Recycled vs Biodegradeable Promotional Products

David Platt • 29 December 2019

So which is better recycle or biodegrade?

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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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.