April 21, 2025
Greener Merch = Stronger Brand: Using Merch Stores to Align Swag With Your Values
Wouldn’t it be great if your branded merch could help the planet?
(Spoiler: it totally can.)
The switch to sustainable isn’t a trend—it’s a movement.
More and more brands are making the simple switch from traditional promo products to custom merch that does good and looks good. And thanks to online merch stores, offering eco-friendly swag has never been easier.
Let’s break down how your biz can make an eco-conscious merch store that showcases sustainable products and highlights brands that give back.
Why Sustainable Branded Merch Makes Sense
Here’s the deal: people care about the planet. A lot. It's our one and only home, after all!
Eco-conscious customers are paying attention to where their stuff comes from, how it’s made, and where it ends up. Get this: PwC’s 2024 Voice of the Consumer Survey found that over 80% of shoppers are down to spend a little extra (9.7% more, to be exact) for products that are sustainably made or sourced.
What’s on this list, you ask?
It includes goods that are “locally sourced, made from recycled or eco-friendly materials, produced in a supply chain with a lower carbon footprint, and more.”
Good news: sustainable swag helps you do just that. It keeps your brand on trend and in line with what matters. Win-win.
So, how can online merch stores drive this shift toward greener choices? It all starts with the products!
Small Swaps, Big Impact
Do you know how your merch is made? The truth is, not all swag is created equal. Choosing better materials means building a better impact.
In an excellent piece for the United Nations University, Professor T. Marwala breaks down why renewable materials (like the ones below) are kind of a big deal. Why, you ask?
Well, they help protect natural resources and keep them around for future generations. Also, bio-based materials can actually soak up carbon while they grow. Talk about multitasking.
On the flip side, traditional materials like plastic and steel rely on limited resources, which isn’t great for the planet—or the future.
Here are some MVPs when it comes to the production of more sustainable merch:
Organic Cotton
Grown without chemicals and oh-so-soft. Perfect for tees, hoodies, and totes.
Recycled Polyester (rPET)
Made from old plastic bottles (yes, really). Ideal for outerwear, bags, and caps.
Bamboo
Super fast-growing and biodegradable. It shows up in everything from tech gear to tumblers.
Cork
Strong, durable, biodegradable, and unique. Think coasters, notebooks, and keychains (and the sole of your Birkenstocks).
These swaps don’t just cut down on waste, they help tell a story your customers and team will want to be part of!
Meet the Merch Supporting Environmental Causes
Sustainable materials aren’t the only way to make an impact. Some merch options take it further by giving back to environmental initiatives.
Here are a few of our faves:
Towels and blankets made from recycled materials, with profits supporting environmental orgs.
Brands that put their money where their mission is, donating 1% of annual sales to support environmental causes.
These aren’t just products, they’re purpose-driven pieces that add serious depth to your merch lineup.
Why Online Merch Stores Are a Game-Changer for Eco-Conscious Merch
It's no secret that online merch stores simplify how you manage branded gear. But did you know they're also a powerful tool for reducing environmental impact?
For starters, merch stores make creating a curated collection of top-quality, eco-friendly products that reflect your brand values easy. Plus, with on-demand fulfillment, items are only packaged and shipped when they're ordered. That means less excess inventory, wasted materials, or forgotten swag sitting in storage.
Packaging gets a glow-up too, with compostable, recyclable, or reusable options. Because, let’s be honest, the box shouldn’t last longer than what’s inside! And if you’re all about eco creds, we’ve got you covered with certifications like FSC, GOTS, and OEKO-TEX that prove your merch lives up to globally-recognized third-party standards.
Bottom line? Merch stores are a simpler way to do branded merch, especially when you've got big goals to hit.
Ready to Launch a Sustainable Merch Store?
Here’s How to Start:
We’ve got the blueprint to get your green merch game rolling:
- Audit What You’ve Got – Spot the not-so-eco-friendly items in your current offerings and swap them out for greener options.
- Work with Sustainable Suppliers – Choose partners prioritizing ethical manufacturing and environmental responsibility.
- Choose Quality That Lasts – Go for well-made, reusable products designed to keep up.
- Tell the Story – Highlight the impact of sustainable choices with your product descriptions and marketing plans.
- Track & Share Impact – From CO₂ savings to trees planted, share the difference your merch is making.
Let’s Build a Merch Store That Does Good
Choosing sustainable branded merch isn’t just about ticking a box; it’s about standing for something bigger. Your brand can lead toward a greener future with the right materials, purpose-driven products, and a merch store that makes it all easy.
Want to build your eco-friendly merch store? We’ve got you. Explore our sustainable product lineup on Eco Blvd, or hit us up to start curating your collection.
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