Feature: Promotional products: Clothing and bags

It can sometimes feel as though one has been dropped into Kermit’s family reunion, such is the level of the current obsession with being “green”. As companies seek to increase their eco-offerings, are customers putting their money where their ethics are?

The price can be too high for some companies, as Safia Habib, design project manager for JSL Concepts reveals. “A lot of clients want to know about the different fabrics like hemp and bamboo but it can be too expensive for them still,” she says. Habib has created six themes for this season, including Pretty Granny, which is a modern take on the 1950s/60s; Gypsy, a trendy carnival inspired theme; Angry Rebel, an Amy Winehouse look; and, of course, recycled.

The demand does appear to be growing, however, as Phil Wells of Bags Direct International reports. “As a company which has supplied the promotional and advertising industry for over 20 years with all types of bags, I personally have never seen such an increase in the level of enquiries and orders for cotton shopping bags,” he says. “We are now also being asked to supply the conference bags we regularly supply in cotton canvas material.”

Eco Incentives launched its new Foldable Bag at the Promotional Marketing Exhibition last month. It is made from an environmentally friendly fabric, has a large print area and can be folded down (hence the name) into itself when not in use. The company also has a corn carrier bag (compostable and bio-degradeable), which director Matt Franks believes will increase in popularity as the plastic bag’s fortunes continue to dive.

Since its launch in 2004, Keepme Bags has never supplied plastic bags, using recycled materials throughout its range and planting a tree in the UK for every qualifying order, and branded cotton bags can be provided from 60p per bag. Steve Anderson, commercial director at Keepme, says: “We have seen a very positive increase in the number of eco-friendly bags being ordered by our customers. This is very encouraging moving forward, as what was once a market dominated by plastic bags is now becoming an arena where environmental issues are taking precedent.”

Recycled materials can be used in clothing too, such as IS Enterprises’ new R125 Hi-Active Horizon Jacket from Result clothing. At least 25 per cent of the PVC-coated jacket is made from recycled material, with 65gsm nylon taffeta lining. It is wind- and water-proof, has a fleece-lined collar, adjustable shockcord waist and hem and a hood that can be concealed or detached. It is designed to be worn with the new R115 Microfleece Horizon Jacket if required.

It’s not just the environmental issues that companies may want to consider: the ethical sourcing of products is coming under increasing scrutiny by savvy customers. Supplier Trashebolsas is based around a project in the Philippines where discarded tarpaulin advert banners are turned into bags by local women on a fair wage. Each bag, whether sports, tote or fashion, is unique, and the company’s minimum order is 10.

Mantis World has its finger firmly on the ethical pulse with its commitment to good working practices at its Tanzanian factories and protection of the local environment. This year has seen new colours added to Tender Loving Clothing (TLC), its 100 per cent organic cotton T-shirt and baby clothes range (pictured). There are 11 styles available, from newborn up to XXL adults. “Our customers have shown a real interest in responsibly produced products,” comments Prama Bhardwaj, managing director of Mantis World. “And because we make not just the organic TLC range, but our entire collection from our factories in East Africa, customers recognise that they are also contributing to these communities when they source from us.”

Purple Turtle also has an organic range, and is looking into providing a Fairtrade range, says director Andrew Kouroushi, although he admits that many are still unwilling to pay the extra price. The company caters for all looks with its bespoke clothing range, while keeping a keen eye on high-street fashion.

Organic cotton is not possible for all budgets at present, however. “Many customers are happy to buy non-organic products that are nevertheless produced in an environmentally responsible and ethical manner, such as those supplied by Fruit of the Loom,” says its European brand manager, Alison Woodvine. New Fruit of the Loom styles for 2008 include Screen Stars Original Polo, Children’s American Heavy T and Baseball Hooded Sweat. The polo is ideal for high-volume orders and comes in black, green, deep navy, red, royal blue and white.

BrandInc has focused on carbon footprints for 2008, introducing carbon zero-rated T-shirts at the end of April, with the intention of creating a complete range of carbon-neutral promotional clothing by teaming up with carbon offset provider, Co2 Balance. The T-shirts will cost the same as their traditional counterparts because BrandInc is taking on the cost of the carbon offsetting rather than passing it on to its customers.

“Research does point to the emergence of ‘low carbon’ consumers who tend to look more favourably on brands that are taking positive action to tackle climate change,” explains general manager Adrian Ferrand. “Our initial range of zero carbon T-shirts was sourced in Pakistan, but they could come from Turkey, China or anywhere in the world. What will be consistent in future is that they will have their carbon emissions offset. Our factories are checked to ensure fair trade and, where possible, we look to source organic or sustainable products.”