ASI Orlando 2026: Elevate Promotional Products Sales Through Sustainable Practices

Sustainability as a Sales Imperative in Promo Products Industry

At the ASI Orlando 2026 event, Lindsay Hampson, president of sustainability consultancy ThisRock, emphasized a clear message for promotional products distributors: integrating credible sustainability efforts is essential—not optional—for business growth. As more end-buyers prioritize environmental responsibility, distributors lacking verifiable green practices face losing clients to competitors with stronger eco-credentials.

Key Insights from Lindsay Hampson’s ASI Presentation

Why Sustainability Matters Now

• Buyers actively inquire about vendors’ green policies, emissions, supply chain ethics, and certifications during Requests for Proposals (RFPs).
• These criteria are often reassessed annually, making sustainability a recurring business risk if ignored.

Practical Steps for Distributors

• Develop a basic company sustainability statement outlining eco-commitments.
• Report Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions whenever feasible for transparency.
• Pursue relevant certifications such as EcoVadis that fit company size, budget, and client priorities.
• Evaluate and improve supplier sustainability, switch to recyclable packaging materials (e.g., recycled paper over single-use plastics), and bundle client orders to cut emissions.
• Monitor and reduce employee-related energy use and waste.

Short-Term Action Plan (Next 90 Days)

1. Identify sustainability requirements of key clients.
2. Document current green practices clearly.
3. Decide on an appropriate sustainability certification to pursue.

Avoiding Pitfalls

• Refrain from greenwashing—do not use vague or exaggerated eco-claims.
• Act proactively; don’t wait until buyers request your sustainability credentials.
• Focus on honest, measurable progress aligned with buyer expectations.

Conclusion: Sustainability Drives Competitive Advantage

Hampson’s message is crystal clear—“doing nothing is now a business risk.” Distributors who commit to authentic, practical environmental policies strengthen their market position and open doors to broader client opportunities in an increasingly eco-conscious industry.

For ongoing insights into sustainability trends in promotional products, visit Promo for the Planet.

Design Delight Studio curates high-impact, authoritative insights into sustainable and organic product trends, helping conscious consumers and innovative brands stay ahead in a fast-evolving green economy.