A sk Clive

SUSTA INABLE IMPROV EMENT

With more certifications available promising a clean conscience for cotton buyers, Clive Allcott takes a look at what they mean

Over the last month or so I have been asked on a couple of occasions what is the difference between organic cotton and ‘sustainable cotton’. It is a question that needed some research.

Let’s start with the basics. Organic cotton is grown and produced by certified standards which includes non-genetically modified organism (GMO) seeds and without the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Certification for organic cotton comes in two types, a farm-level certification and a finished product certification.

Sustainable cotton is promoted heavily in America and has a broader brush which not only covers the above but also how the cotton crop is grown and harvested. It is promoted under the Better Cotton Initiative, a label that is becoming more visible. Certification takes into consideration the labour and human rights practices involved in addition to the environmental practices. It could be said that it’s a more holistic approach.

As a definition, ‘sustainable’ means development that “meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.

Sustainable cotton is therefore grown in a way that can maintain levels of production with minimal environmental impact, can support viable producer livelihoods and communities, and can do so in the face of long-term ecological constraints and socio-economic pressures.

Two of the biggest cotton garment manufacturers in the T-shirt business, Gildan and Fruit of the Loom, have both committed to sustainable cotton manufacture using the BCI certification and are heavily promoting these benefits.

Organic cotton still has its place and commands a strong position. However, with only 1% of the world’s cotton production being organic, and with a high demand from the retail sector, prices are rocketing and there is a need for an alternative eco solution.

Sustainable cotton has to be another step in the right direction but will need to work hard on its communication. Messages such as ethical manufacturing, transparent supply chains, independent certifications and responsible sourcing all need to be substantiated and become a true validation when choosing the next promotional garment you offer a client.

It still has a long way to go but it does offer the customer different choices and certification between organic cotton, sustainable cotton and regular cotton. Any choice that is better for the environment has to be supported.

Happy selling, Clive (The Bag and Clothing Guru).

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Fluid - 15 years with the BPMA

Fluid is commemorating 15 years of being a member of the British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA).

The team celebrated its 15th birthday last year, the company’s inception was in 2006 and this year marks 15 years of membership in its trade organisation the BPMA. The BPMA has been trusted for over 50 years to offer support and guidance to buyers as well as leading the promotional merchandise industry in delivering excellence and compliance through a strict code of conduct, governing areas such as quality, accuracy and fair trade terms.

Aaron Loveridge, operations director of Fluid said: “Being a BPMA charter member is very important to us, especially as we continue to grow as a business. We’re really pleased the BPMA has decided to commemorate our 15 years of membership.”

Georgie Yeats from the BPMA added: “We are delighted that Fluid Branding Ltd is a BPMA 15-year member. On behalf of the Association, we would like to thank you for your continued support over the years and look forward to working with you throughout 2022 and 2023.”

Find out about the latest developments in Charter status on p28.

New features from PromoServe

Promotional merchandise software company AIM Smarter has revitalised its CRM system PromoServe with new features.

These include processing reverse VAT charges, setup of products for multi-brand businesses, refining sales orders and commercial invoices, as well as bespoke development features for streamlining order processing actions. It is currently working to implement

These include processing reverse more new features to the software, such VAT charges, setup of products for as an invoice unlock feature, drag and drop and multi-select options for job bags, dashboard reporting and an all new fully optimisable e-commerce website solution along with so much more in the future. PromoServe is designed to allow promotional merchandise distributors and suppliers to manage their end-to-end business operations including marketing, sales, CRM, supply chain, procurement, financials, and projects. The company has also announced the promotion of Nathan Wisniewski (pictured) to PromoServe general manager.

more new features to the software, such as an invoice unlock feature, drag and drop and multi-select options for job bags, dashboard reporting along with so much more in the future. PromoServe is designed to allow

Fantasy football returns at AMT Trade

The time has come to start tinkering with your Premier League team in a quest to become the greatest manager in the promotional merchandise industry.

AMT Trade’s fantasy league for the promo sector returns for the 2022-23 season with the chance to win £100 of Amazon vouchers and a leather vintage football.

Last season’s victorious manager was Graham Leach from Impress Ipswich. (pictured) This year is the fifth season AMT has been running the league.

To enter the private league, go to fantasy.premierleague.com/ and use the league code: mq5olt.

The league name is Promo Merch. League – AMT Trade. For help entering the league, please call Fabio 01483 447929

Everything Global links with military man

Everything Branded, has teamed up with decorated former soldier Brian Wood and his sports clothing brand Keep Attacking.

It is supporting Keep Attacking’s KA Event Series, a series of three tough but inclusive events held on military training areas to give members of the public the chance to engage in either 4.5 or 9-mile challenges.

As a key sponsor Everything Global assisted in the launch of the second KA challenge event in July with a further two events to follow later in the year. They are open to those willing to break out of their comfort zone and rise to any challenge thrown their way.

Everything Global’s founder Paul Rowlett reached out to Brian Wood with the offer of corporate endorsement and soon forged a relationship beyond the commercial. Both are entrepreneurs who have served with the British Armed Forces.

“It was a no-brainer”, explained Paul, “This guy is a national treasure and a war hero, and he continues to give back. His product is incredible and Everything Global is proud to endorse both the sportswear and the man.”

Brian Wood’s story was dramatised in the BBC series Danny Boy in 2021, exploring the former Colour Sergeant’s medal-winning career and the pivotal role he played in the battle of ‘Danny Boy’ in Iraq in 2004.

Brian Wood said: “I’m passionate about building a brand which appeals to all, regardless of peoples’ background or ability. With an exciting and innovative clothing range now established and the partnership with Everything Global in place, I felt now is the right time to engage the KA community in a challenge series which will truly test their ability to Keep Attacking no matter what’s in front of them.”