PPAI Media is looking back on the year’s most impactful news and trends in a four-part series on the stories that shaped the branded merchandise industry over the past 12 months.

In the series’ first entry, we share articles that document how sustainability and corporate social responsibility philosophies and programs have been adopted by promo businesses and the Association. We’re also looking at the product safety stories that most resonated with PPAI members.

Click through to this year’s top responsibility articles.

Gemline Reincorporates As A Public Benefit Corporation

Eager to further prove the intention behind its purpose statement, “We Promote Community,” Gemline (PPAI 113948, Platinum) – the No. 11 supplier in the PPAI 100 – officially reincorporated as a public benefit corporation in May.

By granting Gemline public benefit corporation status, the government is essentially recognizing the supplier as a business that is in the public’s interest. The designation intends to encourage for-profit organizations to be driven by more than just profit, and PBCs are legally required to pursue one or more environmental or social purposes.

One requirement of becoming a public benefit corporation is that the Massachusetts-based supplier will need to provide a bi-yearly report on the progress of its stated social goals.

CPSC Breaks Down Reese’s Law Requirements

In January 2024, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) hosted a webinar titled “Breaking Down Reese’s Law,” which provided plenty of information for promotional products professionals who manufacture or distribute button cell or coin batteries.

Enacted in 2022, Reese’s Law mandates that the CPSC implements federal safety requirements for button cell or coin batteries, as well as consumer products containing such batteries.

  • From 2011 through 2021, the CPSC is aware of 27 deaths and an estimated 54,300 injuries treated in emergency rooms associated with ingested or inserted button cell or coin batteries.

In September, warning label requirements for the packaging of button cell or coin batteries, as well as consumer products containing such batteries, went into effect.

PFAS Lawsuits Could ‘Dwarf Anything Related To Asbestos’

Lawsuits regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – aka “forever chemicals” – could “dwarf anything related to asbestos” and bring potentially “astronomical” costs to defendants, according to lawyer Brian Gross of MG+M The Law Firm.

In February, Gross spoke at a plastic industry conference, urging attendees to “do what you can, while you can, before you get sued,” according to a recording of the event made by a participant and examined by The New York Times.

PPAI Media has repeatedly covered “The Chemical Dilemma” as it pertains to promotional products. Several companies, including those in the promo industry, are in the process of evaluating how to remove PFAS chemicals from their products.

  • In October, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a finale rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to delay the start of reporting related to past manufacturing of PFAS.
  • However, Canadian businesses are now required to provide information concerning PFAS that were manufactured, imported or used as a standalone substance – in mixtures or in articles – in 2023.

The 7 Most Exciting Sustainability Trends From The PPAI Expo 2024

Elizabeth Wimbush, PPAI’s director of sustainability and responsibility, saw a lot of progress at the largest and longest-running trade show in the promotional products industry.

“You couldn’t walk more than a few steps on the show floor or through the education panel halls without seeing a word that ties into sustainability: eco, environmental, corporate social responsibility, ESG, transparency, renewable, regenerative, circular, etc.,” Wimbush said.

“We’ve highlighted some of the top product takeaways from the show, and now I’d like to share with you how The PPAI Expo 2024 emphasized the industry’s commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Here are the seven most captivating sustainability trends that stole the spotlight at the event.”

Sunscope Issues Recall On Tumbler Due To Safety Hazards

In May, Sun Coast Merchandise (PPAI 113083, Platinum), which does business under the Sunscope brand and is the No. 21 supplier in the PPAI 100, issued a voluntary recall in Canada of a tumbler after finding a safety hazard due to a manufacturing defect.

The tumbler was part of a collaboration between Sunscope and Nütrl, a Canadian company that sells drinks that combine vodka and soda. Certain in-store purchases, made during April and May of this year, of NÜTRL products included the tumbler.

More Trending Responsibility Articles From 2024

EU Lawmakers Say Carbon Offsetting Can’t Be Labeled Climate Neutral

Dangerous Fires Result In Recalls Of Power Banks, Lighters And Fire Pits

House Passes Bill Targeting Lithium-Ion Batteries

The Circular Economy: Rounding Out The Supply Chain

Cybergroup International: Worlds Together

For questions or suggestions on regulatory or government affairs issues, please contact Rachel Zoch at RachelZ@ppai.org.