Zagwear Supports a Sustainable Marketing Future

Sustainability is a big deal in the branded merchandise industry these days. People and businesses are getting more aware of the environmental and social impact, so companies in the industry are doing their part to be more sustainable. One way they're doing that is by using eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and materials that can break down naturally. They're also making sure their products are made in fair conditions and not using harmful chemicals, and they’re trying to reduce waste and recycle more to lower their carbon footprint. Plus, they're offering reusable and eco-friendly options instead of single-use products, so consumers can make better choices. By doing all this, the branded merchandise industry is showing it's serious about sustainability and making the world a better place.

At Zagwear, we have long recognized the critical importance of developing and maintaining a strong Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability program, Today for Tomorrow. We have implemented strategies and initiatives to protect our planet, support and recognize our own diverse group of employees, and improve lives and conditions in our supply chain. Our mission is to deliver sustainable product and marketing executions that protect our planet and support human rights across the world. 

Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, the UN agreed upon an interrelated set of 17 global goals which serve as a call to action for entities looking to join a global partnership to help improve life for both people and planet. Although we support all 17 UN SDGs, we focus on the 7 goals in which we can create the widest impact, and we use these goals to map our CSR and Sustainability program. 

Stakeholders

Supporting, valuing, and respecting our stakeholders is very important to us. Our culture is one of acceptance, caring and consideration, and our Employee Codes of Conduct exist to ensure high standards are practiced across our global organization.  We are committed to providing employees a developmental platform where they can harness and learn new skills and grow within the organization. We strongly support community and volunteer outreach, both within and outside our industry. 

Suppliers

Transparency into our supply chain and collaboration with industry associations such as ECOVADIS and the Supplier Ethical Data Exchange (SEDEX) not only ensure we advance the social, economic and environmental conditions in the communities in which we live and do business, but also set the stage for our long-term business success. Our rigid and methodical audit and remediation program ensures ethical sourcing and production for all Zagwear client programs. In 2022, supplier partners signed our code of conduct. In 2023, suppliers were asked to have 4-pillar audits in place. In 2024, supplier partners will report to SEDEX Platform, and 75% will transition to suppliers that offer sustainable product categories. By 2025, 40% of suppliers will have 4-pillar audits in place and 15% of annual spend will be with small, inclusive and diverse suppliers. 

Products

Our focus is to design, manufacture and deliver products that reduce environmental impact. We encourage clients to consider and transform their portfolio of products to selections that adopt a more sustainable approach. To support this initiative, we develop and promote a full range of sustainable and environmentally responsible merchandise that meets the FTC’s Green Guide, reducing waste and protecting natural resources for a more sustainable future. From raw materials through end-of-life disposal and upcycling, we integrate sustainability into every stage of the product life cycle. 

As we work towards a sustainable marketing future, we will continue to focus on these goals and implement new changes as we see a need for them. We are proud to support UN Global Compact, 1% for the Planet, Forest Nation, Promotional Products Education Foundation, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, and more. Please reach out if you’d like to learn more about Zagwear or the work we do to create a more sustainable future. You also may want to check out our blog post, Sustainable Brands We Love.