Sustainable promotional products in New Zealand

Sustainability claims can refer to materials, manufacturing, durability or packaging. Identify which of these matters for your brief, then ask for information about the specific product.

Consider how the item will be used, how long it is likely to last, and what happens to it at the end of its useful life.

What the label usually covers

Most sustainability claims on branded products fall into a few groups, and a single product can combine more than one.

• Recycled content: the material and proportion of recycled content in the item.
• Material choice: the source and processing of cotton, bamboo, cork or other materials.
• Certification: what it covers and the documentation the supplier provides.
• Durability: construction and suitability for repeated use.
• Packaging: its quantity, materials and local recycling options.

Choose your priorities

Decide which factors matter most for your audience and budget. Compare the product as a whole, including expected use, materials, packaging and delivery.

• Whether your priority is material, certification, durability or packaging.
• Whether you need to be able to show documentation to the recipient.
• Budget: certified and recycled materials usually carry a premium over standard blanks.
• Whether it needs branding at all, or a smaller, more considered gift does the job.

Where the good options are

Drinkware, bags and apparel have the widest range of recycled and organic options in the New Zealand market, simply because those categories have had the most supplier investment. Notebooks and stationery usually offer recycled paper or card.

Checking supplier evidence

Ask suppliers to explain product claims and provide the relevant material information or certification. Check what the documentation covers so you can describe the item accurately.

We help compare the available information alongside your budget, quantity and timing, and suggest alternatives where appropriate.

• Ask for specific material or certification details.
• Check that documentation applies to the product you are considering.
• Include packaging and transport in the comparison.
• Choose an item suited to repeated, practical use.