Promotional products are not simply stylish and image promoting – at PSI 2014 they also impress with qualities such as sustainability, fairness and increasingly also greenness. This development is also furthered by the cooperation between the PSI and the European Promotional Products Association (EPPA). Through the EPPA Code of Conduct for CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) they unite in calling for social responsibility to be shown by the companies in the promotional products industry. Numerous PSI members have already adopted it.
The EPPA quality seal is only one of many certificates to be found at PSI. For a long time already, the PSI show exhibitors have focused on quality and transparency for promotional products as a central objective. Whether for accessories, T-shorts, biros or packaging – the “green” initiative in the industry is gaining ground.
Quality seal “Made in Germany”
One frequent quality characteristic of promotional products is the “Made in Germany” label. The attribute “Made in Switzerland” or “Made in Austria” have likewise come to be considered as independent quality seals. Internationally recognized IFS, GMP, Oeko-Tex or environmentally-friendly production certificates also indicate a company’s special sense of responsibility and environmental awareness. At PSI 2014 exhibitors highlight certified quality to promote their products. The focus is on topics like environmentally-friendly production and distribution processes, sustainability and fairness. This creates trust and a sense of security, and makes such products attractive for distributors and consumers.
From Oeko-Tex to GMP
One of the internationally recognized certificates is the Oeko-Tex Standard 100. This is a uniform standard for evaluating problematic substances in textile products. With the Oeko-Tex logo, companies like Daiber or V. Fraas GmbH provide evidence that all the clothing and textile products supplied by them are skin-friendly. In addition, Daiber presents a fashion range manufactured according to the W.S.T. Standard (Water Saving Technology) and is also a member of the Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI). Supported by BSCI, companies undertake to improve working conditions in the production process in developing and newly industrialising countries and to promote sustainable protection of the environment.
Xindao V.B. likewise follows the green trend in the industry, using environmentally-friendly packaging as well as supplying ecologically sound products. At PSI 2014, the Dutch company presents a new “green” collection. This includes a set of energy saving lamps in environmentally-friendly packaging or a purely green planting kit. By choosing the environmentally-friendly packaging, the consumers also demonstrate particular environmental awareness.
Ecologically grown and IFS certified
With the “fair spielt (playing fair)” campaign, toy manufacturers demonstrate their particular sense of responsibility regarding the production process. By participating in the campaign, companies support the improvement of working conditions in Asian toy manufactures. Thanks to this initiative, well-manufactured, safe, fair trade products can be offered. One of the companies committed to this approach is team-d Import-Export Warenvertriebs GmbH who will present a varied range of fair trade products at PSI 2014.
The EPPA Code of Conduct for PSI members
For several years now, the European Promotional Products Association (EPPA) has been working for the introduction of a European sustainability standard for the promotional products industry. There focus here is on observance of the laws and regulations, the renunciation of forced and child labour, good working conditions, decent working hours and the rejection of exploitation, discrimination and intimidation. The result of this work is the EPPA Code of Conduct for CSR. To date, more than 8,000 European companies have adopted this code of conduct.
Discount for PSI members
PSI likewise supports the observance of the EPPA Code and cooperates closely with EPPA. PSI Director Michael Freter recommends PSI members to join the effort. “In doing so, the industry not only demonstrates responsibility and improves its competitive position but, in the long term, also contributes to establishing a European sustainability standard”, says Freter. With this cooperation, PSI sends a clear statement in favour of sustainability and controlled quality. PSI members are given a discount on the registration fee .
