We began 2023 by embarking on a new journey, introducing the concept of what we call “Made Better™”. This concept was in response to changing consumer trends, concerning environmental shifts, and the need for our industry to reshape how we do business—making us all more accountable for the environmental debt we leave for future generations.
Recognized as one of PPAI’s 2023 Top 100 Suppliers and 2023 Greatest Companies to Work For, we felt the timing was ideal to extend our leadership into creating a more sustainable future. The formation of our “Green Team” and “Greenwashing Guidelines” was a monumental shift of our sustainability achievements this past year.
Advancements in technology, significant updates in factory operations as well as the monumental growth of staff were challenging, but also better prepared us to support post-pandemic growth. But regardless of the challenges, maintaining smooth business operations and prioritizing our partners’ needs for ease of doing business remained at the forefront of everything we hoped to accomplish.
From Products to Packaging: Made Better, Made to Inspire.
So, what is Made Better™ you ask?
It’s Goldstar’s commitment to develop products that feature recycled and thoughtfully sourced materials and nature-inspired aesthetics which speak to today’s socially conscious lifestyle. We went back to the drawing board inspiring not only new product designs, but we also reimagined our packaging and made new goals to reduce the impact to our planet. Many of them are the same great products you already know, but now “made better” with materials and manufacturing methods that focus on a circular economy.
In total, 2023 brought us 57 new Made Better™ items in writing and stationery, and drinkware and bags. Our team’s fresh new design— the Reborn Recycled Aluminium Pen was awarded the “2023 Innovative Product of the Year — Gold” by the British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA). This award-winning pen was developed with a 100% recycled aluminium barrel, a long-lasting parker-style refill, and is finished with thoughtfully designed details made of recycled PET and sustainably sourced bamboo.
Goldstar’s goal is to support our love for promo in a more sustainable and responsible way. While we focused on creating a roadmap for carbon neutrality, 2023 also included reshaping other areas of products and packaging. We eliminated the use of harmful PVC and Polystyrene all in our plastics, shifted most of our paper and cardboard purchases to sustainable material, and cut our overall use of virgin plastics in packaging by 54%.
Looking Ahead in 2024
Our love for products brought us two significant developments to launch this year. The exclusive Goldstar® designed Coastal Collection™ gives buyers the choice between (2) backpacks, a picnic-sized cooler, and a handy trek-pack made with 300 denier Repreve® Our Ocean® material. This sustainably minded polyester is made from certified recycled ocean-bound plastic. Launched in North America in November and available in February 2024 across Europe.
Another partnership coming to North America in January is UK’s Ocean Bottle, giving us our first look at a leading sustainable retail brand. Ocean Bottles’ “1 for 1,000” ethos funds the collection of up to 25 pounds (equivalent to 1,000 bottles) of ocean bound plastic from shores across the globe. The exchange is provided to people in areas that need it most, giving access to better education, healthcare and financial security. Made of up to 62% recycled materials, these premium drinkware products feature (2) water bottles and a uniquely designed “Brew Flask” which brings a European design flair to North American shores.
While you can rest assured that there are more exciting developments coming your way, including a 3-year outlook of our sustainable roadmap, there are a few key things to look for this year:
- In the spring we are looking to finalize an independent FSC Certification with the Global Recycle Standard (GRS) Certification to follow sometime in the fall.
- Upon certification in the spring, we are looking to have 99% of our paper purchases from FCS certified sources.
- Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) Testing begins in February with a small collection of products. LCA will provide our distributors with a much needed, product-based output of Greenhouse Gas Emissions to satisfy Scope 3 emissions requirement.
- Significant strides will be made to ensure that all plastic-containing products and packaging are recyclable, reusable, compostable, or returnable.
- And of course, while we can’t divulge any secrets, you can definitely expect some amazing new Goldstar products Made Better™.
Its exciting times for us and more than ever, we are investing our efforts and ingenuity into creating more collaborative and collective action with our distributors who rely on us carry forth their own sustainability initiatives. Let’s continue this improvement journey together as we enter a new era of Simplicity®.
Made to Inspire. Made Better. That’s Simply Goldstar®.
Our 2023 Achievements
