Recycled vs Biodegradeable Promotional Products

David Platt • 29 December 2019

So which is better recycle or biodegrade?

Recycled plastic cup

When trying to choose a responsible promotional product there are many choices to make about the product and the branding. But, if you choose an eco-friendly product you also need to make a fundamental choice regarding recycling vs biodegradability. Is it a cotton bag which is naturally biodegradable better than a recycled Pet bag made from recycled PET bottles?

Unfortunately, there are no standards regarding what is more eco-friendly and indeed there a few discussion points and disagreements in this growing area.

1. Recycled

The good news with recycled plastic products is that it reuses plastic that would otherwise end up in landfill and or the oceans. There is also (at least in the UK) a well-established system of collection sorting and recycling. The issues with recycling is that only the polymer is of value. This means that recycling will employ energy in the recovery and re-use process which far exceeds the original virgin polymer plastic. More energy, more greenhouse gases to create another plastic product which needs to be disposed of. Yes a second use and life but it still exists and need to be disposed of.

2. Biodegradable

So natural biodegradable materials are the preferred items then returning their carbon to the natural cycle? Well yes – and no. The issue with biodegradable products is that they are often not given the opportunity to biodegrade. A cotton bag for example if left on the ground (or in the household compost heap will biodegrade. But if the same item finds itself in the landfill – starved of the necessary oxygen and microorganisms it will not degrade at all. So the biodegradable materials must be separated out and moved to the composting bin. An option not open to all households.

The other issue is with biodegradable plastics. Seemingly the ideal answer to plastic waste cycles. The problem here is that where biodegradable corn starch or potato starch products get mixed with other plastics sent for recycling; the corn and the potato become contaminants in the recycling processes ruining the properties of the new plastic

3. Re-use

The final alternative is of course to recreate products that encourage re-use- remember the old glass milk bottles? Creating products such as water bottles from glass or coffee flasks that discourage the use of single use throw away cups provides an alternative.

Conclusion? Well the problem with all things environmental is that there is never a simple one size fits all answer. Everything is a series of compromises. For help discussion and further information contact a member of the Pavilion team.

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How can you tell which items genuinely meet environmental and ethical standards? How do you know your promotional merchandise is eco? One of the best ways is by looking for trusted third-party certifications. These certifications offer transparency, set rigorous criteria, and help ensure that your branded merchandise aligns with your sustainability values. Here's a quick guide to five of the most respected certifications to look out for when choosing eco-conscious products. 1. FSC – Forest Stewardship Council What it means: The FSC certification ensures that wood, paper, and other forest-based materials come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. Why it matters: If you're sourcing promotional items made from wood or paper—like notebooks, packaging, or wooden gifts—FSC certification guarantees that the materials are sustainably harvested. Look for: Products marked with the FSC logo; and check the certificate number on the FSC Certificate Search. Visit FSC official site 2. GOTS – Global Organic Textile Standard What it means: GOTS is a globally recognized certification for organic textiles. It ensures that fabrics like cotton are grown without harmful chemicals and processed in socially and environmentally responsible ways. Why it matters: Many promotional products, like tote bags, T-shirts, and towels, are textile-based. GOTS certification means these items are organic, safe, and ethically produced from farm to finish. Look for: A GOTS-certified label and supplier. You can verify through the GOTS Public Database. Visit GOTS official site What it means: Fairtrade certification supports better prices, decent working conditions, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in developing countries. Why it matters: Products like cotton bags, chocolate bars, or coffee mugs with Fairtrade-certified contents ensure ethical treatment of producers and sustainable farming practices. Look for: The blue and green Fairtrade logo on packaging or labels. Visit Fairtrade Foundation (UK) 4. OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 What it means: This certification verifies that textiles are tested for harmful substances and are safe for human use. Why it matters: Even "natural" fabrics can be treated with dyes or chemicals. OEKO-TEX® ensures that every component of the product—from threads to prints—is free from harmful levels of over 100 substances. Look for: The STANDARD 100 label and certification number for verification via the OEKO-TEX® Label Check. Visit OEKO-TEX® official site 5. Cradle to Cradle Certified® What it means: Cradle to Cradle certification assesses products for environmental and social performance across five categories: material health, circularity, clean air & climate protection, water & soil stewardship, and social fairness. Why it matters: This is especially valuable for innovative and multi-material products. It focuses on the entire lifecycle, not just sourcing or disposal. Look for: The Cradle to Cradle Certified® mark and specific level (Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum). Visit Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute Why Certifications Matter for Your Brand Choosing certified eco-friendly promotional products isn’t just about ticking a box—it shows your customers, staff, and stakeholders that you care about ethical sourcing, sustainable production, and long-term environmental impact. These certifications offer peace of mind and add real value to your brand story. At Pavilion Earth, we’re proud to work with suppliers who prioritise sustainability and transparency. Want help finding the right certified products for your campaign? Get in touch with us — we’d love to help.
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