says. “Now, it feels like we’re two or three years behind them. The acceleration has been impressive, and I do want people in the industry to appreciate how much collective work has been done in this area already.” It’s important to keep working toward improvement, even if progress seems slow. “I struggle so hard with being a sustainability advocate while being part of an industry that [keeps giving people] more stuff,” Mazze adds. “But seeing the industry change and the progress that’s being made, and the initiatives that different companies take is what keeps me in this industry.” Nothing can be taken for granted, though. Progress moves forward, but not always in a linear way. That will require intention from leaders within a given space, such as promo. “We’re operating against a backdrop where the federal government has gone from being very clearly supportive of environmental progress to either neutral or potentially against it,” says Grossman. Momentum can be lost. It’s a real threat, but not one that Grossman predicts. “I don’t believe that’s actually going to happen because the average consumer cares about the companies they buy from and work for – but especially buy from – being responsible,” Grossman says. “We’ve seen the data, and the data’s pretty clear. There have been a number of studies that show that people want to buy from and work for socially responsible companies.” Schneiderman imagines the future looking like a collaboration between promo and sustainability messaging. Promo touches everyone, and sustainability affects everyone. “We are in a unique position to be microinfluencers in the space and recognize ourselves as one of the largest groups of change agents that can create real impact for the planet.” Auping is senior news editor at PPAI. PPAI/113818 SAGE/56440 Pentelimprint.com Below EQP Sale on Budget Gel Ink Retractable! EnerGel® liquid gel ink dries so fast even left handers love it! No smears No smudges No globs! SCREEN PRINT Includes a one-color imprint Minimum order 300 pcs. Imprint: 1 1/2”w x 5/8”h $1.59(C) EQP Sale Below 1 Color Screen Translucent Barrels Black Ink Refillable BL107 Translucent Barrels Scan to see all details on this style PPAI • OCTOBER 2025 • 51 Promo's Sustainability Journey | Must Read
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