Swag, giveaways, handouts are just some of the names used to describe branded merchandise, all of which help to diminish the perception of our industry. This impression isn’t helped if we act merely as order takers, showing clients a glossy catalogue, letting them pick out something they like the look of that fits their
budget.

The European Balloon & Party Council (EBPC) is drawing attention to the threat from possible European legislation aimed at single use plastics (SUP). EBPC encouraged its members to submit responses to a recent public consultation on the Single Use Plastics (SUP) Directive by the European Commission. Although the Commission says it has no intention of banning balloons, EBPC claims that it highlights balloons and balloon sticks in marine litter statistics.

Digital print company Snap Products has added Pierre Cardin branded premium notebooks to its range of 23 notebook lines. As official Pierre Cardin licensee in the UK and Ireland, Snap has developed the product in-house. The Pierre Cardin Exclusive notebook features a unique silk-feel hard cover, while the Pierre Cardin Fashion notebook features audacious colour selection.

It may be 50 years since it was designed, but the iconic Fisher Space Pen still looks, well, space age. This is hardly surprising as it is a genuine product of the Space Race. Astronauts had been using pencils, but these were hazardous as the lead could break and float around in the gravity free capsule.

BIC Graphic Europe has added two new barrel options to the existing palette of the best-selling Media Clic range. Alongside the current matt and frosted barrels, customers can now choose clear or polished finishes in a range of colours, giving tens of thousands of potential colour combinations.

Sheffield branded merchandise company Steel City has urged coffee addicts to switch from disposable cups to reusable versions and raise money for charity. The Yorkshire business is raising awareness of the 2.5 billion paper coffee cups that are thrown away in the UK every year.

Promotional edibles company, Eat My Logo is offering discounted BPMA specific trade prices to BPMA members. The Chorley-based business specialises in branded cakes, biscuits, flapjacks and icing toppers which offer a more upmarket alternative to rice paper versions. As a member of the BPMA, Eat My Logo regularly works with other BPMA member companies. As well as a special price for its high quality edible branded goods,

Lost pens and misplaced mobile phones might just be a thing of the past, after a revolutionary new product was revealed by Cross Pens.

PF Concept introduces Celly’s complete ‘Smart’ portfolio of Care, Use, Charge and Audio accessories which enhance usability and protection of smartphones, tablets and more.

Roelofarendsveen, 10 April 2017 – Demand for smartphone, tablet and other mobile device accessories remains as high as ever, with people everywhere wanting to enjoy the best performance, convenience and looks, while protecting their valuable devices from damage. PF Concept is expanding its already broad offering in this sector with the introduction of an exclusive B2B partnership in Europe with Celly, an established retail brand distinguished by its Italian styling and quality performance.

Senator’s design studio in Germany has introduced three new pens to its range.

Available to the industry from April, the new pens are an ultra-smooth twist-action plastic ball pen family, called Bridge, available in an array of rich colours, with optional metal nose cone. Polar is a ‘luxe for less’ metal pen range.

Goldstar has launched The Kelly Pen, a product that it has spent three years developing. The pen is designed to have a metallic look for a higher perceived value.

The pen is available in sleek matte barrel with shiny chrome trim, a large protective cap and extra strong clip, contains an ISO standard German refill, and is available in black or silver, with new colours planned for the New Year.

Dunelm Glass is always looking for innovative products and solutions, and sales manager Chris Smith has shared some of the company’s latest offerings.

“Our bundle packages are set to go really well, based on customer feedback, and we are offering value-for-money executive office and meeting room sets, perfect for any business. There are two great bundles to choose from at an affordable budget, suitable for everyone from small companies and large blue-chip organisations.”

Technology Gifts 2016

The Pen Warehouse and Snap Products have released Technology Gifts 2016, packed with innovative ideas to promote businesses and brands.

With touchscreen technology everywhere, organisations are keen to associate themselves with smartphone and tablet related products as their frequent use offers great brand exposure.

SC-M Creative Merchandise has gone Back to the Future to show how technology showcased in the 1985 film really might exist in real-life 2015.

With today’s advancements in charging tech, and a large dose of creativity, SC-M’s team are celebrating the virtual launch of the Mr Fusion USB Energy Reactor concept. Powered by domestic waste, it can charge up to 100 USB items or even an electric car in only 10 minutes!

Mr Fusion, invented by Doc Emmett Brown in Back To The Future, gave the DeLoreon its 1.21 gigawatts of power just from recycled waste. A product from the Mr Fusion range would be an awesome asset in any office.

Leading UK supplier Listawood has extended its PhotoMugs collection with a Marrow mug with a full-colour print.

Thanks to its investment in technology, it can decorate mugs through dye sublimation which offers stunning full-colour, photographic image reproduction that is unobtainable by any other means.