Plastic Free July isn’t just about ditching single-use plastics. It’s a chance to rethink what we put into the world and why. At Over the Top Promotions, we believe promotional merchandise should carry meaning and impact, and not waste. That’s why we’ve committed to a strict zero plastic packaging policy, not just this month, but every month. Because small, intentional choices can drive real impact.
The Real Problem with Traditional Promotional Merchandise
The promotional products industry has long relied on cheap, fast, and disposable items, things that often end up in landfills before the campaign is even over. It’s a volume-driven mindset: the more giveaways, the better.
But here’s the truth: your merch is not just a freebie. It’s a physical touchpoint of your brand. If your merchandise doesn’t reflect your company’s values, it can send the wrong message entirely.
Would you hand out plastic bags at a sustainability conference? Or give employees a welcome kit full of single-use plastic items after announcing a company-wide green initiative? It happens more often than you'd think.
Being Plastic-Free Is Now Part of Brand Credibility
Today’s clients, customers, and employees are more eco-conscious than ever. They notice the packaging. They check the labels. They ask questions.
Choosing plastic-free promotional products is a strategy for protecting and improving your brand reputation. The brands that are leading the way are rethinking purpose, usefulness, and end-of-life.
Smarter Swaps that Speak Louder
Let’s go beyond the basics. Here are some swaps that help reduce waste and increase brand value:
🔁 From Giveaways to Go-To Essentials
Instead of mass-produced plastic pens or stress balls, consider long-lasting items with a built-in purpose. Think stainless steel lunchboxes, stone paper notebooks, or reusable produce bags that genuinely improve someone’s day-to-day.
🌱 Rethink the Packaging Experience
The unboxing moment matters. Go for FSC-certified kraft boxes, seeded paper wraps, or compostable satchels that boost the experience and reduce waste. We’ve even seen clients turn packaging into part of the gift, like a tote that doubles as wrap.
🔄 Low-Waste Doesn’t Mean Low Impact
You don’t need a massive budget to go eco. A simple branded RPET zip pouch (made from recycled plastic bottles) is practical, tactile, and message-driven. Add a sustainability story card inside, and suddenly it’s a conversation starter.
💬 Ask the Right Questions
Not all “eco” claims are equal. Ask your supplier:
– Is this item made from post-consumer or pre-consumer recycled content?
– What happens to this product at end-of-life?
– Is your packaging plastic-free by default?
The Opportunity: Turn Sustainability into Strategy
Plastic Free July gives us an opportunity to reflect. But it shouldn’t be the only time we think about impact. This month can be the catalyst for embedding sustainable promotional products into every merch brief, every campaign, and every client touchpoint.
It’s about asking: What does this item say about who we are?
If you’re ready to move from “just giveaways” to branded merchandise with purpose, we’re here for that conversation.
Let’s create eco-friendly promotional products that are better for your audience and the planet.
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