Plastic-Free July Merchandise Alternatives For Your Business

Plastic Free July is an inspiring worldwide movement that encourages people around the globe to swap single-use plastics in favour of other options.

From disposable water bottles to use-then-chuck carrier bags, single-use plastic items can be easily traded for reusable equivalents with less harmful environmental impact.

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As the name suggests, the awareness event runs through the whole of July, with individuals and organisations encouraged to think about what they can do to reduce the need for single-use plastics.

The associated figures are shocking. According to data shared by Statista, for example, UK households throw away around 100 billion pieces of plastic packaging each year. Greenpeace's The Big Plastic Count, which took place in 2022, found that of the 13 billion plastic bottles that were used in the UK, only 7.5 million were properly recycled, meaning that 5.5 billion were left destined for litter, landfill or environmentally harmful incineration.

Of course, the mission of Plastic Free July doesn't end the moment July 31st hits, with figures such as the above offering stark reminders that the impact of our plastic usage is felt all-year long.

How Can My Business Get Involved In Plastic Free July?

There are many ways a company can get involved in Plastic Free July, from switching up outlooks to trading product choices. For example, your business could...

Implement a plastic reduction policy: create and enforce a company-wide policy that's aimed at reducing plastic in the workplace. Instead, encourage your team to use reusable equivalents and be mindful about recycling.
Host an educational workshop: whether you host it yourself or enlist the services of a third-party expert, plan an educational workshop session to educate your staff about plastic.
Encourage your staff to undertake their own plastic reduction initiatives: shine a light on the achievements of staff who are going above and beyond in the name of reducing plastic.
Look outside the office: encourage your team to take part in litter picking or community clear-up events.
Make the switch to eco-friendly items where possible: there are countless merch options out there, with products to suit every brand and budget.

Of course, Total Merchandise is here to help with the last point, with a huge range of eco-friendly products available to order with your logo today.

We've got everything from recycled plastic items to plastic-free alternatives, with some of our favourite options listed below - you might also want to take a look at our recycled promotional products, UK-made merchandise items and plantable items for more ideas.

Swap Single-Use Plastic Bottles For Branded Water Bottles

Perfect for: offering an alternative to disposable water bottles. Their generous capacity also means that they're not only easy to transport but they'll also help your staff and customers hit their hydration goals with ease!

Promo water bottles are a must-consider for every business - after all, we all need to drink! Offering your clients and colleagues an alternative to disposable water bottles, they can be easily refilled throughout the day, promoting your brand, hydrating the user and helping to protect the environment, all in one.

Take, for example, our Loop Sports Bottles. Made from recycled milk cartons, these sports bottles can be used time after time by your staff and customers. Take your pick from 10 striking combinations, with your branding printed in anything from one spot colour to vibrant full colour.

Available to order from 50 units, they're currently on offer until 30th September 2024 - so make sure you don't miss out! Explore our full range of branded water bottles for more ideas.

Swap Plastic Carrier Bags For Branded Totes

Great for: offering your customers an alternative to single-use plastic carrier bags, whether at an event or in-store.

Swapping plastic carriers for reusable tote bags is a great way to encourage your customers to engage in greener living practices.

And who doesn't love a tote bag? Products like our Organic Cotton Tote Bags are made from GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified 100g/m2 organic cotton, with each bag featuring a neat label that proves their credentials.

Whether you sell them in-store or plan to hand them out at upcoming events, tote bags offer a fantastic canvas for branding, with their large print area often available on both sides. Our Organic Cotton Tote Bags can be ordered from just 50 units and we also have Organic Coloured Cotton Tote Bags available if you want to explore other colour options.

Upgrade Staff Lunchtimes With Dining Alternatives

Ideal if: you want to make lunchtimes that bit more sustainable for your staff.

Hospitality businesses were officially banned from providing single-use plastic cutlery in October 2023 and encouraged to provide alternatives instead (a BBC report suggests that prior to this, more than four billion pieces of plastic cutlery were used in the UK each year).

With that in mind, reusable lunch items that your staff can use each day can help make lunchtimes that bit greener. Products like our handy Lunchmate sets, for example, can prove invaluable for everything from office onboarding kits to event goodie bags.

Made in the UK from recycled plastic, the Lunchmate offers a complete cutlery case inside a handy travel kit, and can be used over and over again. The carabiner design means they can be easily attached to lunch bags, while the generous branding area ensures your logo will be seen with every use.

Main image via Dopper. Need help sourcing a specific item for your upcoming summer marketing campaign? Simply contact a member of our friendly and experienced Sales team on 01376 509092 or by emailing us.