Becoming a B Corp Helped Us Put Words to What We’ve Believed All Along

This year, Over the Top Promotions became a B Corp, and while it is a milestone we’re proud of, it also made us pause and reflect. The truth is that many of the practices required for certification were things we were already doing, often quietly, and often simply because they felt like the right way to work.

So instead of seeing B Corp as a badge, we see it as a clearer expression of values that have shaped us from the start. It helped us organise what we care about. It helped us understand where we are strong and where we still want to grow. And more than anything, it helped us realise that sustainability isn’t a new direction for us. It’s something we’re now able to amplify with more structure and purpose.

The Values We’ve Always Had, Now Clearer and Stronger

When we look back, we can see that our approach to sustainability didn’t begin with a strategy session or a new market trend. It grew from very practical habits:

• Choosing products that people will use again and again
• Asking suppliers honest questions about how things are made
• Steering clients away from giveaways that add no value
• Encouraging better materials whenever budgets allow
• Being thoughtful with every recommendation, no matter the order size

These choices weren’t about looking good or trying to lead the industry. They were simply the ways we felt comfortable working. They were the decisions that let us sleep well at night.

B Corp certification helped us understand that these instincts weren’t random. They were a foundation. And now we have a structure that builds on them with more clarity and accountability.

What Changed When We Became a B Corp

Going through the certification process didn’t turn us into a different business; it helped us articulate the one we already were.

But it did change a few things:

• We measured what we used to assume. Instead of relying on good intentions, we put actual numbers behind our environmental and social impact.
• We built systems around our values. The behaviors we practiced naturally now have processes that support them.
• We saw gaps more clearly. Not in a discouraging way, but in a motivating way. We now have a clearer picture of where we want to improve over the next few years.
• We strengthened how we work with suppliers. Certification encouraged deeper conversations about labor practices, materials, and transparency.

This process reminded us that doing good work requires both instinct and structure. Having both makes us better at helping clients create merchandise that reflects their values.

Why B Corp Matters for Clients Who Want to Use Merch for Good

More organisations today want to use merch for good, not just for visibility. They want items that feel meaningful, purposeful, and aligned with their values. Becoming a B Corp doesn’t magically make every item sustainable, but it does help us guide clients toward better choices with confidence and clarity.

Here’s what clients can expect:

• Guidance that comes from real values, not trends. We won’t push “sustainability” just because it’s popular. We focus on what makes sense for the product’s real-life use.
• Clear explanations, in simple language. No jargon. No guilt. Just practical advice.
• Thoughtful product curation. If something is likely to be thrown away, we say so. If there’s a longer-lasting alternative, we explore it.
• Stronger supplier checks. We now have better frameworks for making sure the products you choose come from responsible partners.

We see our role as helping brands feel proud of the merch they create, not because it’s labelled “eco”, but because it’s genuinely well-considered.

A Changing Industry, and a Chance to Do Better Together

The promotional products space is changing, and the shift feels hopeful. Clients are asking deeper questions. People want items that last. Teams want to avoid unnecessary waste. And suppliers are innovating faster than ever.

This gives us a lot to look forward to.

As we move toward 2026, our goals include:

• Expanding sustainable product ranges across Australia and the APJC
• Strengthening our relationships with ethical and innovative suppliers
• Offering more recyclable and circular product options
• Continuing to reduce waste in how we plan, pack, and produce
• Sharing easy, practical tools that help clients make responsible choices

The industry’s momentum tells us that the future of branded merchandise can be both creative and responsible, and we’re excited to keep helping shape that future.

A Certification That Reflects Our Past and Helps Guide Our Next Chapter

Earning B Corp certification this year meant a great deal to us, not because it changed who we are, but because it validated the path we’ve been on. It helped us put structure around the values that have guided us from day one. It also reminded us that there is still so much room to grow, refine, and improve.

Most of all, it gave us a renewed sense of purpose.

We’re entering 2026 with a clearer direction, steadier processes, and a deeper commitment to creating merchandise that people value and merchandise that tells a story, supports responsible production, and reflects the brands behind it.

Becoming a B Corp isn’t the achievement at the end of the journey. It’s the compass we’re using as we continue.

And we’re excited for what comes next.