It has become common practice for promotional products companies to release their environmental, social and governance or sustainability impact reports during Earth Month (April).
These reports highlight promo firms’ corporate social responsibility achievements over the past year as well as establish new goals for the next year and beyond.
“The increase in these reports shows the maturing of the industry’s CSR efforts – a continued focus on verified data that supports sustainability claims and demonstrates the commitments these companies have to being transparent,” says Elizabeth Wimbush, director of sustainability and responsibility at PPAI. “The spirit of continuous growth and improvement is worth celebrating!”
Below are the most recent impact reports that PPAI Media has received. For inclusion in this list, please send your report to Deputy Editor John Corrigan at johnc@ppai.org.
betterway Accountability Standards
Gemline (PPAI 113948, Platinum) – PPAI 100’s No. 11 supplier – continues to deepen its commitment to driving positive change by advancing initiatives that make a meaningful impact on people, the planet and the products it brings to market.
The Certified B Corporation recently introduced its betterway Accountability Standards, contributed more than $525,000 in cash and in-kind donations to charitable organizations and partnered with Climate Impact Partners to purchase certified carbon offsets covering its Scope 1 and 2 emissions.
Frank Carpenito
President & CEO, Gemline
The public benefit corporation also advanced its commitment to cleaner, safer and more responsible products:
- All Gemline-branded, house brand and brand partner products are PFAS-free and 97% are now PVC-free.
- Gemline also began tracking the carbon footprint of more than 375 products, measuring emissions from raw material sourcing to product decoration and distribution.
“We don’t just talk about corporate responsibility – our mindset is all about raising the bar for our customers, industry and company,” says Frank Carpenito, president and CEO of Gemline.
Learn more about Gemline’s progress and initiatives in its 2024 CSR Report.
EcoVadis Recognition
HPG (PPAI 110772, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 6 supplier, has announced the achievement of a EcoVadis Platinum rating, signaling that is officially among the top 1% globally of assessed companies for environmental, social and ethical performance. This marks a sign of the progress and commitment in this regard by the supplier. Last year, it had earned a Bronze rating, an impressive achievement in its own right, but HPG continued to build on its momentum through 2024.
“This past year has been one of significant progress for HPG,” says Jing Rong, VP of suply chain and sustainability at HPG. “For me personally, it’s been inspiring to see how our people, processes and technology have come together to create real impact, not just for today, but for the long term.
Jing Rong
VP of Supply Chain & Sustainability, HPG
“Sustainability isn’t just a goal for HPG; it’s a shared value that guides every decision we make. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made, but I know there’s still so much more we can do.”
HPG CEO Chris Anderson says the company’s willingness to try new things is an asset in its mission toward sustainability.
“HPG remains unafraid to implement new strategies and approaches to propel our organization, and stakeholders, forward, and sustainability is no exception,” Anderson says. “Given HPG’s established bias for action, at any given time we are either winning, or learning.”
To read HPG’s newly released annual sustainability report, click here.
Heather Smartt
Global Head, Goldstar
Goldstar (PPAI 114031, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 16 supplier, was recently awarded the EcoVadis Bronze Medal, placing it among the top 35% of assessed companies worldwide for environmental, social and ethical performance.
Additionally, the San Diego-based company has achieved Forest Stewardship Council certification for paper and bamboo products, ensuring they are sourced from responsibly managed forests.
“Sustainability is at the core of everything we do,” says Heather Smartt, global head of Goldstar. “From our ESG report to our EcoVadis Bronze recognition and FSC product certification, every step we take reflects our commitment to making a meaningful impact and shaping a better and more sustainable future, not just for us, but for our partners, too.”
Learn more about Goldstar’s sustainability initiatives in its 2024 ESG Report.
Responsible Sourcing
In its 2024 Impact Report, Kentucky-based supplier TO THE MARKET (PPAI 714735, Standard-Base) shares the tangible progress it has made in empowering businesses with compliance-driven sourcing solutions, real-time supply chain visibility and vetted, ethical production partners.
Mehathab Joharullah, impact and compliance analyst at TO THE MARKET, says transparency is a necessity for building resilient, responsible supply chains.
Mehathab Joharullah
Impact & Compliance Analyst, TO THE MARKET
“As regulations tighten and market dynamics shift, we’re most proud of equipping our clients with the data, technology and supplier network they need to navigate these challenges with confidence,” Joharullah says. “Responsible sourcing isn’t just about meeting standards – it’s about setting new ones, and that’s exactly what we’re committed to doing.”
Learn more about TO THE MARKET’s progress in its 2024 Impact Report.
WNC Strong
North Carolina-based supplier Recover (PPAI 159420, Silver) expanded through major events like the Marine Corps Marathon, partnerships with brands like Rivian and a print-on-demand Zero Waste Online Store model, attracting new partners like 4ocean.
- Recover also responded to Hurricane Helene’s destruction in Western North Carolina by launching fundraisers, offering “WNC Strong” apparel and donating 12,000 products to relief efforts.
- The company also saved more than 1.4 billion gallons of water and diverted more than 2.3 million from landfills and the environment.
Learn more about Recover’s progress in its 2024 Impact Report.
Measuring GHG Emissions
Business services member Hohenstein (PPAI 826747), a global testing and research provider, recorded the direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1, 2 and 3) of its worldwide locations for the first time.
Dr. Stefan Droste
CEO, Hohenstein
“Sustainability and the responsible use of our planet’s resources are a matter of course for us,” says Hohenstein CEO Dr. Stefan Droste. “The increasing number of extreme weather events around the world clearly shows that every individual is called upon to contribute to safeguarding our common future. For this reason, environmental and climate protection is a top priority at Hohenstein.”
Learn more about Hohenstein’s achievements and goals in its 2024 Sustainability Report.
Circularity In Production
Garyline (PPAI 112004, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 27 supplier, has also boasted new accomplishments in the sustainability space through 2024.
- The company implemented energy-efficient technologies and renewable sourcing across all facilities in order to minimize carbon output.
- It also put a focus on optimizing production workflows and material recovery systems to avoid generating waste and increase recycling rates.
Additionally, Garyline took steps and made strides in the mission to create circularity in production. The supplier expanded its use of post-consumer recycled materials in order to create closed-loop manufacturing processes, conserving resources.
Ariel Santiago
Compliance & Sustainability Manager, Garyline
“These milestones reflect our continued commitment to sustainability and innovation in the promotional products industry,” says Ariel Santiago, compliance and sustainability manager at Garyline. “We are elated to demonstrate our approach to sustainability to our stakeholders and excited about our future 2030 goals.”
The full report can be viewed at Garyline.com.
