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THE SUSTAINABILITY OF BRANDED MERCHANDISE: TIPS FOR GREENER CAMPAIGNS
The statement “we’re shifting away from physical merchandise to reduce our environmental footprint” is usually said with confidence. It’s treated as settled. And the logic feels sound—no factories, no shipping, no landfill. But the reality may be more complicated.
A study carried out by 51ToCarbonZero found promotional products deliver eight times lower carbon impact per memorized impression than digital ads. This should cause marketing, sustainability and business leaders to rethink a core assumption. Read more here.
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PRINT LEADERS FORUM: ADAPTING TO THE EVOLVING BODY OF PRINT
For the print and paper sector, 2025 was a steadier year compared to the last, with paper pricing remaining relatively consistent across most grades. Offshore indent freight remained stretched, largely due to weather-related disruptions such as typhoons across Southeast Asia. But technologically, digital printing businesses have never been more spoilt for options. The breadth of presses, software, automation systems, and finishing technologies available has created a highly innovative environment. Customers continued their shift toward shorter runs, personalization, and integrated workflows with greater transparency and speed. Read more here.
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CUSTOM BALLPOINT PENS FOR PROMOTIONS: DO THEY STILL WORK IN 2026?
While many predicted that the paperless office would render the ballpoint pen obsolete, the reality has proven quite the opposite. People still need to jot down quick notes, sign documents, and engage in the tactile act of writing to foster memory retention.
Unlike a digital ad that can be skipped or blocked, a pen is a multi sensory experience. The weight of the barrel, the smoothness of the ink, and the visual clarity of the logo all contribute to brand perception. Story here.
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WHY UV PRINTERS ARE THE PRODUCTION ENGINE BEHIND THE CUSTOM PRODUCT ECONOMY
The personalization economy is bigger than most people outside the industry realize. Custom phone cases, branded corporate gifts, personalized home décor, bespoke signage, and one-of-a-kind promotional products collectively represent a multi-billion dollar market that is growing steadily as consumer expectations for individualized products rise and production technology makes small-run customization economically viable.
At the centre of this shift — the machine making much of it possible — is the UV printer. Specifically, the UV flatbed printer: a production system that can print directly onto glass, metal, wood, acrylic, ceramic, leather, and hundreds of other hard surfaces with the kind of detail, durability, and colour accuracy that was simply not achievable at accessible price points five years ago. Read more here.
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NEED BETTER ROI FROM GIVEAWAYS? PROMOTIONAL DRINKWARE PRODUCTS ARE LEADING THE WAY
Promotional drinkware products generate strong ROI by turning a one-time purchase into repeated brand impressions over time. The strategy works best when you match the product to your audience, choose formats built for everyday use, and track results with QR codes or offer codes.
A well-chosen tumbler or insulated bottle earns a place in someone's daily routine, putting your logo in front of them and everyone around them again and again. That compounding reach, at a low cost per impression, is exactly what this article unpacks. Read the full story here.
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LEARNING HELPS EMPLOYEES DRESS FOR SUCCESS AT GILDAN
There are many reasons why David Meerson chose Gildan Activewear Inc. for his first job after graduating from university in 2023. Top of mind was going to work for an employer that actively invests in developing its people into future experts and leaders. Headquartered in Montréal, the company is a leading global manufacturer of basic apparel and textiles.
Since starting out in a support-focused role in IT, Meerson has been able to benefit from Gildan Academy — the company’s in-house and online learning platform that offers training across topics such as leadership, resilience and core professional competencies. He also participated in a global mentoring program, which he found especially valuable. Read more here.
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HOW OUTDOOR-FRIENDLY CORPORATE MERCHANDISE IS BOOSTING TEAM ENGAGEMENT THIS SUMMER
With companies still considering novel methods to enhance workplace culture, many are considering innovative and practical methods to promote teamwork and team building. Among the most prominent trends of this season, one must mention the growing popularity of Outdoor-Friendly Corporate Merchandise, allowing organizations to achieve greater employee engagement and simultaneously increase brand awareness. Full story here.
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NEXT ISSUE: MAY 13, 2026
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