Plastic Free July encourages individuals and businesses to reduce their use of single-use plastics wherever possible. For businesses, it is an excellent opportunity to explore reusable branded merchandise that can help people make easy plastic-free swaps while showing your commitment to the environment.
Everyday Plastic Statistics
Despite growing awareness of the environmental impact of single-use plastics, their use continues to increase. Here are some thought-worthy statistics:
- In a 2024 UK beach cleanup, plastic bottle lids were found on 88% of the beaches
- The Marine Conservation Society reported that an average of 41.4 single-use plastic items are found per 100 metres of UK beaches
- 90 billion plastic items are thrown away in UK households annually, with only 17% being recycled
- The UK uses the most plastic packaging in supermarkets, with 70% items packed with plastic
7 Promotional Products That Replace Everyday Single-Use Plastics
Below is a list of swaps for everyday single-use plastics. These promotional products are eco-friendly, reusable and designed to reduce waste.
Ditch: Single-Use Plastic Bottles
Opt for: Branded Reusable Bottles
Plastic bottles are a significant contributor to overflowing landfills. A long-lasting, reusable bottle can eliminate hundreds of single-use bottles per year.
Our Recommended Product: Ocean Bottle
- Every Ocean Bottle sold actively funds the collection of 11.4kg of plastic
- Sleek logo engraving
- Keeps drinks cold for 18 hours
Ditch: Pre-Packaged Lunches
Opt for: Reusable Lunchboxes
With over 7 million sold every day, meal deals generate a significant amount of unnecessary plastic waste. A branded lunchbox will encourage people to make their lunch at home, which is not only better for the environment and the waistline but also saves money.
Our Recommended Product: Keeping It Steel Lunch Box
- Airtight stainless steel lunch box
- 1,200ml capacity
- Logo-engraved lid
Ditch: Single-Use Produce Bags
Opt for: Reusable Produce Bags
Food packaging accounts for a whopping 40% of the planet’s plastic waste. Fresh produce often comes with unnecessary plastic wrapping. Branded produce bags encourage consumers to opt for loose, fresh produce, thereby reducing the use of plastic wrappers.
Our Recommended Product: Organic Cotton Produce Bags
- Made from organic and Fairtrade cotton
- Able to hold up to 3kg of potatoes
- Drawstring pull closure
Ditch: Cling Film/Foil
Opt for: Branded Food Wraps or Pouches
Food wraps and sandwich pouches offer a convenient alternative to single-use cling film and foil. Food wraps are breathable, which prevents sogginess.
Our Recommended Product: Branded Beeswax Wraps
- Fully customisable with your branding
- Beeswax wraps are compostable
- Made from 100% organic cotton and coated in British beeswax
Ditch: Disposable Takeaway Coffee Cups
Opt for: Reusable Coffee Cups
Disposable coffee cups are often lined with plastic, making them difficult to recycle and ending up in landfills. If your target audience regularly buys coffee on the go, providing a reusable coffee cup makes a practical and eco-friendly promotional product.
Our Recommended Product: Premium Contigo® Autoseal Thermo Cup
- Double-walled, vacuum-insulated stainless steel thermo
- 100% spill- and leak-proof
- Hot drinks stay hot for up to 5 hours
Ditch: Plastic Carrier Bags
Opt for: Branded Reusable Tote Bags
Although the number of plastic bags sold in the UK has decreased from 1.13 billion to 340 million, their environmental impact remains significant. Providing eco-friendly branded tote bags helps reduce dependence on single-use alternatives and supports lasting behaviour change.
Our Recommended Product: Branded Hemp Tote Bag
- Made from hemp, which is a high-speed and easy-growing plant
- Hemp uses 25-35% less water than cotton
- Tote bag with large print area
Make Your Brand Part of the Solution This Plastic-Free July
If you’re planning a campaign, organising an event or putting together staff gifts, these products help you show that your brand genuinely supports sustainability. Are you unsure what will work for your business or budget? Get in touch, and we’ll suggest options that suit your brand and connect with your audience.
We create promotional products that replace single-use plastic, which are remembered long after the campaign ends.
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