How to Build a Sustainable Merch Program

05.21.2025 | Featured Homepage, Sustainability, Promotional Products, Custom Products, Swag, Why Stran, 2025

As expectations rise around environmental impact and ethical practices, brands are rethinking every corner of their business. That includes branded merchandise. But building a more sustainable merch program goes beyond switching to recycled water bottles or organic tees; a truly sustainable program means changing how you think about sourcing, fulfillment, and long-term use.

We help brands navigate that shift every day. Here are a few of our favorite ways to build sustainable merchandise programs from the ground up, while staying on-brand, on-budget, and on-purpose.

1. Start with a Merch Audit

Before you swap out products, take a closer look at the items that already exist in your merch ecosystem.

Are people actually using what you’re giving out?
Is anything getting thrown out or left behind after events?
Do you know where your products are made? Do you know how they’re made?

A merch audit can help you identify waste, choose products that better suit your audience, and avoid ordering items that miss the mark.

2. Source With Purpose

Sustainability starts at the source. Yes, there are tons of eco-conscious merch options that include recycled materials — but the best programs think even bigger by partnering with organizations who prioritize ethical production, transparency, and product longevity.

We’re always on the lookout for products and brands that go above and beyond, including:

GOT Bag, which turns ocean plastic into minimalist travel gear

Miir, a certified B Corp known for sleek, reusable drinkware that funds clean water, health, and environmental projects around the world

Stormcreek apparel, which sources fabrics made using recycled materials and sustainable practices.

Bloomin seed paper products, which are made by hand from 100% recycled material and embedded with a hardy mixture of wildflower seeds.

3. Think Beyond the Product

A truly sustainable merch program takes the full lifecycle into account, from packaging to fulfillment. To help our clients level up their merch program sustainability, we focus on:

Right-sized kits and packaging to reduce material waste
Compostable or recycled packaging when possible
Multi-purpose products that people will use & reuse

We also include optional education inserts in kits and gift boxes, helping recipients understand how a product was made, how to care for it, or what cause it supports. When people know the story behind the swag, they’re more likely to keep and appreciate it.

4. Minimize Emissions With Smart FulfillmenT

Logistics matter. Whether you’re shipping to an event or sending gifts to 5,000 employees, choosing a sustainable fulfillment strategy can make a huge difference.

We approach sustainable fulfillment with flexibility and carbon footprint in mind:

We offset 100% of the carbon emissions from our own shipping, at no added cost to the client.
We offer on-demand gifting and warehousing to avoid overproduction and wasted inventory.
We use distribution centers across the country to reduce shipping distances and emissions.
We offer digital gift stores and QR-based gifting to cut packaging waste altogether.

These behind-the-scenes moves support the planet and simplify logistics, streamlining operations for everyone.

5. Make Sustainability Part of the Brand Experience

Great merch tells a story. When sustainability is part of your brand values, your swag should reflect that. But don’t just hand out a recycled product and hope people notice…help them connect the dots.

Add messaging to explain your choices: why you picked this brand, what makes it sustainable, what it supports, etc. Include impact stats or QR codes that link to product stories. The added context around your merch decisions turns a simple item into a meaningful brand touchpoint.

Small Shifts, Big Impact

You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight. But taking intentional steps, from smarter sourcing to carbon offsetting to reducing waste, can help you build a merchandise strategy that’s aligned with your values, resonates with your audience, and makes a real impact.

💥 Want a head start? Our new Sustainable Merch Lookbook features 30+ purpose-driven products, curated by our team to help you make smarter, more intentional choices.