Welcome to our Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Merchandise. It’s increasingly well acknowledged that being conscious of our environmental impact is more critical than ever, and businesses are quite rightly looking for more responsible solutions for their branding and marketing needs. At ICON Printing, we believe in creating long-lasting and well loved products made in the most sustainable and eco-friendly way possible.

In this guide, we’ll explore the essentials of sustainable merchandise and share practical tips for businesses seeking more planet-friendly options. From materials and printing techniques to design considerations and certification standards, we’ll cover everything you need to know to embrace eco-friendly merchandise.

Why Sustainable Merchandise Matters

When we’re hit mission critical, the decision to choose sustainable merchandise speaks volumes about your business values – to both your clients and your employees. The environmental cost that often comes with traditional printing methods and materials can contribute to pollution, deforestation, and resource depletion. As we enter a more environmentally conscious era, businesses have more opportunity than ever to drive positive change by embracing sustainability in their branding and marketing efforts.

By opting for sustainable merchandise, you’re reducing your carbon footprint,  minimising waste and supporting ethical practices throughout the supply chain. Each eco-friendly choice demonstrates your commitment to corporate social responsibility and highlights a more planet friendly approach. Choosing sustainable merchandise brings your values to life.

Eco-Friendly Materials and Printing Techniques

When it comes to your merchandise choices, sustainability can include both the materials and printing techniques used. We’re proud to provide our clients a range of eco-friendly merchandise options that offer a lower environmental impact without compromising on quality or performance.

We offer sustainable materials such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, and biodegradable inks, sourced from our supply partners who share our commitment to material innovation and a planet-friendly approach. These materials contribute to a healthier planet by reducing reliance on virgin resources and minimising waste, whilst still delivering a product that looks and feels good.

Sustainable printing techniques such as water-based inks, screen printing with low-impact dyes and digital printing are also available in our studios. In addition to our eco-friendly materials, these techniques allow us to minimise water usage, energy consumption, and chemical exposure – resulting in prints that are as eco-friendly as they are eye-catching. It’s a win-win for the planet and our clients too.

Designing for Sustainability

When we make planet-kind choices, we still want merchandise that your colleagues will love. Our design team works on different client projects everyday, helping them create bespoke eco-friendly merchandise that reflects their brand identity and values.

When designing for sustainability, factors such as minimalism, functionality, and longevity are important to consider. Clean and simple designs are a smart choice that reduces waste whilst also leaning more towards a timeless appeal. Prioritising simplicity and functionality results in merchandise that serves a purpose beyond a short-term marketing campaign.

We’re proud to offer our clients creative freedom and design-led products while staying true to the sustainability goals of their business (and ours). 

Certification and Standards

Transparency and authenticity is becoming more of an expectation from consumers and clients, and rightly so. We believe in transparency and accountability, so we share all the certifications and information about our materials on site. Industry certifications and standards are an important part of ensuring that sustainable merchandise lives up to its promises. By working with trusted partners, we’re able to offer products that are certified by recognised organisations such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), and FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). Businesses working with us can trust that they are supporting ethical and environmentally responsible practices.

Here are some of the certifications and standards we prioritise in our product ranges;

GOTS-Certified Cotton

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the leading certification for organic fibres, including cotton. GOTS certification ensures that cotton products are made from organic fibres grown without the use of fertilisers, synthetic pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

GOTS-certified cotton also guarantees that the entire supply chain, from cultivation to processing to final product, meets strict environmental and social criteria. This includes standards for water and energy usage, wastewater treatment, and worker welfare.

Choosing GOTS-certified cotton for merchandise printing not only supports sustainable agriculture practices but also ensures that your products are free from harmful chemicals and are produced in a socially responsible manner. It’s a trusted certification that provides peace of mind for businesses and consumers alike.

Certifications from REACH, Oeko-Tex, SEDEX, WRAP, and FLA

“Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals” for short, REACH, is a regulation from the European Union that helps to control the production and use of chemical substances and the impact they can have on the health of the environment and humans alike. Products certified by REACH comply with high-standards for chemical safety and environmental protection.

“Oeko-Tex Standard 100” for short, Oeko-Tex, is an independent body that has a system for testing textiles for harmful substances. Only products that meet their strict safety criteria are certified, ensuring that all the textile products meeting this standard are free from harmful chemicals and safe for human use.

“Supplier Ethical Data Exchange”, SEDEX for short, is a membership platform companies can join that supports them in managing and improving the ethics and business practices in their global supply chains, for example ethical sourcing, fair labour practices, and social responsibility.

“Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production”, known as WRAP, is another independent body that certifies products that comply with their strict ethical manufacturing standards, labour laws, health and safety regulations, and environmental practices. 

“Fair Labor Association”, known as FLA, is a nonprofit organisation with a mission to improve the labour conditional globally for manufacturing. Products with an FLA certification means the companies involved in the production meet their fair labour practices and safe working conditions.

To conclude, the decision to make more conscious environmental choices when it comes to merchandise is much more than box ticking. It’s about being able to truly embody your businesses’ values by making environmentally conscious choices.  At ICON Printing, we’re committed to providing our clients with planet-kind solutions that reflect their commitment to sustainability without compromising on quality, style or performance.

Throughout this guide, we’ve explored the essentials of sustainable merchandise, from materials and printing techniques to design considerations and certification standards. By opting for sustainable materials such as GOTS-certified cotton and prioritising certifications from REACH, Oeko-Tex, SEDEX, WRAP, and FLA – businesses can trust that their merchandise is produced ethically and responsibly, from start to finish.

Choosing sustainable merchandise isn’t just about reducing your environmental footprint—it’s about aligning your business values with your marketing efforts and demonstrating your commitment to corporate social responsibility. When you work with us, you have a partner who shares your passion for sustainability and is dedicated to helping you make a lasting impact with your branding and marketing efforts.

Let’s create a brighter, more sustainable future together. Contact us for a bespoke quote today and our design experts can share more about the eco-friendly products we have available for you.