Food is a universal language, but the message it sends isn’t always a positive one. Each year, Americans dispose about 120 billion pounds of food, equivalent to 30% to 40% of the national food supply. Food waste accounts for about one-third of human-created greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Single-use plastics, historically a hallmark of corporate parties and luncheons, are responsible for about 37 billion pounds of waste annually.

Luckily, suppliers have been offering solutions to help reduce waste – from reusable food wraps and containers to bamboo charcuterie board and cutler sets. Consider how reusable branded merch can help promote sustainability and enhance food gifts in upcoming promotional campaigns.

1. Company Luncheons

Employee luncheons leave plenty of room for both brand integration and food waste; make sure you’re checking both boxes for sustainable service.

PITCH: Ensure there are no leftovers remaining with reusable silicone bags. Suggest that employees be gifted a set of reusable bags to help eliminate food waste after work meals.

Reusable silicone bag (1034-42) from PCNA (asi/66887)

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2. Employee Incentives

Staffers are sure to appreciate useful kitchen items with a high perceived value and an accessible sustainability story.

PITCH: Help clients put together a charcuterie kit – complete with bamboo cutting board – to thank their employees.

Bamboo and slate charcuterie cutting board (2139) from Hit Promotional Products (asi/61125)

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3. Influencer Bundles

Social media influencers receive a lot of products, but branded items that promote an eco-friendly lifestyle and can be integrated into everyday routines make a standout statement.

PITCH: A food brand could target cooking influencers with a kit that includes edible goodies, along with branded bees wrap and a highly absorbent Swedish dishcloth to make storage and cleanup easy.

Bees wrap and Swedish dishcloth kit (JK-9053) from Jornik Manufacturing Corp. (asi/63549)

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4. Team-Building Activities

Group cooking classes and employee baking contests can be a fun way to build morale and promote employee bonding.

PITCH: Recommend that corporate clients give out personalized aprons – made from recycled polyester or other sustainable fabrics – to employees to build excitement in advance of a company-sponsored cooking class.

Recycled polyester twill sublimation bib apron (APRN-RPT-2734) from Northeastern Promotions (asi/74258)

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