June 30, 2025

Eco vs. Traditional Merch: Which One Fits Your Brand Best?

A quick guide on finding the perfect match for your audience, goals, and budget.

We get it—choosing the right branded merch can feel like a high-stakes game. You want to wow your audience, stay on brand, and be kind to the planet… all while keeping your budget in check.

Sound familiar?

Whether you’re debating your first merch order or looking to switch things up, your decision can often come down to one big question: What the heck do my people and clients want?

Maybe you understand that sustainability is on the rise, but aren't sure how green merch differs from traditional merch. Or perhaps you've recently onboarded recent grads, and want to offer merch that caters to a different generation. Maybe you're just feeling fun and want to switch it up!

So let’s break it down: the pros, cons, and everything in between to help you make the best swag choice for your brand.

What Makes Merch Eco-Friendly?

Eco-friendly merch goes beyond slapping a green label on something and calling it a day. It’s about intentional choices, from the materials and packaging to the production process and what happens when your merch reaches the end of its life.

Think organic cotton tees, reusable drinkware, recycled notebooks, and biodegradable mailers.

And why?

Consumers are asking for it. Younger generations (hi, Gen Z!) are especially tuned in to what brands stand for and how they show it. The 2023 PDI Business of Sustainability Index actually reports that 77% of Gen Z is willing to pay more for sustainable products and services, compared to 72% of Millennials and 67% of Gen X.

If your values include sustainability, your merch should reflect that.

Pros & Cons of Sustainable Merch

Imagine you’re gifting new hires a beautifully curated welcome kit packed with recycled paper notebooks, bamboo desk organizers, and branded reusable water bottles. This kit goes beyond practicality; it’s also a statement about who you are and what you stand for.

Pros of eco-friendly merch:

Future-Focused Brand Image: Choosing greener products shows your audience that you’re thinking long-term, not just about the next campaign.

Appeals to Modern Audiences: Eco-friendly merch resonates with younger, more values-driven consumers. It helps your brand connect with people who care about purpose as much as product.

Better Storytelling Opportunities: Sustainable merch is more meaningful by nature (pun intended!). Every product becomes a talking point for your brand’s commitment to doing better.

We’ve got a catalogue of sustainable brands with stellar initiatives that we partner with over on Eco Blvd, and they’re totally worth checking out. (One of them even makes products out of washable paper! And did someone mention a natural cement speaker?)

Some cons to consider:

Higher Price Per Unit: Sustainable products can come with a higher price tag, especially at lower volumes (although this isn't always the case!). But the perceived value is often higher, too.

Limited Product Range: While the eco-friendly space is growing fast, there are still fewer options compared to traditional merch (for now).

The Pros & Cons of Traditional Merch

Think power banks, custom socks, soft-touch pens, or event swag that gets real use.

Traditional merch offers endless possibilities and serious bang for your buck. And people hang on to it. 65% of people say they’ve kept a promotional item because it was useful, reinforcing utility as a huge win for brand recall.

Pros of traditional merch:

Lots of Variety: From tech accessories to high-volume giveaways, traditional merch has the widest selection. This makes it a great opportunity for creativity and standing out.

Flexible for Any Budget: Whether you’re working with a tight budget or going big, traditional merch gives you room to scale your spend and still make an impact.

Durability & Customization: These items are often super customizable, giving you more options to match your exact brand look and feel.

Some cons to consider:

Not Always Eco-Conscious: Some traditional items may include plastic or materials that aren’t recyclable or reusable, which can be a turn-off for eco-aware audiences.

Can Feel Generic If Not Done Right: The flip side of lots of options? It’s easier to end up with something forgettable. That’s where thoughtful design and curation come in (good thing that’s where we shine!).

Busting Common Misconceptions

While we're here, let’s bust a few myths.

Sustainable is too expensive. Eco-friendly merch can come with a higher price tag, but that doesn’t mean it’s out of reach! Many sustainable options are competitively priced, especially when you consider the long-term brand value and positive perception they deliver.
Traditional is outdated. Not necessarily true! Traditional merch is constantly evolving with fresh styles, tech-forward gadgets, and creative print methods that pack a punch.
Eco = boring or limited. If you haven’t browsed sustainable merch lately, trust us—you’ll be surprised. From sleek drinkware to cozy apparel and elevated office supplies, the options are anything but bland.

Bottom line? The right merch is about what aligns with your brand and your goals.

Can You Do Both? (Yes!)

Here’s the thing: you don’t have to choose one or the other. We often help clients build hybrid merch plans that combine the best of both worlds.

Think:

Eco-friendly apparel paired with a custom-branded tumbler
A giveaway that mixes sustainable notepads with traditional tech
Tiered gifts for different audiences, like eco for new clients and traditional for trade shows

It all comes down to your goals. Ask yourself:

Is sustainability part of our brand DNA?
Who are we trying to connect with?
What’s the budget (and how far does it need to stretch)?
What kind of impression do we want to leave?

Sometimes, the answer is all-in on eco. Sometimes, traditional makes the most sense. And sometimes? A mix is just right.

The Best Merch Is the One That Works for You

At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to your branded merch strategy.

Sustainable swag brings values and vision front and centre, while traditional options offer versatility, variety, and flexibility. But the real win is choosing what makes the most sense for your brand, your audience, and your goals—whether that’s eco, traditional, or a thoughtful mix of both.