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Protecting
Spotlight On... Sustainability
The Planet Buzzwords come and go, but clearly sustainability is here to stay. With the world focused on environmental concerns, suppliers across all industries are taking action to ensure that they are manufacturing responsibly. PG&H talked to some of the leading gift suppliers who are putting sustainability at the top of their agenda, while ensuring that products keep up with trends. As retailers have been discovering, there has been a significant increase in ethical consumerism with people wanting to feel positive about the things with which they surround themselves. It has made them more mindful and critical in their buying habits, with increasing numbers of consumers becoming better informed, and not afraid to ask retailers about the origin, manufacturing methods, materials and social responsibility associated with a specific product. The knock-on effect has been for suppliers to up their game, with Jeremy Corner, chairman of The Giftware Association and managing director of Blue Eyed Sun, explaining: “Sustainability is becoming more and more important for retailers and suppliers, with many making more transitions to sustainable practices. We also expect to see more legislation come into force on single-use waste in 2020. For example, Scotland will be introducing a latte levy on single-use coffee cups this year, therefore retailers not already taking
advantage of this trend should be looking for options at the Spring trade shows. We expect England legislation to follow soon, as was seen with the plastic bag charges.” Highlighting his own eco credentials at Blue Eyed Sun, Jeremy says that the company is proud to be the distributor of the market leading BambooCup by chic.mic, which was recently found to be the number one choice in Stiftung Warentest’s assessment of 12 bamboo cup brands. “Bamboo is a fantastically sustainable material as it’s fast growing and doesn’t Top: Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of protecting planet Earth. Above: VENT for Change’s new recycled range of notebooks and pencils. Above right: Wraptious’ recently launched a Dachshund design vegan-suede cushion which was shortlisted in the Gift of the Year competition. Left: Bioloco water reusable bottles are distributed by Blue Eyed Sun.
require pesticides,” Jeremy points out. “With new designs out for Spring Fair, and good stock levels, we are looking forward to a good year and are also excited about our new Bioloco brand of stylish water bottles, lunchboxes and food containers. There’s never been a better time to change our habits and to take a more sustainable approach to living.” One company that has always had sustainability at its heart is VENT for Change, shortlisted in both the Gift of the Year 2020’s Ethical and Stationery categories. “As the leading sustainable stationery company in the UK, we design every element of our ranges with the environment
in mind,” confirms founder Evan Lewis. “Our new Write range is proudly and unashamedly raw and recycled, using uncoated 100% recycled grey board with FSC certified sustainable paper making a clear statement of intent.” VENT will also be launching other UK made 100% recycled notebooks and pencils at Spring Fair. Adds Evan: “As well as protecting the planet, with every item sold, we also support children’s education Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
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