ASI Orlando 2026: Elevate Promotional Product Sales with Genuine Sustainability

At ASI Orlando 2026, industry expert Lindsay Hampson, president of sustainability consultancy ThisRock, emphasized the critical role of authentic sustainable business practices in driving promotional products sales. Her presentation, titled “Sustainability That Sells: Winning More Business Through Green Practices,” highlighted that sustainability has transitioned from a niche preference to a business imperative for distributors.

Why Sustainability Matters Now

• Buyer Expectations: Increasingly, clients are integrating sustainability criteria—such as green policies, emissions data, supplier ethics, and relevant certifications—into their Request for Proposals (RFPs) and vendor assessments.
• Business Risk: Distributors without credible green practices face losing clients to competitors who can demonstrate measurable environmental responsibility.
• Annual Reassessment: Many buyers reevaluate vendors’ sustainability credentials yearly, making ongoing transparency and progress vital.

Practical Steps for Distributors

Hampson advised a grounded approach focused on honesty and feasibility rather than greenwashing:

1. Develop a Sustainability Statement: Clearly communicate your company’s commitment to eco-friendly practices.
2. Report Emissions: Gather and publish Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions data when possible.
3. Pursue Relevant Certifications: Consider certifications like EcoVadis tailored to company size, budget, and client demands.
4. Assess Supply Chain Sustainability: Ensure suppliers adhere to green standards.
5. Optimize Packaging: Use recycled paper materials instead of single-use plastics.
6. Bundle Orders: Combine shipments to reduce transportation emissions.
7. Analyze Internal Impact: Monitor energy usage and waste generation by employees.

A 90-Day Action Plan

Within three months, distributors should:

• Identify key client sustainability requirements.
• Create foundational documentation of green initiatives.
• Decide on potential certifications to pursue.

Avoid Greenwashing

Hampson stressed the importance of avoiding overclaims and jargon to build trust. Buyers value honesty, practicality, and measurable results aligned with their environmental goals over vague green statements.

Conclusion

Sustainability is no longer optional in the promotional products sector—it’s essential for growth and customer retention. Distributors who commit to transparent, executable green practices position themselves strongly in a competitive, eco-conscious marketplace.

For ongoing insights into sustainability trends in promotional products, visit Promo for the Planet—your source for news, innovations, and best practices fostering a greener industry.

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.