Our partners at Raining Rose sent us this little primer on how they define their terms for their products. I am reposting as I feel it is useful information.
ECO-FRIENDLY MADE EASY: What is Natural Vs. Sustainable Vs. Organic?
Did you know 72% of consumers purchased more environmentally friendly products in 2019 than 2018, per the 2020 Global Ad Impressions Study? The numbers don’t lie: There’s a growing demand for promos made from natural, sustainable and organic ingredients. But what do those words mean, exactly? We’re breaking down each term so you can educate and pair clients with the perfect eco-friendly promos for their next project.
Even if sustainability isn’t a top concern for your clients, it may be for their audience. Let clients know that more than two-thirds of consumers consider sustainability when making a purchase and are willing to pay more for sustainable products, per the CGS 2019 Retail and Sustainability Survey. If clients weren’t prioritizing sustainable products already, they will be now.
Hand sanitizer is a great “in” right now to get your clients on the natural trend. These customers are already thinking about health, so keep the conversation going by highlighting ingredients that are non-toxic and naturally derived.
Use lip balm’s affordable price point to your advantage. Your clients will get all the brand association benefits of investing in organic products without breaking the bank – and down the road, they’ll already be sold on why it’s worth it to get organic items for their next order.
NATURAL INGREDIENTS
What Does It Mean?
The Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients defines a natural product as one that is “derived from plant, animal or microbial sources.” Simply put, it means that the product has ingredients that come from a living organism. While there are no specific qualifications a product’s ingredients must meet beyond that, promos made from natural ingredients are a cost-effective way to provide clients with naturally derived items without clients needing to pay more upfront for the accreditations that come with stricter labels.
For example the SOOTHING STICK (SPC-SS) from Raining Rose; Featured natural ingredient: Jojoba oil. With all the time spent indoors, consumers will appreciate promos that give their skin extra healing and hydration. Another example is the 1-OZ. 64% HAND SANITIZER GEL BOTTLE (HSG-1B64). Featured natural ingredient: Ethyl alcohol. Formulated with 64% ethyl alcohol, this hand sanitizer will keep germs and viruses at bay, the natural way.
What Does It Mean?
In short, sustainability means that ingredients are derived in a way that can be maintained. For example, sustainable products are made using renewable resources that don’t disrupt ecological balance when harvested. Products are also dubbed sustainable when they reduce or eliminate pollutants and when companies strive for minimal waste during the manufacturing process and throughout the supply chain – from field to consumer. When it comes to company concerns like lowering their carbon footprint or reducing waste, promos made from sustainable ingredients are the way to go.
Examples include SUSTAINABALM (PLB-SB). Featured natural ingredient: Beeswax. Kind to lips and kind to the planet? What’s not to like? Bonus: each tube is made from potato bio-resin, post-consumer recycled plastic and virgin plastic, making it 100% recyclable and sustainable. 1-OZ. MINERAL SPF 30 BROAD SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN BOTTLE (MSS-1B). Featured natural ingredient: Zinc oxide. Not only is it made from planet-friendly ingredients, this sunscreen will keep skin protected against the most powerful rays.
ORGANIC
What Does It Mean?
Organic verification refers to the way agricultural products are grown and processed, as outlined by USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) organic regulations. Per the USDA, this includes factors such as soil quality, animal raising practices, pest and weed control, and use of additives. To become certified and given permission to represent products and ingredients as organic, a supplier must apply to a USDA-accredited certifying agent. Because of the strict requirements necessary to achieve an organic label, organic products are perfect for clients who won’t settle for less than the best. They’re also a wise choice for companies in healthcare, as they’re more likely to invest in the most natural and healthy ingredients possible.
Examples include USDA ORGANIC LIP BALM (PLB-UO). Featured natural ingredient: Sunflower oil. Raining Rose offers label options with and without the USDA organic seal for customer flexibility. EOS
LIP BALM (EOS-LIP). Featured natural ingredient: Shea butter. Made with 95% organic ingredients, this retail favorite will keep lips soft and sensationally smooth.
If you are interested in these products to promote your own business, or if you wish to see some samples, email info@proformagreen.com for information and pricing.
And as always, if you really want to do something sustainable, do not buy promotional products. All products are consumption at one level or another. So if you must buy, 1) Buy local (i.e. made in USA), 2) Buy useful, long lasting items, 3) Buy sustainable/recycled/recyclable products if possible.
