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HOT TOPIC
THE HOT
TOPIC
We have been overwhelmed with the response to our latest
Hot Topic conundrum: Eco products – are they just a gimmick
or a serious business proposition? Here are some soundbites.
For more in depth analysis see pages 68 and 69.
Gill Thorpe, Evan Lewis, Stephen
The Sourcing Everything Richards,
Team Environmental Incentives &
Promotional
“I believe Eco "We believe the green Marketing –
products are here sector is here to stay Live!
to stay - it has but its growth rate has
been a growing slowed. "All serious
market, and Experts will continue businesses have
continued to be for to thrive but those to consider the
us last paying lip service will environment in
year. Clients are be found out due to the day-to-day
thinking far more the complexity of the work and in the
about what they green sector these promotions
are buying and the days." sector this is
effect they have on evident in the
the global number of
environment.” Gordon Filz, EZtrans and companies that now specialise in the supply of
Neenah Paper eco-friendly products."
Stuart Warne, Newell Rubbermaid "For a paper manufacturer there is nothing more
Corporate Gifts & Promotional important than the source of their product as it is
Products the very earth that suffers if we don’t get it right. Andy Steavenson, Crazy Bags
Green policies are crucial to our operations in the
"Yes I believe Eco is here to stay; the boom US and EU and we are required to keep ourselves “Despite the downturn, environmental concerns
bubble did fade a bit in '09 due to certain budget in a position of continuing development and remain high on
constraints (it just means manufacturers need to ahead of the game on green issues." the agenda for
work harder to provide greater value). But eco, business and
ethical products are still top of mind with many of consumers
the customers I speak to." Malcolm Watson, alike. The
the Marketing Worx drawing power
of a clear
Roger McHugh, Beechfield "Anyone who is involved in the manufacture or conscience
supply of eco products deserves support from the should not be
“Eco is still a niche area in the imprint industry, Government/Institutions to help them grow and underestimated,
but there is a healthy demand for these products thrive. If this especially in our
that’s not limited to the ‘obvious’ customers and happens (apart industry where
that’s only going to increase in the future.” from the fact that I promotional
will faint) I think items are often
the industry will regarded as
Russell Coulston, continue to grow frivolous or
Brand Addition and, hopefully, expendable. We should be harnessing its impact
become more cost given its importance to our clients buying
“Green themes are effective and enable decisions."
certainly trendy and everyone to literally
currently have a lot of ‘buy’ into the
appeal. But eco products products."
can’t afford to be seen as Alison McKenzie,
gimmicks. A strong Fruit of the Loom
industry is being Hannah Knaggs, Westford Mill
built to produce "Eco products are certainly not just a gimmick:
such items, so eco “We are noticing a general move towards a more demand for eco apparel has increased
products are environmentally friendly way of working, across all significantly in recent years and Fruit of the
definitely here industries – whether by choice or pressure from Loom’s market research suggests that it will
to stay." governments and consumers.” continue to do so."
l Next month's Hot Topic: How do you see the printwear market evolving over the next decade.
What are the opportunities and threats? Email deales@datateam.co.uk
| 82 | March 2010 www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk
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