Evergreen Promotions

Sustainability

Sustainability at Evergreen Merch

Our Approach to Measuring and Reducing Environmental Impact

Sustainability at Evergreen Merch — measuring product environmental impact

Measured, not assumed

Product-level data you can actually use

We have partnered with Zilch to measure and publish product-level sustainability data across our catalogue upon request. Zilch is a product impact platform designed specifically for distributors and suppliers, helping turn complex product and supply-chain information into clear, useful data for customers.

Each product assessment considers factors such as materials, weight, manufacturing processes, packaging, transport and any branding or decoration applied. This information is combined with recognised emissions factors to calculate a product carbon footprint in kilograms of CO₂-equivalent per unit, using a methodology aligned with ISO 14044.

For Evergreen clients and customers, this means you can see the impacts of each product and choose between them. The data makes it easier to compare products, identify lower-impact alternatives, support responsible procurement and respond to growing Scope 3, modern slavery and sustainability-reporting requirements.

We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our operations and the products we source. We are transparent about where we are in our sustainability journey — and where we are still working to improve.

All environmental claims on this page are based on verified data, third-party measurement, or recognised industry certifications. Evergreen Merch does not make unqualified claims about environmental benefit.

How We Measure Product Impact

Globally, only 1 in 10 businesses comprehensively measures their full greenhouse gas emissions. Evergreen Merch is working to bring greater transparency to promotional merchandise through product-level measurement.

Through our partnership with Zilch, we can turn existing product information into product carbon footprint reports — ready for bids, procurement packs, and sales channels — so buyers can compare SKUs and assess product claims with ease.

What this means in practice:

Product-level data — understand the impact of individual products

Carbon footprint — estimated in kg CO₂e per unit, using a methodology aligned with ISO 14044

More transparency — data considers materials, manufacturing, packaging, transport and branding

Compare products — identify lower-impact alternatives and support more informed procurement

Support reporting — help address Scope 3, modern slavery and sustainability-reporting requirements

How Evergreen Merch measures product sustainability with Zilch

Powered by Zilch

How Zilch Works

Zilch helps Evergreen Merch turn product and supply-chain information into clear impact data:

1. Assess: Use product specifications, materials, manufacturing, packaging, transport and decoration data to build a product-level assessment.

2. Calculate: Apply recognised emissions factors to estimate a product carbon footprint in kg CO₂e per unit, aligned with ISO 14044.

3. Compare: Support procurement conversations by helping customers compare products and identify lower-impact alternatives within the catalogue.

For procurement teams and brand managers with ESG commitments, this means your merchandise choices can be backed by product-level data — not just broad claims.

Materials

What Are Promotional Products Made From Sustainable Materials?

Promotional products described as having environmental benefits vary significantly in what those benefits actually are. Evergreen Merch uses specific, qualified language when describing materials - not broad terms like "eco-friendly" or "green" without explanation.

Below are materials we source and what their specific environmental properties are:

Recycled PET (rPET)

Made from post-consumer plastic bottles. Reduces demand for virgin plastic. Commonly used in bags, lanyards, and apparel. The environmental benefit applies to the material component of the product, not the product as a whole.

Bamboo

A fast-growing plant that requires minimal pesticides and water compared to many alternatives. Used in pens, cutlery, and accessories. Environmental benefits vary depending on processing methods and the distance of manufacture.

Cork

Harvested from the bark of cork oak trees without cutting them down. The tree continues to sequester carbon after harvesting. Used in accessories and stationery. A genuinely regenerative material when sourced responsibly.

Recycled Plastic

Diverts post-consumer plastic from landfill and supports circular economy principles. Used in reusable bags and drinkware. Look for products specifying the percentage of recycled content for an accurate claim.

Organic Cotton

Grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers. Certified organic cotton carries third-party verification. Used in apparel and tote bags. Look for GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification for independently verified claims.

Bioplastics

Made from renewable biomass materials rather than fossil fuels. Not all bioplastics are biodegradable or compostable - Evergreen Merch will specify disposal requirements clearly when recommending bioplastic products.

Verified standards

Certifications Worth Asking For

When selecting merchandise with environmental claims, Evergreen Merch recommends looking for independently verified certifications, including:

CertificationWhat it covers
GOTSGlobal Organic Textile Standard - organic fibre and processing
GRSGlobal Recycled Standard - verified recycled content
FSCForest Stewardship Council - responsibly sourced wood and paper
Fair TradeEthical labour and trading conditions

Evergreen Merch can advise on which certifications are available for specific product categories.

Why Businesses Choose Lower-Impact Merchandise

Businesses choosing merchandise with verified environmental attributes typically do so to:

  • Reduce their own supply chain emissions and Scope 3 footprint
  • Align with consumer expectations - research indicates that 74% of consumers view a brand more favourably after receiving a promotional product made from sustainable materials, and 55%+ consider sustainable materials important when evaluating merchandise (Source: PPAI)
  • Support ESG reporting and procurement compliance requirements
  • Reduce waste - 86% of recipients keep promotional products because they are useful, meaning high-utility items are less likely to end up in landfill (Source: PPAI)

Our Commitment Going Forward

Evergreen Merch is on a continuous improvement path. We commit to:

  • Expanding product-level impact data across our catalogue through Zilch
  • Progressively identifying and acting on our highest-impact areas
  • Being transparent about what we have and have not yet achieved
  • Avoiding claims we cannot substantiate
"We do not claim perfection. We claim progress - and we back it with data".

This page is reviewed regularly to ensure all claims remain accurate and current. Evergreen Merch' environmental claims comply with the Australian Consumer Law and ACCC guidelines on environmental and sustainability claims.