Table of contents

• Sustainability 

• Corporate gifting 

• Why practice Sustainable Corporate Gifting?

• Tips for Sustainable Gifting 

• Conclusion

Sustainability 

Sustainability has been a hot topic for a few years now. Companies are getting more aware and trying to follow sustainability around them. What does sustainability mean? Let’s try to break it down.

The United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as “Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.

It is the small habits that we can incorporate into our daily life, like carrying a cloth bag while shopping, avoiding taking vehicles when not necessary, switching off electrical appliances while leaving a room, etc. 

Many industries are trying to practice sustainability through various practices. In the Gifting industry, sustainable corporate gifts are being introduced.

Corporate gifting

An article given to someone without anticipating anything in return is called a gift. Corporate gifting dates back to ancient societies, when relationships were formed and maintained through exchanging presents.

Pharaohs in ancient Egypt, for instance, gave gifts to other kings as a sign of goodwill and to promote diplomatic ties. 

Corporate gifting is a very strategic tool that goes beyond a straightforward transaction. Personalized or customized gifts are still seen as a smart move in the business world, as companies present them to their clients and employees to deepen their bond, spread happiness, and politely say "Thank you."

Gifts for corporate workers range from eco-friendly gifts to accessories, desktop accessories, and many more. Corporate gifting is a way to show appreciation and long-lasting relationships and enhance a positive brand image.

Why practice Sustainable Corporate Gifting?

There are many vital reasons why we should prefer sustainable corporate gifting:

• Brand image:

Eco-friendly gifts show the commitment of the firm or company towards the environment.

It can significantly enhance brand image and foster positive well-being with clients, employees, and partners who deeply care about the environment. It promotes the firm’s position in a move towards sustainable practices.  

• Environmental impact: 

Traditional gifting methods often provide grounds for harmful impacts on the environment such as waste generation, pollution, etcetera.

This can be significantly reduced by sustainable alternatives. For example, replacing plastic components of an article with plant-based alternatives would reduce plastic pellet generation.

• Employee engagement:

Engaging with the environment for a positive cause serves as a cause for optimism. It signifies a collective contribution to the environment and a source of awareness.

When the employees notice such moves of their firms, it is natural for them to also begin practicing sustainability, therefore leading to more awareness across their neighborhoods.

• Cost Efficient:

Though traditionally manufactured gifts (generally made up of plastic components) are way cheaper than sustainable ones, one can yet choose to go with sustainable gifts keeping in mind that they are decreasing the waste generation and promoting a very healthy culture. 

If chosen wisely, plant-based gifts can offer long-term durability, reducing the need for replacements. Products like those made from bamboo or recycled materials are known for their longevity. 

• Retention: 

Choosing sustainable gifts can show great responsibility for the brand and build a strong relationship and trust with their customers, it also makes place for retention as many employees and customers judge any firm by their environmental practices.

Tips for Sustainable Gifting 

Sustainable gifting needs to be thoughtful with an aim to minimize environmental impact while creating care and appreciation for the employees. Here are some key tips on corporate gifting:

• Research:

Before choosing an item to gift, first research the product online, try to know what materials are used in making the gift and learn more about the company’s environmental policies. Opt for recyclable products.

• Quality over quantity:

Choose the product that will last longer, reducing the need for replacements. Select gifts with designs that go with your style. Opt for items with multiple uses to maximize their use and value.

• Choose Local Artisans:

Gifts from local artisans boost their community and their business, keeping the art from going extinct. 

It sustains livelihood and job creation. Many Indian artisans prefer cruelty-free sourced items.

Many firms do not have access directly to the local artisans. They can find corporate gifting firms like Apsara Gifts which do source gifts from the local artisans.

• Wrapping and packaging:

Using recycled paper, newspaper, and fabric scraps for wrapping and packaging helps reduce wastage and promotes recycling. 

If you are planning to gift fruit baskets or chocolates, it’s suggestible to use reusable containers. Using paper wrappers for packaging instead of traditional plastic gift wrappers is also a big plus.

To minimize unnecessary use and waste of resources, it is recommended to research and choose brands that have fair labor practices. Also, make sure the selected gift is necessary before purchasing in bulk.

Conclusion

Sustainable gifting is more than a trend, it's a calculated choice that supports both the customers and employees.

It fosters positive well-being and a positive impact on the environment, improving staff confidence, building customer relationships, and also, building brand reputation by going green.

The advantages of sustainable gifting include:-

• Reducing environmental effects,

• Encouraging good moral behavior, and

• Boosting local economies. 

Giving sustainable gifts benefits both the giver and the receiver. It's a strategic tool to enhance employee engagement. The firm or company also gains global attention through sustainable gifting.