Corporate gifting is a tradition of giving gifts to clients, employees, and other stakeholders to express gratitude, build relationships, and promote business growth. However, the traditional practices of corporate gifting often involve wasteful and unsustainable products, packaging, and practices. In recent years, the concept of sustainable corporate gifting has gained momentum, as businesses seek to align their gifting practices with their sustainability goals and values.
Sustainable corporate gifting involves choosing gifts that are eco-friendly, socially responsible, and ethically produced. By adopting sustainable corporate gifting strategies, businesses can create a positive impact on the environment and society while building strong relationships with clients and employees.
5 Amazing Corporate Gifting Facts Proving the Importance of Sustainability
- In a survey of 1,000 office workers in the UK, 78% said they would be more likely to do business with a company that had an environmentally friendly policy on corporate gifts.
- According to a report by ASI, 63% of US consumers would prefer to receive a promotional product that is eco-friendly.
- A study by PPAI found that 73% of recipients of promotional products said they use them at least once a week, and 45% said they use them at least once a day.
- In a survey of US businesses by ASI, 60% said they have a sustainability policy in place for their promotional products and corporate gifts.
- Another study by ASI found that 42% of consumers have a more favorable impression of an advertiser if the promotional product they receive is environmentally friendly.
Overall, these stats suggest that incorporating sustainability into corporate gifting can have a positive impact on brand image, customer loyalty, and even sales.
Benefits of Sustainable Corporate Gifting
Positive Environmental Impact
Sustainable corporate gifting can reduce the negative impact of traditional corporate gifting practices on the environment. By choosing eco-friendly and ethical products, businesses can decrease their carbon footprint, reduce waste, and conserve natural resources.
Enhanced Brand Reputation
Sustainable corporate gifting can improve the reputation and brand image of a business. By showing a commitment to sustainability, businesses can attract and retain environmentally conscious clients, employees, and partners. Sustainable corporate gifting can also help businesses differentiate themselves from their competitors and position themselves as leaders in their industry.
Social Impact
Sustainable corporate gifting can create a positive social impact by supporting local communities, promoting fair trade, and contributing to charitable causes. By choosing gifts that are ethically produced and socially responsible, businesses can support the well-being of workers, communities, and the planet.
Building Long-Term Relationships and Loyalty
Sustainable corporate gifting can help businesses build long-term relationships and loyalty with clients, employees, and other stakeholders. By choosing gifts that are personalized and meaningful, businesses can enhance client and employee retention, generate positive feedback and referrals, and foster a sense of community and partnership.
Sustainable Corporate Gifting Strategies and Ideas
Choose Eco-Friendly and Ethical Products
Choosing eco-friendly and ethical products is one of the key strategies of sustainable corporate gifting. Eco-friendly products are made from sustainable materials and are biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable, reducing waste and pollution. Ethical products are produced in a socially responsible and fair manner, ensuring the well-being of workers and communities.
Examples of eco-friendly and ethical products for sustainable corporate gifting include:
- Reusable water bottles and coffee cups made from stainless steel or glass
- Bamboo or wooden utensils for eating on-the-go
- Recycled or biodegradable phone cases and laptop sleeves
- Organic cotton t-shirts or tote bags with a positive environmental message
- Fair trade and organic chocolate or coffee
- Solar-powered chargers or portable speakers
- Tree growing kits that can be planted and grown anywhere
Opt for Sustainable Packaging and Wrapping
Sustainable packaging and wrapping can further reduce the environmental impact of corporate gifting. Businesses can choose packaging that is made from recycled or biodegradable materials, such as paper or cardboard, and avoid plastic and other non-recyclable materials.
Examples of sustainable packaging and wrapping for sustainable corporate gifting include:
- Recycled or FSC-certified paper or cardboard boxes and bags
- Reusable fabric bags or wraps
- Biodegradable packing peanuts or air pillows made from cornstarch
- Plant-based, compostable cellophane bags
- Twine or ribbon made from natural materials such as hemp or cotton
Promote Local and Small Businesses
Promoting local and small businesses is another strategy for sustainable corporate gifting. By supporting local economies and small businesses, businesses can contribute to community development, reduce transportation emissions, and offer unique and personalized gifts.
Examples of local and small business products for sustainable corporate gifting include:
- Artisanal and handmade goods, such as pottery or candles
- Locally sourced food and drink, such as honey or craft beer
- Customized gift baskets featuring local products and services
- Gift certificates to local restaurants or shops
- Handmade or upcycled home decor and accessories
Give Back to Good Causes
Giving back to good causes is another way to make sustainable corporate gifting more impactful. By supporting environmental or social causes, businesses can contribute to positive change and make a difference in the world.
Examples of giving back with sustainable corporate gifting include:
- Planting trees or promoting reforestation and fighting climate change (like ForestNation does in Tanzania :))
- Supporting animal welfare organizations or environmental organizations
- Contributing to clean water or renewable energy projects
- Supporting organizations that benefit disadvantaged or marginalized communities
Personalize and Customize Gifts
Personalizing and customizing gifts is a way to make them more meaningful and memorable. Businesses can use personalized gifts to show their appreciation and build stronger relationships with clients and employees.
Examples of personalized and customized gifts for sustainable corporate gifting include:
- Engraved or embroidered products with the recipient’s name or initials
- Customized stationery or notebooks with the business logo and a positive message
- Customized reusable water bottles or tote bags with the recipient’s favorite color or design
- Personalized gift boxes with a variety of products chosen specifically for the recipient
See how you can customize tree kits for corporate gifting here
Offer Experiences Instead of Products
Offering experiences instead of products is a way to provide sustainable gifts that create lasting memories and have a positive impact on the environment and society. Businesses can offer experiences that are tailored to the recipient’s interests and preferences.
Examples of experiential gifts for sustainable corporate gifting include:
- Cooking classes or food tours
- Wine tastings or brewery tours
- Outdoor adventures such as hiking or kayaking
- Spa treatments or wellness retreats
- Cultural experiences such as museum visits or theater tickets
Go Digital
Going digital is a way to make corporate gifting more sustainable by reducing waste and emissions. Businesses can send digital gifts, such as e-books, music downloads, or gift cards, to clients and employees. Going digital also allows businesses to connect with recipients in a more personal and convenient way, such as sending personalized messages or organizing virtual events.
Examples of digital gifts for sustainable corporate gifting include:
- E-books or audio books on sustainability or personal development
- Music or video downloads from local or independent artists
- Gift cards to eco-friendly or ethical online shops or services
- Online subscriptions to wellness or productivity platforms
- Virtual team building events or webinars
- Egifts that plant trees
Over to you
Sustainable corporate gifting is a way for businesses to show their appreciation and build stronger relationships with clients and employees while also making a positive impact on the environment and society. Businesses can create meaningful and memorable gifts that align with their values and contribute to a more sustainable future.
As more and more businesses adopt sustainable practices, sustainable corporate gifting is becoming a trend that is here to stay. By integrating sustainability into their gift-giving strategies, businesses can differentiate themselves from their competitors, improve their brand image, and make a positive impact on the world.
