Time to Go Eco?

The choices that customers make every day can make a big impact on the planet. Especially in the gifting market, there is a large shift in focus towards sustainability which is only increasing this year. Now is the time to make sure you take advantage.  

A survey of 500 UK consumers revealed that one of the most important factors in choosing a retailer was sustainability, with 42% saying it was “very important” and 38% saying “quite important”. 23% said that they shop at a retailer all the time due to sustainable practices. However, a lack of choice was evident with 33% saying they’d shop sustainability all the time if there were more opportunities available. 

Everyday household items and beauty products also provoke an interest in sustainability. For those categories consumers are more likely to avoid single-use plastic and to choose brands that have environmentally sustainable and more ethical practices and values. 

Avoiding single-use plastics is the most common way consumers demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, with 61% saying they have cut back. A focus on seasonality (49%) and buying local goods (45%) are the next biggest areas of focus.  

Products such as our Stainless Steel Water Bottles are perfect to meet this growing demand. Available in both matt and gloss finishes, they make a great alternative to plastic bottles and feature a leak-proof double wall construction to keep drinks chilled or hot for prolonged periods. Available in a range of colours which are all polyester coated, ready for decoration. 

Over the last 12 months, depending on the category, certain brand values have shown themselves to be particularly significant when deciding to shop sustainably or ethically. Waste reduction (68%) or sustainable packaging scores highly (69%) when grocery shopping; and a reduced carbon footprint is also valued highly (48%) when it comes to buying major household appliances.  

The business case for sustainability has never been stronger than it is right now. How can you show customers that you are taking action? 

Our eco gifts selection ranges from stainless steel water bottles to tote bags, allowing you to provide products that move away from the single use trends of the past to a more sustainable outlook going forward. Take a look today!

Don’t Forget About Vanilla Organic

Everything manufactured has an impact on the planet, from fabric production to dying, stitching to shipping. So, if you are mindful to minimise your footprint wherever you can, all Vanilla products are thoughtfully designed and ethically sourced. However, if 100% organic cotton is your thing, we now have the perfect range for you! 

The VAN203 Men’s Organic Sweatshirt and VAN202 Men’s Organic Hoodie are 100% sustainable garments and ideal for layering. A double layered ribbed cuff and hem allows for comfort as well as style, with a tear out label for personalisation. The VAN203 is available in six colours and in sizes XS-3XL while the VAN202 comes in five colours and sizes XXS-4XL.  

It’s not just the adult range where we are looking to offer sustainable clothing. From the junior collection you have the VAN402 Kids Organic Hoodie. Also made from 100% sustainable material, this stylish garment has self-colour jersey tape to the inside of hood, taped shoulders and a full needle, double layered cuff and welt applied with twin needle seam. Sizes come in ages 1-2 right the way up to 9-10, catering from toddlers up to the youth market.  

Consumers are most likely to make sustainable or ethical purchases in the categories they deem essential and buy most frequently. Buying clothing and footwear stimulates an interest in shopping ethically. It is a sector that has also seen a reduction in the number of new purchases. 

Around two thirds of customers pay attention to ethical working practices and human rights issues when they shop for clothes and footwear. Looking across all categories, conserving biodiversity, water and other natural resources are also expressed as being valued by more than a third of consumers. 

We believe that business should be conducted with total respect for people and the environment. We adopt a rigorous selection process for garment manufacturers, ensuring only those that are totally committed to exceeding our high ethical standards become appointed suppliers. We have never purchased from a supplier that we haven’t inspected and approved personally. You can view our ethical statement here.