Pantone Names Top Color Of 2012

Businesses are taking note of the choice and see its potential appeal to clients who might want to incorporate the color’s pop of vivacious energy into their products. “For an industry like promotional products, you’re thinking pragmatically about what is going to capture attention in the marketplace, where are people’s eyes going to land, and a color in the orange family has a high visibility factor going for it,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

Warmer colors in general and orange in particular have grown increasingly popular with designers and consumers over the last eight years, according to Eiseman, and look to only get more so. Last year, the hot pink color “Honeysuckle” was selected as 2011′s representative hue.

Robert Piller, President of eco wearables provider Eco Marketing Solutions, says he often looks at deeper shades of red and orange when looking for an attention-grabbing color and to help stay on the cusp of the fashion edge.  He adds, “The days of just ordering white promotional T-shirt for a promotion are limited.  for only a small amount more, you can offer fashion-forward colors that will increase the life of your branded shirt, creating greater exposure for your marketing dollar and better ROI.”

If a promotional T-shirt gets thrown at the bottom of the drawer or just worn when doing yard work, it reduces the impact of your marketing message.  A well-worn T-shirt can cost pennies a day, creating maximum ROI.  According to the ASI Institute, an imprinted T-shirt can have as many as 365 impression per day, making the cost of the shirt a nominal advertising expense.

The Wall Street Journal Fashion section did a recent interactive post on the hottest color trends in fashion.  Here is a link.

If you want to learn more about the hottest fashion trends in promotional shirts, hats and jackets, contact Eco Marketing Solutions at 512-507-4709.

Tweet

————————————–——

Robert Piller, President of Eco Marketing Solutions, has over 25 years of experience in running and implementing green marketing campaigns and is a leader in the recycled promotional products industry, including offering one of the largest selections of reusable and organic tote bags, recycled and biodegradable water bottles, recycled pens and pencils in the country.

His company’s website, EcoMarketingSolutions.com, features over 25,000 eco-friendly promotional items in all price ranges, for any business or organization interested in going green. The site’s handy search tool helps you easily find biodegradable, organic and recycled imprinted promotional items in your price range and time frame.

You can also reach him by email (robert (at) ecomarketingsolutions.com) or comment on his blog postings at GreenSpotBlog.com or below at his Twitter link.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Trendy accent piping. Zippered main compartment. Front zippered pocket. Side pockets. Adjustable shoulder straps and top grab handles.

It comes in four colors and measures 18″ L x 10″ H x 12″ W.

What is old is new again!

Available from Eco Marketing Solutions.com

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

The custom embroidered patches will be inserted between inner and outer wall and ultrasonically sealed to create double wall insulation.

Works for both hot and cold beverages.

Click here for more information on these patch tumblers–available from EcoMarketingSolutions.com

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

1) Price is King

2) Need it Yesterday

3) Gimme the Newest, Latest & Greatest

4) Image is Everything

Up until recently, those four groups were sufficient.  Sure, there were splinter groups–insisting only on eco-friendly promotional products or only products Made in the USA.

But, with CPSIA and other health and safety related requirements and lawsuit threats, product safety and quality needs to become number one for any company that fears potential negative feedback or legal issues.

Eco Marketing Solutions has committed itself to working only with leading factories and suppliers that hold compliance issues at the forefront and build it into their business culture.

In fact, many of our top suppliers are active or founding members of the Quality Certification Alliance, an independent, accreditation organization whose mission is to elevate the standards by which industry firms that import and/or manufacture promotional products provide consistently safe, high-quality, socially compliant and environmentally conscientious merchandise.

QCA Accreditation is granted to companies who complete multiple independent third-party audit and comply with stringent standards, which are based upon a combination of state and national laws, international standards and industry-accepted best practices that are recognized for their strength and effectiveness by QCA Accredited companies, the promotional products industry and end-user clients.

According to the QCA website, in order to provide the accountability necessary to assure buyers and end users that products meet applicable measures of compliance, QCA Accreditation tests not only for the presence of and completeness of compliance programs but also the effectiveness of these programs in detecting and deterring noncompliance. This comprehensive program assess five key areas:

Product Safety

A QCA Certified Supplier has policies and procedures that are robust and able to detect and deter non-compliant product from shipping to customers. Corporate brand equity is also protected by reducing the need for product recalls, thus keeping news of any unsafe product out of the headlines. The processes include:

• A commitment to assuring consumer safety and brand security
• Design guidelines that cover legal and product performance requirements as well as raw material specifications
• A product approval protocol that assures only product meeting specified design guidelines is approved for manufacture
• Testing guidelines for internal evaluations and third-party assessments
• Mechanisms for assuring traceability
• Recall protocols

Product Quality

A QCA Certified Supplier has procedures in place governing product quality from design through manufacturing that provide a means to monitor and verify quality standards are maintained throughout the process. An expectation of quality is established with:

• A formally documented Quality Manual
• A process that assures only product for which an approved standard exists are manufactured
• Inspections for both pre- and post-shipments
• A process for evaluating root cause and assigning corrective actions
• Supplier qualification programs

Supply Chain Security

A QCA Certified Supplier’s policies and procedures meet the security criteria established by U.S. Customs’ C-TPAT (Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) program that protects our borders. A supply chain security program should encompass both domestic and offshore process and facility review. It should include:

• Container security
• Facility physical security
• Procedural security
• Access control
• Supply chain visibility

Social Accountability

A QCA Certified Supplier’s policies and procedures ensure that those facilities that are part of its supply chain adhere to legal and ethical standards that are based on internationally agreed upon protocols of the UN Global Compact. These include:

• Worker’s rights
• Legal compensation requirements
• Physical working and living conditions
• Worker safety

Environmental Stewardship

A QCA Certified Supplier’s policies and procedures promote an ongoing stewardship of the environment, which includes:

• Compliance with local environmental regulations
• Recycling
• Restriction and monitoring for banned substances
• Resource management

Does it cost a little bit extra to go with factories that test and re-test for the highest quality standards?  Yes, but only minimally.

When we checked prices between QCA products and similar non-accredited products, there was a price discrepancy of between 1.4% and 5.7% on 100 randomly selected items, with an average of 2.33% difference.

Is it worth it to your organization to pay an extra 2.33% to ensure the highest standards in quality and product safety?

If you are looking for the absolute cheapest promotional products without concern for safety or social responsibility, we are not going to be your best bet.

If you are looking to get promotional products that portrays your brand and image in the most positive light, we aim to be your client and partner in your marketing efforts.

Give us a call and let’s discuss how we can help you promote an environmental message in a socially responsible way.

Tweet
————————————–——

Robert Piller, President of Eco Marketing Solutions, has over 25 years of experience in running and implementing green marketing campaigns and is a leader in the recycled promotional products industry, including offering one of the largest selections of reusable and organic tote bags, recycled and biodegradable water bottles, recycled pens and pencils in the country.

His company’s website, EcoMarketingSolutions.com, features over 25,000 eco-friendly promotional items in all price ranges, for any business or organization interested in going green. The site’s handy search tool helps you easily find biodegradable, organic and recycled imprinted promotional items in your price range and time frame.

You can also reach him by email (robert (at) ecomarketingsolutions.com) or comment on his blog postings at GreenSpotBlog.com or below at his Twitter link.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

This fashionable tote is laminated to provide maximum durability. Reusable shopping bag is perfect for all your grocery essentials. Large main compartment and generous gusset for maximum capacity. 23.5″ shoulder straps. This product is made from 100% recycled PET fabric.

Laminated 100% Recycled PET Fabric. Kid friendly. Complies with CPSIA, Prop 65. 13″ L x 8″ W x 15″ H.

Comes in seven color combinations to fit any trade show, Earth Day or marketing program.

Avaialble from Eco Marketing Solutions and online at www.EcoMarketingSolutions.com

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

www.ecomarketingsolutions.com

Austin, Texas: Going green has just gone high-tech, with our new custom-printed solar powered computer backpack–available from Eco Marketing Solutions.

This one features everything under the kitchen sink for any computer/high tech enthusiast, including: USB adapter, USB charger, AC charger & multiple adapters for charging iPod, iPhone, iPad, Blackberry and most other mobile phones. Rechargeable lithium battery via solar panel, USB or AC charger. Large main compartment for maximum capacity. Viewpoint System computer sleeve with detachment buckle & clear window for easy scanning.

This heavy-duty padded backpack also features adjustable shoulder straps & top grab handle. Front zippered pocket with multi-function organizerand a side pocket. Up to 5 hour charge. Complies with Prop 65. 1Measures approximately 4″ L x 6.25″ W x 19″ H- this backpack comes with your logo –either embroidered on the front pocket or silk screened. Buy as few as 6 pieces for the ultimate green incentive program.

Contact Eco Marketing Solutions at 512.507.4709 or vist their website at www.EcoMarketingSolutions.com

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Promotional Products with Built-In Fragrances

Austin, Texas: In the past few months, we have worked with several clients on unique promotional items and premiums that had built in scents as a way to stand out from the crowd and to capture greater attention of trade show attendees.

Seems odd? Perhaps, but the more senses that get involves with a brand, the more it will be remembered. When using imprinted promotional items, combining scent and sight can help to greatly improve impact and ROI.

Here are a few ideas of recent promotions using the sense of smell:

1) Scented Tee Shirts: Talk about an unusual promotional item to give away at trade shows and to the press, the technology is now available to actually silk screen scents right into the design. Taking a standard cotton T-shirt, an actual layer of scented ink is imprinted at the same time the design is printed. There are over 100 scents available currently – and custom scents are available. The scent will last for about 4-5 washes.

2) Scented Temporary Tattoos: First used in the cosmetics industry, temporary tattoos can also have a scent added to them for a unique and low cost marketing campaign. Bright graphics and popular fragrances can make a one-two punch for a nominal expense.

3) Scented Wrist Bands: Again, thinking out of the box, these wrist bands can be used instead of tester cards or just to create an ambiance or mood for your next event.

4) Scented Lip Balm: Forget just vanilla and peppermint, lip balm is now available in nearly 100 different flavors–including chocolate, margarita, coconut, cotton candy, cinnamon, banana, latte, cola, green tea, rum and more. A fun way to promote your new product introduction or event.

Scents can help to energize, relax or help put your clients in another frame of mind or reference.

They are different and can help you stand out from the crowd.

Next time you are planning your upcoming marketing campaign, remember, the nose knows.
Tweet
————————————–——

Robert Piller, President of Eco Marketing Solutions, has over 25 years of experience in running and implementing green marketing campaigns and is a leader in the recycled promotional products industry, including offering one of the largest selections of reusable and organic tote bags, recycled and biodegradable water bottles, recycled pens and pencils in the country.

His company’s website, EcoMarketingSolutions.com, features over 25,000 eco-friendly promotional items in all price ranges, for any business or organization interested in going green. The site’s handy search tool helps you easily find biodegradable, organic and recycled imprinted promotional items in your price range and time frame.

You can also reach him by email (robert (at) ecomarketingsolutions.com) or comment on his blog postings at GreenSpotBlog.com or below at his Twitter link.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Eco-friendly shopper set includes large tote with two interior totes with eco-friendly message graphics. Interior totes collapse and close with Velcro tab for easy storage. Carry tote: 23.5″ shoulder straps. Inner tote: 10.5″ grab handles. Laminated 100% recycled PET fabric. Inner bag: 11.75″x6″x13.5″. Complies with Prop 65. 13″ L x 6″ W x 15″ H

Click on the picture to the left or go to www.EcoMarketingSolutions.com for more information.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Any followers of my blog posts knows that I have been an out-spoken critic of BPA since early 2008.

The FDA’s announcement was instigated by a lawsuit from the Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC), which claimed that the FDA was deliberately delaying a ruling on BPA, which has been linked to cancer, hormone imbalances and other developmental disorders. The NRDC had petitioned the FDA to investigate the dangers of the chemical in 2008, and when the agency failed to do that, NRDC sued them. March’s decision, set by a court order, will resolve the lawsuit.

BPA is primarily used to make polycarbonate plastics, and is also frequently used in the lining of food and drink containers, like aluminum cans for soda and canned foods. In January 2010, the FDA supported a resolution to remove BPA from the plastics used to make baby bottles, and in May of that year FDA scientists tested 78 canned foods and found 71 of them contained detectable levels of the chemical.

In the past, some sports bottles historically have included BPA either in the polycarbonate plastics themselves or in the lining of aluminum bottles, meaning a ban on the chemical could have an impact on the promotional products industry. However, for several years most industry suppliers have voluntarily made BPA-free drinkware.

“We got ahead of the curve in terms of product safety and switched only to certified factories that produce our sports bottles– all of which are BPA-free”, says Robert Piller, President of Eco Marketing Solutions. ”Whether the FDA ends up banning it or not is irrelevant to us. Any responsible re-seller should have already addressed BPA in their products years ago,” he added.

Independently of the FDA, several states such as Delaware and Iowa have enacted bans on BPA to varying degrees. Most recently, California’s state senate passed a ban on the chemical in drinkware for infants and toddlers. The chemical is already banned in many European countries.

When ordering promotional sports bottles, be sure to use a vendor that has a clear understanding of BPA and its risk to children.

Use a company that talks the talk, and walks the walk when it comes to both environmental impact and personal safety.

——————————————
Robert Piller, experienced in green marketing campaigns and recycled promotional products. His web site includes a comprehensive advertising specialty search, featuring over 25,000 eco-friendly promotional items in all price ranges, for any business or organization interested in going green.

Eco Marketing Solutions also offers over 2500 different reusable imprinted sports bottles and water bottles- all of which are BPA-free.

The site’s handy search tool helps you easily find recyclable, biodegradable, organic or recycled imprinted promotional items in your price range and time frame. View the Go Green website at EcoMarketingSolutions.com and comment on his blog postings at GreenSpotBlog.com.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

This wide mouth clear glass water bottle featured a rugged matching plastic twist-on cap with pull-up clear spout and loop.  It has a matching color protective silicone sleeve and is both microwave and top rack dishwasher safe.

Each imprinted water bottle measures 9-1/2″ H x 2″ diameter and features your imprint, logo and message.

Priced as low as $7.99 wholesale with your imprint–from EcoMarketingSolutions.com.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites