Turning Sustainable Printing into a Living Experience at Expo West
AWT Labels & Packaging is known for helping brands elevate their packaging while reducing environmental impact. When preparing for Natural Products Expo West, the team wanted more than a traditional giveaway. They were looking for a way to showcase sustainable innovation in action, not just talk about it.
Rather than handing out forgettable swag, AWT set out to create an experience that connected attendees to sustainability in a tangible, memorable way.
The Challenge
Trade shows are crowded spaces filled with promotional items that rarely leave a lasting impression. AWT wanted their booth to stand out while staying true to their values.
Their goals were clear:
- Demonstrate sustainable printing and labeling in real time
- Create a meaningful takeaway for attendees
- Align their booth experience with their broader sustainability mission
They needed a gift that could adapt to live personalization and still carry a deeper environmental story.
The Solution
AWT chose Tree Kit Pouches from ForestNation as the foundation for their booth experience.
Instead of receiving pre-labeled kits, AWT requested blank Tree Kit Pouches so they could print and apply labels live at the event. Using an Epson ColorWorks printer, the team personalized labels on the spot, often printing each visitor’s name and applying it directly to the Tree Kit while explaining the labeling process.
ForestNation handled the preparation and fulfillment of the Tree Kit Pouches, while AWT led the live printing and personalization experience at their booth. Together, this created a seamless blend of sustainable gifting and hands-on demonstration.
Each Tree Kit also connected to AWT’s forest profile, ensuring that the physical gift was paired with real tree planting impact.
The Results
The Tree Kits quickly became a focal point of AWT’s booth.
Attendees were drawn in by the live printing process and left with a gift that felt personal, thoughtful, and purpose-driven. The combination of sustainable materials, customization, and real environmental impact resonated strongly with visitors.
As AWT shared after the event:
“Everyone we gave the trees to thought it was a great idea. Working with ForestNation highlights our dedication to sustainable practices and reinforces our mission to provide eco-friendly packaging solutions.”
Gretchen Tobol, Product Manager, AWT Labels & Packaging
The experience not only showcased AWT’s labeling capabilities but also reinforced their position as a partner helping brands make more responsible choices.
Why It Worked
This campaign succeeded because it went beyond a product giveaway.
By pairing Tree Kits with live personalization, AWT turned sustainability into an experience. Attendees did not just receive a gift. They watched it being created, understood the materials behind it, and walked away knowing it supported real tree planting.
It was a clear example of how sustainable packaging, when done thoughtfully, can create deeper engagement and lasting impact.
Closing
AWT Labels & Packaging proved that sustainability does not have to be abstract. With the right tools and the right partner, it can be visible, interactive, and meaningful.
By integrating ForestNation’s Tree Kits into their booth experience, AWT showed how brands can communicate environmental values in ways people genuinely remember.