From fulfilling required spend programs to getting items in clients’ hands faster, there are plenty of reasons to consider promo products made in North America.
“Some organizations choose USA-made items for their lower carbon footprint, while others, like unions, aim to support local workers,” says Lindsey Cole, director of marketing and communications for Massachusetts-based distributor Ethix Merch (PPAI 358342, Standard-Plus), which specializes in American-made promo products. “Many small businesses also prioritize domestic manufacturing, recognizing that USA-made products are typically high-quality and offer quick turnaround times.”
In honor of July Fourth – and Canada Day earlier the same week – here are four potential benefits of choosing domestically produced promo products:
1. Support Fair Labor
“U.S. labor laws ensure that workers are treated fairly, paid a minimum wage and work in safe conditions,” says Cole. “While there are occasionally exceptions, these regulations provide a baseline of workplace standards.”
2. Support Local Business
Buying locally (or at least on the same continent) supports local workers and economies, especially if you choose goods produced by small businesses and communities.
3. Go Greener
Products manufactured and decorated in North America have a smaller carbon footprint because they don’t have to be shipped as far.
4. Get It Faster
“Local suppliers offer quicker turnaround times and can swiftly pivot to provide essential items,” adds Cole, “as demonstrated during COVID-19 with PPE for local healthcare organizations.”
Here’s a sampling of brandable products made in the USA:
The Igloo Playmate Pal 7 Quart Cooler, first introduced in 1971, has become an American classic. Add you client’s logo to this sturdy and versatile 9-can hard-sided cooler, available in red, blue or black body with white lid.
Gemline / PPAI 113948, Platinum
Not just for the Fourth of July, 3D Fireworks Glasses make a great promotional or retail item for sporting events, music festivals, theme parks and much more. The diffraction lenses work by breaking a light source into the spectrum of colors. Custom shapes and imprints available, as well as tear-away coupons.
American Paper Optics / PPAI 110778, Silver
These Unisex Triblend Raglan Baseball Shirts offer classic American athleisure style for all ages. Available in 11 colors and sizes from infant through adult 2X. “Sustainable, USA-made, ethical fashion can be produced in a cost-effective manner [that supports] not only environmental sustainability but also fair labor practices and the American economy,” says CEO Morey Mayeri.
Royal Apparel / PPAI 269959, Standard-Base
These 16-oz. Recyclable Steel Chill-Cups provide a plastic-free partyware option that’s sturdy enough for reuse and easily recycled. Not intended to be filled with hot liquids. Hand wash.
PCNA / PPAI 113079, Platinum
Make a big impression with a Custom Bean Bag Toss Game that includes a pair of game boards featuring your custom design printed in digital HD, eight bean bags in your choice of 20 colors, a wall mounting bracket for storage and display and more. Lifetime warranty.
Baggo / PPAI 191766, Standard-Base
A perennial top 10 product category according to SAGE, hats literally keep your client’s brand top of mind. This unstructured, relaxed Brushed Slide Buckle Dad Cap is is 100% union made in the USA and offers six different embroidery areas. Available in 21 colors.
Unionwear / PPAI 11926, Standard-Base
Mugs are another product in the top 10. Perk up recipients with a USA-made 15-oz. El Grande Mug featuring your client’s design in deep etch, sand blast or puffy print, as well as a “Made in USA” decal on the bottom.
Berney-Karp/Ceramic Source / PPAI 111427, Standard-Plus
These Mineral SPF 15 Broad Spectrum Lip Balms are made with 100% zinc oxide as the active ingredient for SPF protection in a soothing formula that includes sunflower oil, beeswax and olive oil. Available in unflavored, coconut or pineapple.
Raining Rose / PPAI 232508, Silver
This 16-oz. Lyrica Red Wine Glass provides everyday stemware that’s sturdy enough for the dishwasher and ready to be etched with your client’s brand and messaging. Machine-made in the USA, the Lyrica line comes in a variety of shapes and sizes.
J.Charles / PPAI 113624, Silver
Give recipients something they’ll keep and use indefinitely with a 4-inch KEEP-IT Clip to help keep opened food items fresher, longer. Available in eight solid or translucent colors with an almost 3.5-inch imprint area. Optional magnetic backing available.
Evans / PPAI 110747, Platinum
And here are a handful of promotional products made in Canada:
Get cozy with a unisex Spirit Bear Zip Polo pullover sweatshirt. This stylish layering piece is made of 100% cotton brushed back fleece and features a quarter-zip with teardrop pull. Available in 17 colors and sizes S-3X.
Redwood Classics / PPAI 696010, International
What’s more Canadian than maple syrup? Give a sweet gift with a custom-etched bottle of 100% Pure Canadian Maple Syrup. Available in 250ml or 500ml. Gift box included, imprint optional.
St Regis Group / PPAI 230188, Platinum
This 6-by-9-inch ECO Spiral Notebook, made with 100% recycled materials, features a black spiral binding, a soft cover in your choice of nine colors and 144 lined pages. Pages and covers are printed with organic, soy-based inks.
Spector & Co. / PPAI 168328, Gold
Made from organic cotton and recycled polyester by unionized workers, this Unisex Pom Pom Toque is available in eight colors. Beanie also available without the faux-fur pom.
Attraction / PPAI 474094, Standard-Base
