Wild Blackberry Studio   •   April 25, 2025

Just me and the fam, hanging out with planet earth.

E very year, businesses spend billions on promotional products—those branded pens, tote bags, water bottles, and stress balls handed out at trade shows, conferences, and corporate events. While these giveaways may seem like a great marketing tool, their environmental impact is staggering. Studies suggest that roughly 40% of corporate swag ends up in landfills, highlighting the urgent need for more sustainable alternatives.

The Environmental Toll of Swag

1. A Large Percentage Gets Discarded

Many promotional items are unwanted, with research showing that a significant portion—up to 40%—of corporate gifts are thrown away soon after being received. Swag that fails to be useful, relevant, or high quality often gets discarded, contributing to massive amounts of waste. (Source)

2. Low Usage Rates

Even when people take corporate swag home, it often doesn’t get much use. A Forbes Business Council article reports that only 21% of promotional items are kept for more than a year. Many items are left in drawers, forgotten, or disposed of quickly. (Source)

3. Sustainability Concerns

The production of corporate swag has a heavy ecological footprint, often involving plastic, synthetic fabrics, and other non-biodegradable materials. This contributes to pollution, resource depletion, and unnecessary carbon emissions. Trade show giveaways alone generate massive waste, with estimates suggesting that 60% of swag is thrown away within days. (Source)

A Better Way Forward: Circular and Sustainable Alternatives

Instead of contributing to landfill waste, companies can adopt more meaningful, sustainable alternatives to traditional swag:

• Digital Giveaways: Offering digital content, gift cards, or virtual experiences reduces waste while still providing value to recipients.
• Charitable Contributions: Some companies are ditching swag altogether in favor of charitable donations on behalf of event attendees. For example, Armis replaced corporate swag at global trade shows with donations to meaningful causes. (Source)
• Eco-Friendly Merchandise: If physical gifts are necessary, choosing sustainable, ethically sourced, and biodegradable products can make a big difference. Companies can opt for items like reusable water bottles, recycled notebooks, or organic cotton tote bags. (Some of my favorites include Yeti for drinkware, Cotopaxi for the coolest outdoors gear and clothing, and Karst Goods for stone paper/stationary – these are not affiliate links.)
• Circular Economy Options: Instead of one-and-done giveaways, companies can offer products designed for reuse or repurposing. This includes items that can be returned, refurbished, or repurposed, such as refillable office supplies, compostable materials, or merchandise that supports a closed-loop production system.
• Experience-Based Rewards: Instead of handing out another branded mug, why not gift attendees an experience they’ll remember? Think about event access, learning workshops, or community impact initiatives.

Shifting the Corporate Mindset

Corporate swag is deeply ingrained in marketing strategies, but its long-term impact on the planet is undeniable. Businesses must start prioritizing sustainability over short-lived promotional tactics, ensuring that their branding efforts align with their corporate social responsibility goals. As companies move toward greener marketing solutions, they not only reduce waste but also build stronger, more meaningful relationships with customers and partners.

Ready to Make the Shift?

If you’re looking to move away from traditional corporate swag and explore more sustainable, circular, and high-impact alternatives, Wild Blackberry Studio is here to help. We specialize in creative, eco-conscious branding solutions that leave a lasting impression—without leaving a footprint. Let’s work together to create swag that people actually love (and that won’t end up in a landfill). Reach out today, and let’s make your next event both memorable and sustainable!