Ethical and transparent communication is essential in our efforts. Clear, honest, and verifiable information ensures that statements about materials, environmental impact, and practices remain accurate and free from ambiguity or exaggeration. The goal is to provide clarity and accountability, fostering trust through facts rather than overstatements or misleading claims.
KEY PRINCIPLES
Honesty & Accuracy
We will always be truthful about our products and services. Our claims will be based on facts, and we will avoid any statements that could mislead or confuse our customers.
Fairness & Transparency
We are committed to fair and open communication with our customers, suppliers, and stakeholders. Our messaging will always be clear and straightforward, without hidden agendas.
Greenwashing Prevention
We actively work to avoid any misleading or exaggerated claims about the environmental impact of our products. We will strive to create clarity and transparency without using vague language or unverified claims that could confuse our customers. Instead, we’ll always provide clear details about the material composition, sourcing practices, and the environmental benefits of our products.
By following these principles, we not only ensure the integrity of our business but also build trust with our customers, suppliers, and the wider community. At Goldstar®, we are dedicated to authenticity in everything we do. We believe that this is about more than just words— it’s about action, transparency, and accountability.
OUR LATEST ACHIEVEMENTS
68
130 of our plastic products are reusable or recyclable
53
reduced plastic packaging from FY24 to FY25
ACHIEVED FSC® CERTIFICATION, ensuring our products come from responsibly managed forests
FEB 2025 AWARDED BRONZE MEDAL from EcoVadis®
Dedicated GREEN TEAM leads environmental impact Made Better TM IN 2025
Eliminated problem plastics like PVC and PS from our plastic packaging
Maintained and refined GREENWASHING guidelines
Continued LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT TESTING
OUR SUSTAINABILITY GOALS
While we are proud of how far we have come, we know there is still much to do. As we continue our journey toward a better future, we remain dedicated to strengthening our efforts and embracing new opportunities to drive meaningful change.
Expanding our range of MADE BETTER™ product options
Increasing post-consumer RECYCLED CONTENT
Maintaining 99% FSC®-CERTIFIED PACKAGING and working toward 100%
30% bio-based or recycled content in PLASTIC PACKAGING - FY28
38% reduction in combined Scope 1, 2, and 3 CARBON EMISSIONS – FY30*
100% RENEWABLE ENERGY use in US, EU, and Australia - FY30 *Part of a Cimpress-wide target; National Pen contribution may vary.
OUR GOALS & VISION FOR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
INNOVATIVE & RESPONSIBLE DESIGN MATERIALS
Product development is an opportunity to merge innovation, responsible sourcing, and lasting value. The focus is on creating thoughtfully designed products while meeting customer needs.
Whenever possible, certified materials are prioritized. Efforts are ongoing to expand the use of these materials across the product portfolio.
FUTURE-FORWARD APPROACH COMMITMENT TO PROGRESS
Aligning with circular economy principles is a key focus, aiming to reduce waste, reuse resources, and lower carbon footprints. Research and innovation are ongoing to integrate these principles into future product development.
Every decision considers not just the product itself, but its full lifecycle— how it’s made, what it contains, and its long-term impact. While progress has been made, the journey of continuous improvement remains at the core of this vision.
OUR COMMITMENT TO TRANSPARENCY
We strive to make transparency a key part of our approach to sourcing and product development. By implementing tools like Aware™ Fiber Tracers and Passports (DPP), we are providing clear and verifiable information about the materials we use.
As of 2025, we have verifed 85% of our textile materials.
This significant progress puts us ahead of schedule for our 2027 Digital Product Passport goals. These DPP tools offer detailed insights into the origin and journey of each product, helping customers make informed, confident choices.
As of 2025, we have verified the type and sources of 85% of our textile materials. This significant progress puts us ahead of schedule for our 2027 Digital Product Passport goals.
DIGITAL PRODUCT PASSPORT
TRANSPARENCY & TRACEABILITY
TRANSPARENCY & TRACEABILITY
GOLDSTAR® TAKING STRIDES
Goldstar® is prepared for upcoming regulations in the European market, where all textiles will be required to include a Digital Product Passport by 2027. For other product categories, regulations are expected to follow, and we’re committed to staying ahead of these changes.
ADDITIONAL EFFORTS IN RESPONSIBLE SOURCING
• FSC® Certification: A key milestone in our journey, FSC® certification ensures that our materials are sourced from forests meeting rigorous environmental, social, and economic standards. By prioritizing FSC®-certified materials, we’re supporting biodiversity and reducing our impact on the planet.
• Supplier Collaboration: We work closely with our partners to implement easy-to-follow tracking systems, making it simpler than ever to verify our materials and maintain accountability.
LOOKING AHEAD
Our tracking and tracing programs are designed to grow with us, expanding to more products over time. This commitment to transparency and traceability reflects our belief in accountability and continuous improvement, because better products lead to a better future.
FSC ® CERTIFICATION
The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) is a global leader in responsible forest management, ensuring that materials are sourced in ways that protect forests, wildlife, and communities.
WE ARE PROUD TO WHY FSC®?
PURCHASE 99% OF OUR PAPER-BASED PACKAGING FROM FSC® -CERTIFIED SOURCES
SOURCE PAPER, WOOD, AND BAMBOO FROM VERIFIED FORESTS
ENSURES ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE PRACTICES
PROTECTS BIODIVERSITY AND ENDANGERED SPECIES
USE FSC® -CERTIFIED MATERIALS IN OUR MADE BETTER™ COLLECTION
SUPPORTS FAIR WAGES AND ETHICAL WORKING CONDITIONS
REDUCES THE RISK OF DEFORESTATION AND HABITAT DESTRUCTION
By prioritizing FSC®-certified materials, we are contributing to responsible sourcing practices without compromising design.
SUSTAINABLE PARTNERSHIPS
We take pride in partnering with brands that share our commitment to progress. We’ve joined forces with GROSCHE®, Coastal Threads®, and Dock & Bay, collaborating to create thoughtful products crafted from responsibly sourced and recycled materials. Through these partnerships, we’re delivering solutions that align with our mission to build a brighter and better future for our partners and the planet we share—one that prioritizes innovation, responsibility, and meaningful impact. Together, we’re shaping a better tomorrow.
SUSTAINABLE PARTNERSHIPS
Our exclusive Coastal Threads™ Collection is designed in Europe and meticulously crafted using certified REPREVE® Our Ocean™ recycled ocean-bound plastic fibers.
Collected by hand from coastlines worldwide, plastic bottles are transformed into a durable, 300D waterresistant rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate) fabric, thoughtfully designed with smart features for the everyday traveler.
SUSTAINABLE PARTNERSHIPS
We have expanded our textile category through a strategic partnership with Dock & Bay, a brand that shares our commitment to circularity and waste reduction. These highperformance, quick-dry towels are crafted from 100% recycled post-consumer plastics, transforming waste into high-value, functional products that dry three times faster than traditional cotton.
By integrating these retail-favorite, sand-free towels into our offering, we are providing our customers with alternatives that reduce environmental impact without sacrificing performance or style.
SUSTAINABLE PARTNERSHIPS
Through our partnership with GROSCHE®, we are proud to offer premium drinkware that directly supports global social responsibility. Every GROSCHE® purchase helps fund our partner’s Safe Water Project, which provides sustainable BioSand water filtration systems to communities in need.
For every product sold, this initiative delivers more than 50 days of safe drinking water to families worldwide. By featuring elevated pieces like the Yukon Tumbler and Milano Espresso Maker in Goldstar®’s portfolio collection, we enable our clients to choose retail-quality gifts that provide a measurable, lifechanging impact on global water accessibility.
MATERIALS AND RESOURCING
CHOOSING BETTER MATERIALS FOR A BETTER FUTURE
Top value products start with responsible materials. At Goldstar®, we carefully select materials to help reduce waste, minimize environmental impact, and support a circular economy.
OUR KEY MATERIAL COMMITMENTS
Recycled Plastics & rPET:
Transforming post-consumer plastic waste into high-quality pens, bottles, and bags.
FSC®-Certified Wood & Paper: Ensuring responsible forestry for cardboard, bamboo, cork, all the wood fiber materials across our global operations.
BPA-Free & Non-Toxic Materials: Eliminating harmful chemicals and “problem plastics” like PFAS, PVC, and PS from our product lines.
By choosing the right materials, we are creating products that not only look good but do less harm to the planet, our customers, and future generations.
Recycled Metals:
Utilizing recycled aluminum and stainless steel as durable, infinite-lifecycle alternatives to single-use plastics.
Recycled Cotton: Reducing textile waste by repurposing pre- and postconsumer cotton into our Made Better™ collection.
Future Innovations:
• Transitioning to alternative energy sources to decrease our carbon footprint.
• Exploring next-generation alternatives for future packaging solutions.
• Exploring plant-based and compostable alternatives for next-generation product housing and components.
BPA FREE
GOALS & VISION FOR PACKAGING
We envision a future where all packaging is efficient and free of unnecessary waste.
Our efforts focus on reducing packaging materials, such as shipping in bulk without a gift box, and exploring innovative solutions that align with our Made Better™ philosophy.
These changes ensure our packaging supports both environmental and operational goals.
PACKAGING PROGRESS & TARGETS
In a push to constantly improve our packaging, our commitment to responsible packaging means we’re not just reducing waste—we’re also creating better, more effective solutions for our distributors and customers.
FSC® PLASTIC CONTENT
99%
100% 72%
Maintain 99% FSC® -certified materials across our global packaging. Eliminate 100% of problematic plastics such as PVC and PS from our packaging.
Increase post-consumer recycled content in packaging beyond 72%.
KEY PACKAGING IMPROVEMENTS
We continue to enhance our packaging to deliver better solutions for our customers while reducing our environmental footprint.
Materials: A growing amount of our packaging is made from recycled or certified materials.
Streamlined Designs: Packaging designs have been optimized to minimize unnecessary materials, reduce waste, and improve efficiency.
Tapeless Packaging Solutions:
• Fast Assembly & Shipping: Tapeless, easy-to-close boxes enhance efficiency at both production and shipping lines.
• Cost Savings: Eliminates the need for tape and tape machines, reducing both material and labor costs.
• Improved Work Environment: Less manual work simplifies operations for our team members.
• Optimized Transport Costs: We’re always looking for ways to make packaging more efficient, both inbound (from factory to production floor) and outbound (from production floor to customer). For inbound packaging, this includes shipping items in bulk without gift boxes and reducing plastic polybags. On the outbound side, we’re working closely with our production teams to ensure we’re balancing durability with cost-effective shipping solutions.
By investing in these improvements, we’re not only reducing waste but also creating packaging solutions that are efficient, cost-effective, and aligned with our commitment to operational excellence.
GOALS & VISION FOR A BETTER ENVIRONMENT
Discover our mission to not only improve how we operate, but also inspire meaningful progress in the promotional products industry. We believe that real change starts with understanding, which is why we’ve introduced Lifecycle Assessments (LCA). These assessments help us measure our environmental impact, giving us the clarity we need to set impactful goals and take purposeful action.
Our vision is simple but powerful: reduce waste, make better use of resources, and explore innovative ideas that benefit both people and the planet. By working smarter and setting a higher standard, we’re paving the way for a future that’s both responsible and inspiring.
And we’re not doing this alone. We’re inviting our customers and partners to join us on this journey. Together, we can create a brighter, more balanced future, one thoughtful step at a time.
CARBON EMISSION GOALS
Reducing Scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon emissions is at the heart of our brand’s commitments, and we are actively investing in new technologies and smarter processes to drive measurable reductions in our carbon footprint. We are committed to tackling emissions head-on by integrating carbon-reduction concepts directly into our product design and operational decisions, including fuel utilization, electricity consumption, and the carbon impact of the raw materials and products we purchase. By addressing transportation emissions and natural gas usage across our supply chain, these actions reflect our responsibility to combat climate change and lead by example in our industry. These efforts support broader decarbonization goals.
ACTIONS TO REDUCE CO2 EMISSIONS
KEY ACTIONS TO DRIVE CHANGE
OPTIMIZED PRODUCTION PROCESSES
We are committed to making intentional choices that reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a greener future. Using Lifecycle Assessments (LCA) —a method to evaluate the environmental impact of a product—we’ve established a solid baseline to guide our efforts and ensure continuous, meaningful progress.
We have relocated key production facilities to the Czech Republic to streamline processes and significantly reduce transportation emissions within the European market. Additionally, on the North American side, we are implementing efficiency improvements in our Mexico facility and scaling production in Tennessee. These locations are benefiting from investments in advanced machinery and technology designed to minimize energy consumption and enhance operational efficiency.
STREAMLINED LOGISTICS
By optimizing shipping methods and consolidating deliveries, we’re working to minimize transportation emissions.
MATERIAL SELECTION
We prioritize responsibly sourced materials, to help reduce emissions linked to extraction and production.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY UPGRADES
Significant upgrades to our facilities and systems have been put in place to improve energy efficiency across our operations.
PRODUCT SAFETY
Product safety isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a core part of how we build trust with you and your customers. We’re committed to staying ahead of the curve, ensuring that every product we deliver meets high standards. It’s all about giving you peace of mind and making sure the products you rely on are safe and responsible.
HOW WE ENSURE SAFETY
Ensuring product safety is a top priority, and rigorous testing is conducted to identify and eliminate high-risk materials, including restricted substances. Compliance with international safety regulations —such as REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) and RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) in the EU, as well as California Proposition 65 and the applicable US CFR provisions in North America—ensures products meet strict regulatory requirements.
By proactively adhering to these globally recognized safety measures, products can provide confidence to customers and end users across all markets.
PRODUCT SAFETY
OUR PRODUCTS ARE INCREASINGLY PFAS AND PVC FREE AND COMPLY WITH KEY GLOBAL REGULATIONS, INCLUDING
• Prop 65 (California, USA): Ensuring compliance regarding the use of harmful chemicals, including lead, cadmium, BPA, and phthalates.
• REACH and POPs Regulations (EU): Regulating the use of hazardous substances to protect human health and the environment.
• RoHS (EU): Restricting hazardous materials in electrical products.
• Triman & Other Recycling Labeling (EU): Supporting responsible waste sorting and recycling practices.
• GPSR & Green Claims (EU/NA): Adhering to the General Product Safety Regulation and the EU Empowering Consumers Directive and ensuring all environmental claims are verifiable and transparent.
• Electrical & Battery Safety Regulations (USA & EU): Ensuring compliance with safety standards for electrical and battery-operated products, including the 2025 EU Battery Regulation updates.
• Food Contact Safety Regulations (USA & EU): Meeting stringent safety standards for materials intended for food contact.
• Packaging Safety Regulations: Ensuring all packaging materials comply with safety requirements.
PRODUCT SAFETY
We keep a close eye on changes to these regulations so we can adapt quickly and maintain compliance everywhere we do business.
OUR PROMISE
We’re not just focused on meeting today’s standards; we’re always looking ahead. By continuously improving our safety measures and staying transparent about our processes, we give you the confidence to trust and recommend our products. At Goldstar®, product safety is about more than compliance—it’s about creating products you can stand behind with pride.
PRODUCT SAFETY
WORKING WITH SUPPLIERS
We only work with suppliers who share our commitment to safety and integrity. Every supplier we partner with must:
• Pass independent third-party audits: Our top 40 suppliers follow frameworks including SMETA Best Practice Version 6.1, BSCI, and SA8000, ensuring compliance with European (EU) and American laws.
• Undergo assessments: Covering key ethical and social responsibility principles, as outlined in the Cimpress Supplier Business Conduct guidelines. These include prohibitions on child and forced labor, fair working hours, workplace safety, environmental responsibility, living wages, anti-discrimination policies, and ethical business practices.
• Provide test reports: Provide chemical and physical safety test reports for all products and components we purchase.
• Share full material disclosures: To ensure complete transparency about product contents. As of 2025, we have achieved 85% transparency for our textile material sources through Digital Passports.
• Ensure supply chain regulation: Especially for regulated materials and emerging requirements like the EU Deforestation Regulation.
• Provide certifications: For recycled content, ensuring claims are backed by evidence.
• Sign our Supplier Code of Conduct: Built on the Social Accountability Standard 8000 (SA8000), agreeing to uphold ethical labor practices, environmental responsibility, and safety standards.
STAYING AHEAD OF COMPLIANCE CHALLENGES
Regulations change, and we continuously update our processes to remain compliant. Here’s how we’re tackling new challenges:
NAVIGATING NEW RULES
• Addressing EU GPSR, PFAS reporting, bans and restrictions, the EU Battery Regulation, EU Packaging Regulation and the EU Deforestation Regulation.
• Updating product labels and improving traceability to meet the latest standards.
IMPROVING OUR PROCESSES
• Digitizing compliance documentation to make compliance faster, easier, and more reliable.
• Maintaining a new consolidated Product Information Management (PIM) system to stay organized and proactive.
• Supporting Digital Product Passport (DPP) transparency initiatives, achieving 85% visibility on textile types and material sources.
ETHICAL SOURCING AND HUMAN RIGHTS
Ethics and integrity are at the core of how we source our products. We work hard to ensure every part of our supply chain reflects our values.
SUPPORTING HUMAN RIGHTS
We require regular third-party audits of our top 40 suppliers to confirm compliance with social and human rights standards, following SMETA Best Practice Version 6.1, BSCI, and SA8000.
Our Supplier Code of Conduct, based on the Social Accountability Standard 8000 (SA8000), reinforces our commitment to legal, ethical, and responsible business practices. Audits and assessments cover critical principles, including child and forced labor prohibitions, fair working hours, health and safety, environmental responsibility, living wages, anti-discrimination policies, and ethical business practices.
We act immediately to resolve any issues identified.
RESPONSIBLE SOURCING
The Supplier Code of Conduct gives us the right to audit suppliers. We achieve transparency by completing these audits and verifying material disclosures, including recycled content. Suppliers provide complete material disclosures and certifications for recycled content, ensuring claims are verifiable.
Our ongoing commitment includes Digital Product Passports for textiles, achieving 85% transparency of material type and origin as part of the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (DPP) milestone.
By holding ourselves and our suppliers to these rigorous standards, we provide responsibly sourced products you can trust.
BUILDING AWARENESS THROUGH TRAINING & COLLABORATION
We believe compliance isn’t just a process—it’s part of our culture. That’s why we focus on training and collaboration.
TRAINING OUR TEAMS
• Team members get regular training to understand our compliance goals and ethical standards.
• It’s how we connect everyone to the bigger picture.
PARTNERING WITH SUPPLIERS
We work closely with our suppliers to ensure transparency in areas such as ink safety certifications and composition disclosures.
Product safety is our top priority—for every product, every time. We follow a risk-based approach to third-party testing, evaluating chemical composition, electrical safety (where applicable), and other critical factors in accordance with European, North American, and Australian regulations and standards.
Our testing process is further supported by supplier-provided documentation, including self-declarations confirming the presence or absence of regulated substances. This ensures compliance and accountability at every stage.
Beyond safety, we take meaningful steps to ensure that our products are responsibly sourced and manufactured in alignment with our ethical and sustainability commitments.
Through ongoing collaboration and training with our suppliers, we reinforce responsible practices across our supply chain—so you can trust that every Goldstar® product is made with integrity.
WHY PRODUCT SAFETY MATTERS
OUR COMMITMENT
We’re working to eliminate chemicals targeted for future bans and restrictions and keep detailed records for every product.
This proactive approach helps us stay ahead of regulations and build long-term trust.
At the end of the day, it’s all about trust. By prioritizing safety and compliance at every step, we ensure the products we deliver are reliable, safe, and meet your expectations.
RECYCLING & WASTE REDUCTION
We strive to design products that prioritize recycled materials and reusability. Our focus is on extending the life cycle of materials and reducing what ends up in landfills. These efforts are part of our larger goal to build a culture of responsibility.
OUR CODE OF CONDUCT
We are committed to acting with integrity, accountability, and respect in every aspect of our business. We’re committed to creating a workplace where our people can thrive and partner with manufacturers who care about the planet and its people as much as we do. Our Code of Conduct helps guide us all, whether you’re a new team member, a senior leader, or a supplier— so we can all stay true to the values of integrity and respect in everything we do.
FOR OUR SUPPLIERS
We hold our suppliers to high standards, holding them accountable to:
• Follow all legal, ethical, and environmental standards
• Provide a safe, harassment-free workplace
• Eliminate forced and child labor, bribery, and corruption
• Keep accurate records and make timely payments
• Pay legally compliant wages and maintain transparency
When our suppliers align with these standards, they help us build strong, lasting relationships. If these standards aren’t met, it could lead to ending the partnership.
OUR CODE OF CONDUCT
LEADERSHIP
BY EXAMPLE
Our managers play a crucial role in bringing our values to life. They lead with integrity, create a supportive environment, and make sure everyone feels safe to speak up and share their thoughts. This shared commitment strengthens the ethical foundation of Goldstar®.
SPEAK UP!
PROGRAM
If something doesn’t feel right, we’ve got your back. Our confidential “Speak Up!” program offers our team the chance to report concerns anonymously—whether through a toll-free number or online.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
We care about our planet and expect our suppliers to do the same. That means following environmental laws, managing emissions, and ensuring that the materials we use are responsibly sourced.
