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Q&A Summary: How Boundless Measures Sustainable Sourcing with PRISM Initiative

Published: November 19, 2025 | By Theresa Hegel

Introduction

Boundless, a leading Counselor Top 40 distributor based in Austin, TX, has introduced PRISM—a patent-pending scoring system designed to simplify sustainable sourcing in promotional merchandise. The platform enables buyers to evaluate products based on transparent, consistent sustainability metrics, turning what was once a complex process into an efficient decision-making tool.

What is PRISM?

• PRISM stands for Product Responsibility and Impact Scoring Method.
• Developed to address confusion from inconsistent sustainability claims across merchandise.
• Evaluates products on three key factors:
  1. Process – How the product is made.
  2. Materiality – The composition and materials used.
  3. Impact – Overall environmental/social impact, including supply chain traceability and certifications like B Corp.
• Products receive scores from 1 to 10 on each factor.
• Scores group merchandise into tiers: good, better, best, facilitating easy comparisons.

The Scoring System

• Products are scored individually and assigned to tier levels to help buyers quickly identify sustainable options.
• Example: A Tier 3 “best” product, such as a Cotopaxi bag, fully meets sourcing and sustainability criteria.
• The current scoring process is manual but being refined for automation using AI to streamline evaluation as volume grows.

Client Reception & Market Impact

• Boundless reported strongly positive client feedback.
• Many buyers at events like Natural Products Expo West expressed excitement over the availability of genuinely sustainable merchandise that aligns with their brand values and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) goals.
• Buyers appreciate that eco-friendly promotional products can be as affordable as conventional options, bridging gaps in education and awareness.

Challenges and Future Plans

• Biggest barrier: Education to inform clients about sustainable, affordable, and impactful merch options.
• Boundless plans to enhance PRISM by integrating traceability software, offering clients data on their merchandise’s carbon footprint and social impact.
• Future enhancements aim to automate scoring entirely and expand impact measurement, helping clients quantify sustainability benefits clearly.

Conclusion

Boundless’s PRISM initiative exemplifies how innovative scoring methodologies in sustainable sourcing can deliver competitive advantages—empowering brands to make responsible, transparent procurement decisions aligned with corporate sustainability commitments.

For industry professionals, PRISM offers a valuable roadmap to navigating sustainable promotional products with confidence, boosting eco-conscious purchasing while supporting authentic brand storytelling.

Source: Advertising Specialty Institute, Sustainability Section, Nov 2025

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