Blog Post

5 Eco-Friendly Promotional Products That Make a Difference

15 May 2023

In this blog post, we highlight 5 different eco-friendly promotional products, their environmental benefits and how they are a great way for businesses to show their commitment to sustainability.

Promoting your business with eco-friendly merchandise may be done for a number of reasons. Because you care about the environment, because you wish to demonstrate to you customers that you care or maybe to the meet the needs of the corporate ESG targets. Some products are environmentally friendly but do not look it – and if your objective is to outwardly demonstrate your environmental credentials then may not be for you. But if your objective is to make a difference then consider these:

1. The notepad:

The humble paper pad whether A4 or A5 is an often overlooked eco item. Obviously it can be produced from recycled paper but even if not, we would regard the pad as sustainable. No plastic here and whilst many items purport to be recyclable, paper is the most recycled product in the UK with a ubiquitous collection and recycling system in place.

The paper industry on its Two Sides web site – (https://www.twosides.info/myths-and-facts) – shows that European paper does not destroy trees and the environment but as a farmed product increases the number of trees. The paper industry uses more renewable energy that almost any other.

2. The cotton T shirt

Whilst recycled polyester T shirts are popular and because they are recycled they clearly have a place in the sustainable portfolio however they suffer from one major problem. All manmade fibres whether they are recycled or not are one of the major sources of micro plastics found in the ocean. This is caused by the generation of micro plastics when cleaning manmade fibres.

Cotton does not suffer from this issue and as a natural fibre is biodegradable and recyclable. New paragraph

3. Ocean Bottle

When you buy an Ocean Bottle, you fund the collection of 1000 ocean-bound plastic PET bottles before they enter the ocean. Collectors in coastal communities exchange this plastic for money and get access to social resources such as healthcare, education and financial security. As a winner of design awards, the Ocean Bottle is also one of the most elegant designed bottles on the market. It is possible the most elegantly designed eco merchandise products on the market.

4. Seeds

Seeds are wonderful way to show your eco credentials, encouraging a respect for nature and involvement in growing plants. This points to CO2 reduction and with wild flower seeds can also encourage bees and biodiversity. The eco merchandise industry has come up with a number of inventive ways to give seeds from seed packets to match boxes and seed paper. All of these can be branded with you eco message.New paragraph

5. Jute Bag

Jute is a much under-rated material. Naturally very strong and hard wearing and also a natural fibre which is biodegradable. For promotional use the tote bag or shopping bag is the most common use and this allows highlighting of the eco credentials, namely:

· Jute grows without the need for pesticides and fertilizers (major criticism of cotton)

· Not only is jute biodegradable it is also recyclable

· Jute reaches maturity in around 4-6 months, making it an incredibly efficient source of truly sustainable materials

· It needs only natural rainfall and not expensive water irrigation systems (another criticism of cotton)New paragraph

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Raster versus Vector - advice for the decoration of branded promotional merchandise

by David Platt • 5 February 2025

Understanding Vector Files vs Raster Files for Eco Promotional Products When it comes to branding on eco promotional products, understanding the different file types is crucial. Whether you’re creating logos for reusable water bottles or designing training manuals, the choice between vector and raster files significantly impacts the quality, scalability, and versatility of your designs. In this blog, we’ll explore the characteristics of these two file types, their applications, and why choosing the right format matters for both print and digital media. --- What Are Vector Files? Vector files are a digital image format based on mathematical formulas that define shapes, lines, and colours. Unlike raster files, which are made up of pixels, vector files use points and paths, allowing them to remain resolution-independent and infinitely scalable. Common vector file formats include **.SVG** (Scalable Vector Graphics), **.AI** (Adobe Illustrator), and **.EPS** (Encapsulated PostScript). Advantages of Vector Files 1. Scalability: Vector files can be scaled up or down without any loss in quality. Whether you’re designing a logo for a promotional pen or a large conference banner, vector graphics remain crisp and clear. This scalability makes them ideal for **printing on eco promotional products**, signage, and manuals. 2. Editability: Vector files are highly editable. Designers can easily adjust individual elements like shapes, colours, and sizes without compromising image quality. This flexibility is particularly useful for **custom branding**, where logos or designs need modifications for various products. 3. Small File Sizes: Vector files are typically smaller than raster files because they store mathematical data rather than individual pixels. This makes them faster to load, ideal for web use, and easier to share across platforms. Applications of Vector Files Vector files are perfect for projects that require sharp, scalable designs. Their primary uses include: - **Eco promotional products**: Logos for reusable bottles, tote bags, and stationery. - **Print materials**: Brochures, business cards, and training manuals. - **Signage**: Pop-up banners and large-scale graphics. - **Web graphics**: Icons, infographics, and logos for websites. --- What Are Raster Files? Raster files, also called bitmap images, consist of individual pixels that make up the image. These files are resolution-dependent, meaning their quality is determined by the **pixels per inch (PPI)** or **dots per inch (DPI)**. Common raster file formats include **JPEG**, **PNG**, and **TIFF**. Advantages of Raster Files 1. Photorealistic Detail: Raster files excel at capturing detailed and complex images, such as photographs or digital paintings. This makes them ideal for **photographic designs** used in digital or print materials. 2. Image Effects: Raster files support various effects, such as shading, filters, and blurring. These capabilities allow designers to enhance photos or create artistic visuals for **social media posts, eBooks**, or website banners. Applications of Raster Files Raster files are better suited for detailed, photorealistic designs. Their primary uses include: - **eBooks and digital materials**: Low-resolution images for screens. - **Web graphics**: Social media posts and website banners. - **Photography**: Printing high-resolution photos for promotional use. - **Complex artwork**: Digital illustrations or detailed graphics. --- Vector vs Raster Files: Key Differences 1. Scalability - **Vector Files:** Infinitely scalable without loss of quality, ideal for logos and large-format printing. - **Raster Files:** Lose quality and become pixelated when enlarged. 2. Editability - **Vector Files:** Easy to edit individual elements (shapes, colours, etc.), making them versatile for product branding. - **Raster Files:** Difficult to edit without compromising quality. 3. Resolution Dependence - **Vector Files:** Resolution-independent; sharp at any size. - **Raster Files:** Resolution-dependent; quality depends on the original PPI or DPI. 4. File Size - **Vector Files:** Smaller file sizes, suitable for web use and quick loading. - **Raster Files:** Larger file sizes due to pixel data. --- Why File Choice Matters for Eco Promotional Products When creating branded materials for eco promotional products, the right file type ensures your designs are visually appealing and consistent across all platforms. Here’s why: - **For Print:** Vector files are essential. Logos and graphics need to be sharp and scalable for different product sizes, from mugs to banners. Vector files also work best for high-resolution branding on training manuals or reusable promotional items. - **For Digital:** Raster files are better suited for low-resolution displays, such as eBooks, social media posts, and websites. However, remember that even digital logos and icons can benefit from vector files for faster loading and a crisper appearance. --- Partnering with Pavilion Earth for Your Eco Promotional Needs At Pavilion Earth, we understand the importance of getting your branding right, whether it’s for a biodegradable tote bag, a stainless steel water bottle, or digital training materials. Choosing the right file format is just one step in ensuring your promotional products reflect your values and your brand’s quality. Our team can guide you through the process of selecting and preparing the correct file types for your eco promotional products. Need help deciding between vector and raster files? Let us assist you in optimising your designs for maximum impact. Contact Pavilion Earth today to discuss your promotional product needs and branding goals. Together, we’ll make sure your materials stand out while staying eco-conscious.