can easily be thrown in the trunk of a car for a road trip.

   Like backpacks, duffel bags also provide a good branding opportunity. Your company logo or artwork can be displayed on the duffel bag, and when your employees or clients travel with them, people from all over will be exposed to your brand.

3. Gym Bags

   Gym bags are another practical corporate gift that can be used by many of your employees and clients, making them third on our list. Lots of people love to go to the gym before or after work and need a bag to carry their clothes, shoes, towels, water bottles, and more. A gym bag gives your employees and clients a convenient way to carry these items to the gym and directly to work or vice versa. This saves them time and takes the stress away from having to coordinate going back and forth from the gym, work, and home. Aside from taking gym bags to the gym, they are also very similar to duffel bags, so they can be used for traveling as well. Likewise, gym bags can be nicely branded with your company logo.

4. Tote Bags

   Tote bags are fourth on our list because they are a functional and reusable option for corporate gifts that your employees and clients can use daily. They are a useful grab bag for carrying office essentials to and from work. With your tote bag, your gift recipients can easily carry their laptops, notepads, lunch, and much more. It is a nice way for them to keep all of their supplies in one place and be able to sling the bag over their shoulder and quickly head out the door if they are running late. Similar to the above products, tote bags are also a wonderful way to showcase your brand logo.

5. Laptop Sleeves

   Laptop sleeves are another daily use product that your employees and clients will appreciate as gifts, making it fifth on our list. With many people having to bring their personal laptops to work or their work laptops home, your gift recipients will enjoy the convenience and protection that a laptop sleeve can provide. Employees can feel better about safely carrying their work laptop to and from the office. Instead of carrying their laptops in their arms, a laptop sleeve can allow your recipients to store their laptops in their backpacks or totes for their commute.

SUMMARY

It is important to remember that the most eco-friendly and ethical corporate gifts are made using Fairtrade Certified Organic Cotton. Not only does Fairtrade Organic Cotton protect the environment, but it also protects the people who produce the products. Additionally, in order for gifts to be eco-friendly, they should be things that your employees and clients will actually use. The more often they use and reuse it-- the better. Besides, all of the products above provide opportunities to showcase your brand’s logo, artwork, and slogan for others to see. It’s a win-win for you and your gift recipients!

Source:

About Organic Cotton. http://aboutorganiccotton.org/

Green America. https://www.greenamerica.org/unraveling-fashion-industry/unpacking-toxic-textiles

Green Choices. https://www.greenchoices.org/green-living/clothes/environmental-impacts

Stockholm Environment Institute. https://mediamanager.sei.org/documents/Publications/SEI-Report-EcologicalFootprintAndWaterAnalysisOfCottonHempAndPolyester-2005.pdf

Textile Exchange. https://textileexchange.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/TE-Material-Snapshot_Organic-Cotton.pdf