ECO-GUIDE FOR PROMOTIONAL ITEMS

Transcription

1 ECO-GUIDE FOR PROMOTIONAL ITEMS HOW TO CHOOSE KEYS TO SUCCESS GUIDE TO MATERIALS SELF-EVALUATION DD-GUID-013 indice 1

2 GUIDELINES FOR RESPONSIBLE COMMUNICATION Petzl charter for responsible communication Sustainability marketing claims guidelines Guide for eco-events Charter of eco-design packaging Eco-guide for stands and shows Eco-guide for promotional items Eco-guide to publishing Petzl charter for commitment to responsible communication: broad principles for content and medium Recommendations for clear, unexaggerated, honest, tested, and factbased communication about sustainability Guidelines for organizing an eco-event: transportation, lodging, meals, etc. Petzl charter of commitment to eco-design packaging Guidelines for eco-design of a stand limiting environmental impact at trade shows Guidelines for choosing useful and sustainable promotional items Guidelines for choosing publishing materials: paper, format, etc. Why an eco-guide for promotional products? Distributed at trade shows, events and corporate seminars, the pens, key chains, caps and bags are items that are often forgotten in a drawer or go straight to the trash. Without considering their added value, promotional products may sometimes be a simple waste of raw material, energy and money. The goal of this guide is to help choose promotional/publicity items that are useful and sustainable in an effort to promote the image of the Petzl brand while reducing the impact on the environment. DD-GUID-013 indice 1 2/8

3 CHOOSING PROMOTIONAL ITEMS Why an eco-guide for promotional products? Maximize the impact of the message, minimize the impact on the environment. Through the use of eco-labelling, sustainable promotional items can build interest and raise public awareness. They also show the commitment of the company to sustainability. Table of contents 1. How to choose 1.1. Usefulness 1.2. Value added 1.3. Quantities and distribution 1.4. Production conditions 2. Keys to success 3. Guide to materials 3.1. Products from wood, paper, carboard (bags, pens, brochures and flyers) 3.2. Plastic products (USB keys, key rings, pens ) 3.3. Textiles (T-shirts, caps, hats, bags ) 3.4. Metal products (key rings ) 4. Self-evaluation Contacts DD-GUID-013 indice 1 3/8

4 1. HOW TO CHOOSE By questioning the value of promotional items in terms of usefulness, added value, quantities and production conditions we will be able to find products that are interesting and useful for promoting the brand while maintaining a sustainable approach. Note: All promotional items will have an impact due to raw matierials, production, shipping and waste. There are no 'sustainable' promotional items, simply products that are more useful and durable. 1.1 Usefulness Identify the needs and objectives of the promotional item as a communication tool. What is it going to achieve? Identify the target of these promotional items Produce and distribute promotional items only if they are necessary for the successful promotion of the product or event for which they are intended 1.2 Value added Assess the value of the object as it will be seen by the public: - Is the product useful? - Interesting? - Attractive? - Good quality? When selecting an object that will be successful, imagine what kind of impression it will make on those who will receive it (put yourself in the recipient's shoes) 1.3 Quantities and distribution Accurately estimate the quantities to be ordered to keep from wasting raw materials, energy and money Have a look at the quantities of promotional materials that have previously been distributed and determine whether they have fulfilled and achieved their objectives. Choose obects of superior quality over quantity Ask yourself if higher quality products in lower quantity (in order to fit your budget) will achieve the same goal. Choose and plan for a suitable delivery method that will provide an efficient flow of the quantity and nature of goods you will be ordering DD-GUID-013 indice 1 4/8

5 1. HOW TO CHOOSE 100% Möbius strip: this logo indicates the percentage of recycled material. FSC PEFC: these logos guarantee sustainable forest management. European eco-label: this logo distinguishes environmentally-friendly products or services. 1.4 Production conditions Promotional items are generally supplied through specialist vendors who often work with many suppliers, some of whom they know better than others. It is therefore necessary to learn about the social and environmental aspects that go into the production of these items. Environmental aspects Question the vendor about his/her environmental commitment i.e. environmental certification: ISO 14,000, EMAS, etc. Choose products that are designed to minimize environmental impact: - products made from recycled materials - products using renewable raw materials (wood, paper, organic cotton) - recycled products (PET) - products created using new sustainable materials (potato starch, plastic made from renewable resources) - etc. Choose reusable rather than disposable objects Focus on locally made products to reduce the impact of transportation If possible, choose minimal packaging and packaging that has been optimized for shipping Note: Petzl prohibits the use of PVC and polyacetal in all new products. With budget and time constraints it is often difficult to meet all the criteria that you would like to follow. But the key is to get started and continually make progress. There are numerous barriers to sustainable promotional products (price, lack of suppliers, etc.) however, by using this approach you might discover new and different products that also convey a message. Social aspects: Ask your supplier about the production methods of the product: country of origin, respect for the fundamental prinicples of the ILO or the United Nations Global Compact, social certification (SA 8000, OHSAS 18,001), etc. For more information, refer to the code of conduct for Petzl suppliers or the following websites: - International Labour Organization (ILO): - The United Nations Global Compact: To facilitate selection, choose products labeled as fair trade. This distinction guarantees that manufacturing conditions conform to social norms and environmental standards DD-GUID-013 indice 1 5/8

6 2. KEYS TO SUCCESS 2.1 Planning ahead The more projects you plan, the easier it will be to find a supplier that can meet your cost and quality constraints as well as organize the transport of your products (by boat, for example). 2.2 Supplier relations Remember to bring up the subject with your supplier, so that social and environmental criteria are included in the specifications of your promotional products. 2.3 Communication Communicate your commitment through the use of promotional products. Relevant information that explains Petzl's environmentally aware approach will strengthen the impact of the action. 3. GUIDE TO MATERIALS When the entire life cycle of a product is considered, the main environmental impact is most often due to the materials used. This guide provides information on key materials that can be found in promotional products and that can make the choice easier. 3.1 Products made from wood, paper and cardboard Make paper/cardboard choices respectful of the environment, in order of priority: - 1st choice: 100 % recycled - 2nd choice: a mixture of recycled and sustainably managed forest materials (PEFC or FSC labels) or European eco-label, Blue Angel, Nordic Swan. - 3rd choice: entirely from sustainably managed forests (PEFC or FSC label) Maximize use of wood from sustainably managed forests (labels PEFC ou FSC) For more information on printing and the the production of brochures and flyers, refer to the eco guide to publishing. 3.2 Plastic products Prioritize recycled plastics or 'bioplastics' which are derived from renewable resources 2 plastic water bottles (PET) = 1 watch = 1 fleece scarf (with recycled logo) Avoid products containing PVC or POM DD-GUID-013 indice 1 6/8

7 3. GUIDE TO MATERIALS 3.3 Textiles 27 x = 1 x 27 plastic water bottles (PET) = 1 fleece top Maximize use of natural or recycled materials - Natural materials include hemp, wool, linen, organic cotton, etc. Learn about the processing of natural materials (bamboo, for example) that may use chemical treaments that harm the environment. - Recycled materials: Some synthetic materials, such as polyester and polarfleece polyester, can be derived from recycled plastics. Ensure the quality of the product Sustainability also means quality. Ask to test the textiles you wish to order from your suppliers to ensure that T-shirt size and printing remain the same after several washings. Maximize use of certified products that ensure social/environnemental respect. EURO ECO LABEL NATURTEXTIL GOTS (GLOBAL ORGANIC TEXTILE STANDARD) BLUESIGN OKÖ TEX ECOCERT MAX HAVELAAR Criteria guaranteed by the label Environmental criteria Bio textile Bio textile Bio textile Social criteria Criteria related to health Nber of products concerned 9 brands Common in Germany 200 products 45 brands Little known Well-known 17,000 products in France Well-known in France 3.4 Metallic products Avoid products which have undergone surface treatments (especially chrome and anodizing) Prohibit the use of lead DD-GUID-013 indice 1 7/8

8 4. SELF-EVALUATION Evaluate your levels of commitment and success Draw lessons from the following promotional items TOPIC / PRODUCT Objective of the promotional item Target group Quantity How was it distributed ADDRESSED TYPE OF ACTION TAKEN SUCCESS Value added / Quality Yes No Prod. conditions / Environmental Yes No Production conditions / Social Yes No Materials Yes No Transport Yes No Petzl contact Z.I. de Crolles - Cidex 105 A 132 rue du Pré Blanc CROLLES, FRANCE Tel: 33 (0) [email protected] Petzl contact: Marketing Manager: Alexandre Bronnaz / [email protected] ZI de Crolles, Cidex 105 A 132 rue du Pré Blanc CROLLES, FRANCE Tel: Think environment, print only if necessary DD-GUID-013 indice 1 8/8