FirstPledges

The following companies have takenthe StepForward Pledge: Premier Print &Promotions, Juniper,Chilli Promotional Products, First Editions, Preseli, Galpeg, BagCo,Bio Laboratories, BDA, SowEasy,Pinksheep Marketing, The Sourcer.com, Allwag Promotions, Simple Sourcing, Swag Box.

Withcollaborative ideas and inspiration in abundance, theBPMAwas able to take away arange of ideas members could get behind to acceleratethe pace of change. Everydelegatewas presented withacopyof The Sustainable Business Book to use in their organisations.

Marking Time

Newpartners, Planet Markjoined theConference to talk about the pace of change andthe need to act.

Speaker Jonathan Withey,Director of Transformation and ESG at Planet Mark, explained thereasons behind the drive forchange now, not later and theroleour industryhas to play

Discussing thenewly formed partnership withthe BPMA, Withey explained how certification worksand whyitmatters. Citing important news suchasthe legalisation about carbon neutral claims were no longer possible and what this would mean forpromotional merchandise, theBPMAannounced to attendees therange of support and input which would be available from Planet Markto members on this area and manyothers.

Picking up arange of interesting and far-reaching questions from members on their role andresponsibility, Witheyreported back just howimpressed and inspired he wasabout thecommitment of theindustry to drive positiveimpacts and transformation. Noting theneed forthe industrytoadopt acrediblenet zero transition strategy,he also pointed out thesignificant challenges ahead suchasunderstanding and quantifying thecarbon in theproducts sold, educating and helping customers in choosing theright solutions to do more good while still promoting themselves. The industryalso faces forthcoming legislations and policies, and needs to build authentic and transparent plans to focus on themost significant impacts.

Withey reminded attendees of theneed to be on topoftheir marketing messages and to avoid greenwashing. Understanding that even withthe best intentions, mistakes could be made so it wasimportant every business took responsibilityinthisarea.

Celebratingthe engagementand momentum in theroom,henoted thework ahead and howmuchPlanet Mark was looking forwardtoworking with theindustry.