Businesses can no longer evade their social responsibilities. With stricter regulatory frameworks and growing sustainability values among consumers, organizations are now obligated to account for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance in their corporate strategies. ESG responsibility has transformed from a niche concern to a central foundation, from which even corporate events cannot escape.
Imagine hosting large-scale conferences for product launches or milestone achievements, but using single-use plastics? This will only generate tonnes of waste and discarded swag by the end, fostering a negative image among the attendees. So, what should you, as an event manager, resort to? Your first essential goal when designing sustainable events should be executing impactful gatherings without creating plastic waste liability.
Let’s explore the proven innovative merchandise and operational strategies that can transform your vision of a zero-waste event into reality, provided that you weave ESG principles into every tactical decision.
The plastic waste liability – An ESG failure point
The core ESG compliance, where most organizations fail, is contributing to plastic waste during conferences. While not directly visible, traditional event merchandise, such as glossy brochures, PVS lanyards, plastic-waved badges, or generic trinkets in polybags, largely produces a hidden liability. After the event, most of these non-durable items are discarded and end up in landfills as environmental pollutants.
So, imagine the level of carbon footprint these mass-produced items create during production and when disposed of? This outcome is far from the intended messages and values that these brands wanted to express or promote through these conferences. That is why the new resolution for event managers is to redirect their focus towards creating meaningful merchandise for participants, ensuring that every tangible aspect is woven with sustainability goals.
Strategy 1: Digital integration over physical waste
Rather than looking for new conference swag options, the first step is to eliminate waste-producing tactics. Event planners or managers can opt for digital alternatives, which can revolutionize the interaction experiences and information sharing. This strategy cuts physical waste directly at the source.
Digital business cards and NFC technology
Paper cards still hold some significance in this modern era, but they also contribute to waste. The digital alternative to physical cards is NFC (Near Field Communication) technology. You can provide a single, reusable NFC card or badge insert to attendees. When they tap their phone against the card or badge, their digital contact details, portfolios, or LinkedIn profiles will be instantly shared with the company’s database. Tech-upgraded cards enhance networking efficiency and data analytics while reducing paper wastage. For a more sustainable alternative, think of seed paper cards (embedded with wildflowers).
Event apps as central hubs
Creating engagement in brand events is critical. An efficient tactic to boost this metric is a comprehensive, user-friendly event app as an alternative to printed programs, maps, speaker bios, and feedback forms. This specific event app transforms into a dynamic hub, allowing the attendees to have an interactive conference experience. Not only does this strategy make zero waste, but it also improves accessibility.
Strategy 2: Circular physical merchandise – From sourcing to decomposition
For physical items, which are absolute essentials to any brand event, managers must embrace the principles of a circular economy, i.e, using regenerative materials and design for the product’s end-of-life.
Compostable packaging and lanyards
Blend both the aesthetics and sustainability components of packaging, considering the ESG frameworks. Instead of widely distributing plastic polybags, provide bags made from home-compostable cellulose or Bioplastic (PLA) derived from cornstarch or sugarcane. Instead of virgin PVS lanyards, design them with bamboo-based cords, organic cotton straps, or RPET (recycled Polyester).
These materials produce eco-friendly conference merchandise, allowing brands to demonstrate a visible commitment to sustainable sourcing. Furthermore, incorporating plant-based inks and uncoated, recycled paper for printing purposes ensures clean compostability.
Purpose-driven, durable merchandise
Event merchandise should always be purpose-driven. What you give away must provide utility, longevity, and durability to the attendees long after the event ends. Popular and essential options include high-quality, reusable stainless-steel water bottles, organic cotton totes, or USB drives made from reclaimed wood. Each of these items reflects a clear purpose and is relevant within the event ecosystem.
Strategy 3: The “Opt-In” gifting model – Providing participants a choice
You may be offering the best quality and sustainable merchandise at the event. But what if the attendees don’t want them? This would only add to the waste. Hence, event managers can adopt an opt-in model, allowing attendees to voice their preferences. This is a radically effective and respectful strategy for waste reduction.
Gifting stations
For a small crowd, pre-packaged event bags are a feasible option. However, if you aim to draw a large crowd to the event, prepare curated gifting stations instead. Attendees, with their convenience, can visit the stations and pick items they truly want and take home. This approach dramatically reduces waste and preserves resources.
Appeal to the attendees by preparing themed gifting stations, such as a wellness station with exclusive natural products, a customizable tech gadget station, or a station featuring eco-friendly conference merchandise from local social suppliers. This creates an engaging experience for the attendees, enhancing the perceived value of the products while slashing unnecessary production.
Last words
Adopting a zero-waste strategy for events or conferences is a transformational approach for brands to adhere to their ESG protocols. This shows commitment to shared responsibility and community, where attendees feel compelled to have a positive afterthought post-event. By effectively blending sustainable practices, from vetting suppliers to material sourcing to disposal management of the products, you ensure that the event reflects every aspect of your green values.
This approach not only reduces waste and carbon footprint but also elevates your brand’s credibility and reputation among stakeholders. Imagine the long-lasting impact that an event can create when you integrate digital tools and circular materials into curating your event merchandise, the engagement, and interactive experiences that showcase your leadership in sustainability.
So, why wait for the perfect timeline? Start preparing today, join the ESG movement. Showcase the most valuable giveaways at the event, which are not just physical items, but a collective outcome of sustainable values, a small part of the greater efforts to protect the planet.
