2024 Merch Trends: A Focus On Sustainability & Transparency
EXPLORING 2024 TRENDS IN CUSTOM MERCHANDISE
Fairware likes to ensure that our products are sourced in a way that meets our clients’ needs and aligns with their values. This involves thorough vetting processes, including a supplier survey, to ensure suppliers meet criteria such as fair labour practices, environmentally friendly manufacturing processes, and the use of sustainable materials in promotional merchandise. The 2024 merch trend of transparency goes beyond products and into the supply chain to benefit everyone, as it builds trust and promotes ethical business practices.
MORE TRANSPARENCY IN OUR PROCESS
Shifting Consumer Behavior: There’s a noticeable change in consumer behaviour, with more individuals showing interest in the origins of their products. This is a testament to their growing awareness and the importance they place on using products manufactured to respect workers and systems and minimize negative impacts.
Businesses’ Commitment to Sustainability: Businesses are not just following a trend. They are committing to sustainability. They are gaining momentum by investing in products and manufacturers prioritizing ethical and sustainable practices. This shift is a testament to their commitment to corporate social responsibility, reflecting a broader effort to support environmental and social well-being. Their dedication should inspire and motivate us all.
Transparency, Not Greenwashing: It’s crucial to note that the industry’s progress is not about greenwashing but a genuine shift towards a healthier planet and fair working conditions. At Fairware, we are proud to be at the forefront of this movement, providing our clients with promotional products that truly reflect their commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing.
Production and Tracking
Aware™ offers digital product passports for sustainable textiles, ensuring traceability from origin to consumer. They use physical tracers and blockchain technology to verify and log production data, making sustainability claims transparent and reliable. Their goal is to connect supply chains and enable real-time tracking of textile impacts, promoting responsible practices in the industry.
Recently, we shared our Co-founders trip to Honduras, where we visited a textile company that our supplier, SanMar, has partnered with to prioritize sustainability and community development to create a better future for their workers.
Localization
When aiming to be mindful of our impact, choosing products from local vendors and manufacturers is ideal. Many of us already recognize the benefits of supporting local. Supporting small businesses for smaller gifting projects can give that curated meet-your-maker vibe. We suggest choosing products made in Canada or North America to support local businesses, ensure quality, and speed up delivery times. Plus, it reduces the environmental impact of long-distance shipping and boosts the local economy. Choosing locally made goods is a win for sustainability and ethical business practices.
Check out Lynn & Liana. Their products are handcrafted using Acacia hardwood and eco-friendly resin, combining functionality with artistic beauty. These unique pieces are perfect for charcuterie, entertaining, or conversation starters in any home. Personalized engravings are available, making them ideal for special gifts. The collection includes cheese boards, Lazy Susans, Lucite trays, and accessories like cheese knives and coasters.
Also, Mosa is a women-led company focused on sustainability. It upcycles glass bottles into eco-friendly products like candles, drinkware, and home decor. They collect used bottles from local bars, restaurants, and homes, transforming them into stylish and sustainable pieces. They also offer bottle donation services and aim to create a circular economy through their innovative recycling processes.
Our trending products, such as those in natural hues and dyes, wellness, responsible travel, digital nomad, quiet luxury, work core, and even decoration trends, reflect this commitment to sustainability. By choosing these products, clients can be confident they are making responsible and stylish choices.
PRODUCT & MERCH TRENDS RECAP FOR 2024
As sustainability leaders, Fairware attends industry and product trade shows, such as the PPAI Expo, to discover products that help us curate product collections to meet high standards of quality and responsibility. By attending these shows, we ensure our clients don’t have to spend time researching and sourcing products; we do the legwork to bring them the best options and keeping our team connected within the industry ensures that our clients always have access to better products for their merch. Here is a summary of products trending for 2024 and continuing into 2025.
Wellness
Wellness remains important in the workplace. Offering options for regenerative care, such as meditation sessions or providing tools like yoga mats, gear, air diffusers, and massagers, can help ensure team members are well taken care of and encourage a healthy lifestyle. These wellness initiatives help create a supportive environment, promoting physical and mental well-being and enhancing overall productivity and morale.
Responsible Travel
Explore our line of responsible travel products, blending global stewardship with influencer-inspired aesthetics in luggage and organizers while championing zero waste and eliminating packaging for a sustainable travel experience with low environmental impact. Thinking of exploring the outdoors? Through MPowered, a Certified B Corp, we offer portable solar lights, and for each purchase, MP gives light to those in need.
Digital Nomad
Digital nomads need portable, versatile, and connected tools to work seamlessly from any location. They require efficient ways to carry their gear, stay organized, and keep their devices charged with power banks. With hybrid, remote, and travel positions, being prepared to work anywhere is essential. These tools help digital nomads stay connected, efficient, and comfortable on the go.
Natural Hues and Tones & Mineral Dyes
Natural dyes, derived from plants, minerals, and other renewable resources, are a more sustainable choice compared to synthetic dyes. They offer a gentler feel on fabrics, as seen in the Comfort Colours collection that our Fairware team loves. Natural dyes reduce chemical runoff and pollution while providing softer hues. This aesthetic trend is gaining momentum, promoting environmentally friendly processes.
Decoration Trends
Current decoration trends include tonal imprints, quiet luxury, and full-size retro graphics. Tonal imprints use shades of the same colour for a refined look, fitting well with Quiet Luxury’s focus on high-quality materials and minimalist designs. Full-size retro graphics add bold, nostalgic flair with vibrant, vintage-inspired imagery. These trends blend subtlety, nostalgia, and timeless elegance to cater to diverse aesthetic preferences.
Work Core
The “work core” trend in the promotional products industry merges fashion with functionality, bringing stylish workwear into the spotlight. Quality aprons and utilitarian jackets blend seamlessly with streetwear fashions, creating durable and fashionable options for the food and drink industries. This fusion of fashion and function highlights a growing appreciation for versatile, stylish, and practical attire while at work.
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