Send feedback on articles in PPAI Magazine or opinions on industry issues to JamesK@ppai.org. Feedback 06.23 Pushing Back Against Noncompete Clauses PPAI Media’s new “Voices” series features the opinions and advice of promo industry influencers. Joshua White, head of strategy and general counsel at distributor BAMKO, wrote on how a potential FTC ban on noncompete clauses shouldn’t trouble promo executives in the article “Have You Considered Not Being Awful?” Just like clients, I want our people to work with us because they want to, not because they have to. Erik Whitcher Vice President of Sales 3 Point Brand Management Tigard, Oregon This is an excellent article. So many people and companies have been stymied by noncompetes. My heart goes out to young people, with creative, vibrant minds who are required to sign a noncompete. Mary Williams Owner Pick Sales Support Temple, Texas Facing The PFAS Challenge Promo companies are facing a regulatory challenge on the near horizon surrounding perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in use in many products today. So far, most of the compliance issues companies will have to deal with are at the state level and vary significantly. In “PFAS: The Chemical Dilemma,” PPAI Media examined how promo companies can face the issue. I think the most important takeaway from the article, as well as the relevant thing to do today, regardless of the product category one has, is to start a conversation within the company’s compliance, supply chain and product development teams, and also with the suppliers and their factories. It is also wise to reach out to the test labs to understand the adequate test protocols about PFOA and PFOS. Sanjay Kotia, MAS Manager of Product Compliance and Quality Assurance SnugZ USA West Jordan, Utah PPAI 112982, S11 Must Read | PFAS THERE’S A REGULATORY ISSUE ON THE HORIZON that practically every company operating in the promotional merchandise market is going to have to deal with. And that horizon isn’t evenly distributed. For some, they’ve already reached it, and for others it’s in the short- or medium-term distance. But it’s coming, and most of us are going to have to contend with it, one way or another. There are more than 9,000 perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (aka PFAS) in use today in myriad products. Due to the strength of their carbon-fluorine bonds, they are persistent, bio-accumulative “forever chemicals,” and some have been shown to have multiple, adverse effects on human health. Governments at the state and federal level, and around the world, are enacting regulations controlling or prohibiting their use. These rules apply to different product categories, follow different schedules, require different testing and mandate different responses. In short, it’s very confusing. The Chemical Dilemma As regulators at the state and federal level pursue and enact legislation to limit the potential danger of PFAS chemicals, promo businesses need to navigate with finesse. by James Khattak onimate / Shutterstock.com 42 • APRIL 2023 • PPAI Patagonia’s Place In Promo Patagonia announced in March that it was returning to the branded merchandise market after a two-year hiatus. PPAI Media connected with the company to learn more about the move, but industry professionals were left with lingering questions. I love the brand, their message and their product, but in this case I think they have many things to figure out before they’ll be an appreciated partner in the promo world again. The intentional ambiguousness is just frustrating. They sure sound like they’re just trying to appease people but don’t really want to play ball and participate. Jason Balera National Account Executive SayNoMore! Promotions Eagle, Colorado PPAI 220688, D5 Reading this article, it seems to me that Patagonia is not ready to re-enter the industry. I would think a better fit would be selling through a SanMar- or an alphabrodertype supplier. I would assume these suppliers would forecast inventories. SanMar and alphabroder seem to market similar brands that have logo customization rules. Peter Bianchi, MAS Owner and President Edgemont Marketing Group Scarsdale, New York PPAI 508650, D2 8 • JUNE 2023 • PPAI
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