A Global Perspective from Zoutelande, Netherlands and Santa Clarita, CA, USA

We go global in this Earth Month "Why It Matters" conversation with Steven Baumgaertner, CEO of Cybergroup International, based in Mannheim, Germany. Branded Merch Network co-founder Jeff Solomon and Steven talked about the importance of sustainability and innovation in business, emphasizing the need for companies of all sizes to make a positive impact. The discussion addressed the importance of taking action to protect the planet.

Branded Merch Network Stakeholder Goldstar is CRUSHING it with their SIMPLY BETTER positioning.

Goldstar: Simply Made Better: Promo With Purpose

This Earth Month, Goldstar is spotlighting the real steps they’re taking to protect the planet—because great merch should feel good and do good. From achieving key environmental certifications to pursuing ambitious carbon neutrality goals, they’re committed to making sustainability more accessible in the promo world. Discover how eco-minded materials, thoughtful design, and all-inclusive pricing come together to create branded merch that’s better for your brand and the planet.

In these short videos, we address why it matters for a supplier to produce better products, why it matters for a distributor to sell better products, and why it matters for end users to use these products for their brand messaging. Responsible sourcing drives quality business. 

Why It Matters with Theresa Hegel from ASI

Theresa Hegel, Executive Editor for Special Projects and Sustainability at ASI, discussed the importance of sustainability in the promotional products industry. She highlighted "Promo for the Planet," a resource for industry updates on sustainability. Hegel emphasized the growing demand from clients for socially responsible and eco-friendly products, citing ASI Research, where 88% of end buyers prioritize socially responsible products, and 86% value eco-friendly ones. She also noted the rising importance of third-party certifications like EcoVadis and bluesign.

Why It Matters with Elizabeth Wimbush from PPAI

In this informative "Why It Matters" conversation, Branded Merch Network co-founder Jeff Solomon, MAS talks with Elizabeth Wimbush, Director of Sustainability and Responsibility at PPAI. Elizabeth talks about being at a crossroads and future-proofing our industry. Articles about brand fill and swag-free conferences are not happening in a void. That's reality. We need to prepare ourselves for this future where promotional products are still universally valued and appreciated because they are positively contributing. 

The PromoCares Water4Good Program in Action

PromoCares continues with its Water4Good campaign in cooperation with Planet Water Foundation. Want to change the world? It starts with a splash of support that grows into a torrent of generosity, and that starts with you!

As part of the PromoCares Water4Good program, Karie Cowden joined a team from Whitestone to build a water tower in Honduras. Here, she shares her experience working with the team to create the tower in conjunction with the Planet Water Foundation. Karie highlighted the importance of clean water for a local school that previously had limited access. PromoCares, an initiative by the promotional products industry, runs campaigns to do good work globally. They are raising funds to support building these towers. ALL are welcome to contribute! Let's make a difference, one community at a time. 

Why It Matters LIVE: Sustainable Merch Summit is Set for June 10, 2025. Branded Merch Network, ASI, Apparelist, and 2 Regular Guys unite to spotlight sustainability in promo, print, and apparel.

Registration Information is Coming. Save the Date.