Today, perhaps more than ever before, we appreciate the beauty of nature, of running through a meadow, and we’re learning to fully comprehend how valuable caring for our planet and biodiversity really is, and how unjust it would be to not preserve it for future generations. It's a universally shared trend that personalisation specialists are getting on board with, as shown by their still-fresh-off-the-press catalogues, which will be unveiled at PTE 2022.

Let's start with the “how”, i.e., the materials and techniques used: from now on we’re going to have to get more and more familiar with the same products, but made of wheat straw, used coffee pods or even stone. That's what Silicon does, well aware of the durable, water-repellent nature of the calcium carbonate in its eco-friendly stone powder notebooks.

There are a vast range of diverse materials with one common denominator: respect for the environment. One example? “The products included this year,” explains Fabrizio Cappucci, country manager of Midocean Italy “account for about 20% of the entire catalogue and are all eco-friendly made with ethically sustainable materials, such as hemp and organic cotton, recycled materials, such as paper, rPET and various fabrics, or natural materials such as wood and bamboo.” The latter in particular has been at the top of the sustainability charts for some time now, as it grows back without needing to be replanted, effectively counteracting the increasingly high concentrations of CO2.

Companies like Pf Concept have developed a specific tool for measuring their products’ environmental impact and carbon footprint.

Equally impressive is Xindao, which not only hinges its corporate social responsibility plan on the United Nations’ sustainable development goals but also checks its suppliers’ social compliance by subjecting them to independent audits.

Give-away 4.0's low ecological footprint is also achieved by raising the quality bar: a strategy adopted by Promozionale Italiana which, in the words of marketing manager Francesco Segreto, establishes a strong link between sustainability, good design and developing the local area: “In addition to using sustainable materials in product manufacturing, we believe that tomorrow's gadgets will have to be increasingly practical and durable to drastically reduce their environmental impact. Made-in-Italy, which has always been part of our catalogue, ensures superior quality products, short re-stocking times and supports the development of our local area and our communities.”

In terms of the “what”, since Greta Thunberg condemned the damage caused to the earth and its oceans by non-recyclable plastic bottles, bags made from eco-friendly materials, and especially water bottles and thermos flasks, have run riot compared to other product categories: “The water bottle has become the new best in class, surpassing other products that have made history, such as power banks, charging cables and desktop calculators,” affirms Stefano Di Saverio, CEO of the aforementioned Silicon “in fact, it’s an extremely versatile item: from basic aluminium models to the more elaborate thermos upgrades with copper cores and food-grade 304 steel coatings. The water bottle,” points out Di Saverio “readily lends itself to personalisation, particularly using a laser, since it’s engraving on metal. During this pandemic, putting the owner's name on their thermal bottle has become particularly appreciated, especially batches of water bottles for school classes or work teams.”

An alternative route is one chosen by Maikii with Fresh, a digital and self-sanitising water bottle that can eliminate most bacteria and viruses through its internal UV sterilisation system.

Another innovation closely related to flasks are aluminium can cooler covers, compellingly represented in the Anda Present catalogue. Plus, next generation cans, with their characteristically low environmental impact and reduced oxidation risks, are already overthrowing the glass bottle reign in some beverage sectors.

Of course, the technology/accessory category is not standing idly by. Major market players are focusing on their product durability, taking advantage of the strong brand awareness of brands such as Philips and Motorola: “In any circumstance,” explains Matteo Mandelli, Italy manager for Xindao “people look for connections suited to their personality and identity. Brands do the same thing. They each have their own personality which is reflected in their product types and designs. To establish connections. Therefore, giving a branded gift means going beyond the customer's expectations, giving them something original and long-lasting that, at the same time, provides them with peace of mind and security.”

Pf Concept is also at the forefront of the whole sector, launching an entirely new brand, Tekiō, relating to a collection of consumer electronics. “This is a high-tech selection,” explains Yves Lechevalier, Italy country manager, “suitable for meeting current market needs. Its main feature is versatility in personal and professional use in today's hybrid model working environment, i.e., working from home, on the road and in the office.”

The awakening consciousness of the earth and biodiversity continues to significantly boost a series of items designed to educate on caring for and loving plants and animals. These range from aromatic herb seeds complete with pots made strictly from recycled paper to collapsible dog bowls in the same material, up to real mini terrariums that replicate various natural habitats.

And while we’re waiting to travel again, items such as the outdoor oak Indy cup by Midocean, complete with a cord for hanging it, perhaps next to a some nearby spring, make us dream of distant destinations, of exotic paths that are just waiting for us to walk them, post-industrial pilgrims on the road to sustainable living.