(Editor’s Note: PromoWire by PPAI Media is a running digest of updates from organizations around the promotional products industry. PPAI Media will consider newsworthy entries submitted by any member organization.)

June 5

Botanical PaperWorks Earns B Corp Certification

Botanical PaperWorks (PPAI 674278, Standard-Base), a Canadian supplier and manufacturer of plantable seed paper, has solidified its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility by earning B Corp Certification.

  • With the achievement, the company joins a global network of businesses that held to rigorous social and environmental impact standards by the independent nonprofit B Lab.

“This marks a significant milestone in the company’s sustainability journey. It shows our customers, employees, and stakeholders that we are dedicated to living out our values so we can positively impact the environment and the communities we are a part of,” says CEO and Co-Founder Heidi Reimer-Epp.

Pop! Promos’ Sterling Wilson Nominated For Sedex Holding Board

Sterling Wilson, founder and president of Pop! Promos (PPAI 564497, Standard-Base), has been nominated as a member director for Sedex’s Holdings Board.

  • The nomination comes after an interview process that selected 12 top candidates from around the world to run for a seat on the board.
  • Sedex is an ethical trade nonprofit whose mission is to supply data-driven insights, tools and services to help companies improve the environmental, social and governance of their operations. It is well known in the branded merchandise industry for its SMETA audits, which certify that a factory’s products are produced in a way that meets best practices for labor standards, health and safety, environmental impact and business ethics.
  • Sedex members in the branded merchandise industry are encouraged to vote for Wilson’s candidacy either by proxy via this link, or by attending the annual general meeting to vote in real time on Tuesday, June 25 at 7 am ET.

“Over the past two years, Pop! Promos has made huge strides in strengthening its CSR and sustainability efforts,” says Sterling. “If elected, I will continue to push our efforts while advocating for our industry as a whole. Supply chain sustainability sits at the intersection of business and humanity. As a company, we’ve worked hard to become a sustainability leader with third-party audits from SMETA and Ecovadis. I’m honored to be nominated as a member director and am confident I will represent our industry well.”

June 1

Lasting Impressions Acquires Field Crafts And Subsidiary BookWear

Lasting Impressions (PPAI 170324, Standard-Plus) in Canton, Michigan, has acquired Field Crafts, a well-established screen printing and promotional company based in the Traverse City, Michigan, metro area.

  • This strategic acquisition enhances Lasting Impressions’ capabilities and expands its market presence in the custom apparel and promotional products industry. As part of the acquisition, the company will also gain Field Crafts’ innovative subsidiary, BookWear. Founded in 1977, Field Crafts has built a strong reputation for quality and creativity, serving hundreds of clients in Northwest Michigan and 650 colleges and corporations nationally. BookWear, known for its unique custom-branded “books” with surprise gifts inside, has served over 650 colleges and 150 hospitals.
  • With this acquisition, Lasting Impressions aims to leverage Field Crafts’ decades of experience and expertise to offer an even broader range of products and services.
  • Field Craft’s operations, along with BookWear’s, will continue at their current location in Honor, Michigan, ensuring a seamless transition for clients and employees.

“I am so happy to partner with Lasting Impressions,” says Jack Gyr, Field Crafts owner. “They have also been in this business for over four decades and bring that experience to the table. In addition, they add greatly to our repertoire of technology: Direct-to-Garment printing, Direct-to-Film, embroidery, upgraded production software and more. I see it as a win-win for our many customers and our business. I will stay involved for several years and potentially more.”