Eyes on the road ahead

The BPMA’s latest sustainability event outlined how members can move forward in their collective journey to transform the sector

BPMA members gained a unique insight into the future of the promotional products industry at the association’s member network event, Sustainable Future.

The event was held on 1 December in the majestic surroundings of London’s St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, which also played host to this year’s BPMA Product Awards.

The aim of the morning conference was to set out the association’s roadmap for sustainability, following on from its successful member conference in June.

Supportive sponsors

Before getting down to the main business of the day, distributor members were invited to enjoy breakfast and network with suppliers who were supporting the event. The sponsors were Bio Labs, DTB, Kingly, Midocean Brands, XD Connects, Juniper and BIC Graphic.

Opening the conference, BPMA membership director Tom Robey welcomed delegates and emphasised the significance of coming together to discuss the path forward in the evolving landscape of sustainability.

Board director Melissa Chevin then introduced the StepForward Pledge and explained that the overall goal of the BPMA led-initiative was to develop, promote and share best practices to drive sustainability while setting clear targets for industry-wide progress.

Action to take

This activity will initially focus on three main areas where the industry can make the most impact:

• ‘Better Together’ policies – the collective actions the industry can take, partnered with association-wide performance monitoring
• Education and networking to provide members with the guidance and tools they need to effect change
• Supporting and celebrating success in the drive towards sustainability.

Chevin outlined plans for supporting members throughout their sustainability journey, including research, collaboration with strategic partners, new modules for the BPMA’s education programme and an annual sustainability-themed conference.

Accelerating the journey

The next speaker was Steve Malkin, CEO of Planet Mark, the BPMA’s certification partners. Steve offered members an insight into how they can accelerate their journey towards ‘net zero’, including exactly what’s involved in certification and how to create a credible transition plan.

Following a brief break for refreshments, Tom Robey explained the StepForward Pledge in more detail. Although currently voluntary, from next June every BPMA member will be asked to take the Pledge as a condition of continuing membership.

“We’ll give everyone time to complete this, of course, but today we want to inspire you to pick up the Pledge now and get ahead,” he said.

Robey then presented the findings from the latest member survey, sharing statistics and insights from across the supply chain. The findings served to reinforce the industry’s commitment to sustainability. For example, insights into the role of sustainability in businesses highlighted that 89% consider it a central role, with a balanced response from both suppliers and distributors.

Challenges ahead

Acknowledging the challenges, particularly in Scope 3, the session delved into the understanding of Scope 1, 2, and 3. Most companies demonstrated a good understanding, providing valuable insights for the BPMA to tailor information and support efforts accordingly.

Highlighting the BPMA’s increased focus on end-user engagement, Robey showcased initiatives such as the publication of helpful buying guides. This three-part series reached over 43,000 end users with marketing responsibilities, achieved through a partnership with The Marketing Meet Up. The primary objective was to educate end users on buying and best practice – and importantly to promote the StepForward Pledge.

Chevin then returned to the stage to set out the next steps, divided into ‘quick wins’ for the remainder of this year, medium-term goals for 2024, and longer-term objectives for 2025 and beyond.

Finally, the room was split up into three consultation groups, which addressed a series of questions about sustainability goals and priorities.

Business concluded, delegates headed into Hansom Hall for the Industry Networking Lunch and BPMA Product Awards presentation. They were joined by colleagues, guests and friends from the wider promotional scene in a celebration of the best the industry has to offer.