By choosing items from one of our luxury designer brand name collections you will already be using a product that encourages corporate responsibility. By choosing items that also contain sustainable materials you can further contribute to the welfare of the planet.
When considering sustainability options for your next promotional gift project you may be wondering what the terminology being used actually means for the environment. Helping to cut through this eco jargon, here is a brief glossary of the environmentally conscious materials that can be used and how this helps to 'go green'.
PET
PET is short for polyethylene terephthalate, the chemical name for polyester. Virgin PET plastic is made from oil and petrochemicals. It is a clear, strong, and lightweight plastic that is widely used for packaging foods and beverages, especially convenience-sized soft drinks, juices and water. Virtually all single-serving bottles of carbonated soft drinks and water sold are made from PET.
It is also popular for packaging salad dressings, peanut butter, cooking oils, mouthwash, shampoo, liquid hand soap, window cleaner, even tennis balls. Special grades of PET are used for carry-home food containers and prepared food trays that can be warmed in the oven or microwave. PET does not contain bisphenol-A (BPA) or phthalates (plasticisers).
Bisphenol-A (BPA) is an industrial chemical used in plastics manufacturing and added to many commercial products, including food containers, baby bottles, plastic water bottles, and hygiene products. Some people are concerned about BPA’s ability to leach into foods and beverages, and some research suggests that BPA exposure may lead to a number of health problems.
Phthalates are a family of chemicals that are used as plasticisers, substances added to PVC plastics to make them more flexible and durable. As such, they’re used in a wide variety of plastic substances, from inflatable toys to medical devices.
What’s rPET?
The ‘r’ in rPET stands for ‘recycled’ PET. The plastic content in rPET has been recycled so the material is produced without exhausting natural resources. In the recycling process, plastic is collected, cleaned and remade into products. Through reuse and a minimum of 24% reduction in carbon emissions during production, rPET can be considered a more sustainable choice. Technically, anything made from PET can be replaced with rPET.
Both PET and rPET plastic can be recycled. Due to the thermodynamic qualities of PET, the material can be heated, melted and transformed into new materials again and again.
Some examples of rPET products include RPET Anti-theft 15.6inch Laptop Backpack or RPET Weekend Duffle
What About PES Recycled Clothing?
Recycled Polyester is made of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from plastic bottles. Importantly, PET material quality is high enough that it can tolerate degradation during the mechanical recycling process. As a result, premium quality yarn can be assured. New converted PET granulates are used as raw material to extrude new PES yarns. By colouring the granulates, we get coloured PES yarns to knit new fabrics.
In order to sustain the environment for future generations, recycling is of great importance. The never-ending exploitation of natural resources is a harmful and dangerous approach to environmental preservation. Choosing products made from recycled materials can really make a difference. Depending on if the yarn is spun or if it’s a filament, the carbon footprint of polyester is at least 4 times lower when it is made from recycled material as opposed to crude oil.
Some example PES recycled clothing products include Women's Corporate Mid-Layer Jacket by Mammut or Nano Puff Vest by Patagonia
What are RCS products?
The Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) is a voluntary material content claim standard that tracks recycled raw materials through the supply chain to give credibility to recycled content claims on products.
Some examples RCS products include RCS Standard Recycled Plastic TWS Earbuds or RCS Standard Recycled Plastic Wireless Powerbank
How Sustainable is Bamboo?
Bamboo is a highly sustainable plant. Bamboo can grow to full size in just 3-4 months compared to standard trees which can take 30+ years to grow.
In addition, nasty pesticides and chemicals aren't required when harvesting bamboo. This means the cultivation is natural and never harms the environment.
Bamboo production and manufacturing sustains the traditional industry and creates new well-paying stable jobs for locals in areas that need social and economic stability.
Bamboo absorbs 2x more carbon dioxide than trees, which is why they are known to act as carbon sinks. It also generates a vast amount of oxygen, totalling up to 30% more than most plants and trees.
Some examples of bamboo products include Bamboo Wireless Charger Speaker or Double Wall Borosilicate Glass Bottle
We are proud to be able to offer premium sustainable alternatives. This is a fundamental part of our ongoing environmental awareness promoting recycling, re-use and reducing waste.
You may have further questions on the sustainability of our branded merchandise please feel free to discuss these with us.
In our sustainable collection you will find a large range of products made from materials that are natural, recycled or recyclable. This diverse range includes bags, clothing, tech bottles and mugs. Alternatively you can also search for collections by brand knowing that these companies publicly publish ethical responsibility statements.
We hope that we can encourage you to make a difference on your next project and consider a change to luxury promotional gifts.
Find out more from our website The Luxury Promotional Gifts Company Ltd alternatively ring us on 01256 880019 or email to enquiries@luxurypromotionalgifts.co.uk