Sustainability Meter

HOW WE DETERMINE WHEN A GIFT IS SUSTAINABLE

At Exclusive Business Gifts, we believe a gift can be more than just a token of appreciation.
It can be a statement, a reflection of your company's values, and a contribution to a better world.
That’s why we present a carefully selected range of sustainable options.

 

To determine when a gift is sustainable, we've developed a clear and measurable scoring system based on six crucial sustainability criteria. Each of these criteria is rooted in the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), universal goals for a more sustainable world, which further validates the impact of your choice.

If a company already has a B-Corp or Ecovadis label, we assume they meet strict sustainability standards. Gifts from such companies are automatically labelled as sustainable.

Gifts that score 4/6 on our checklist are placed in our sustainability category.

The Simple Checklist: Our 6 Sustainability Criteria

Recycled or renewable material

→ The product is made from recycled materials (e.g., recycled plastic or paper).

Local production (within Europe)

The gift is produced within Europe, which ensures shorter transport distances and a lower carbon footprint.

Socially responsible production

→ Production takes place under fair working conditions, with a living wage and in a safe working environment.

Long-lasting enjoyment

→ The gift is of high quality and designed for long-term use, reducing the need for frequent replacement.

Social impact

→ The gift comes from social enterprises or initiatives that have a positive social impact.

Charity

→ A portion of the gift's proceeds is donated to a recognised charity.

Recycled Or Renewable Material

This criterion looks at the origin of the materials. A gift is more sustainable if it's made from recycled materials, such as recycled plastic from the ocean, recycled paper, or upcycled textiles. Equally important are renewable materials, such as bamboo, cork, or biodegradable polymers that are less of a burden on our natural resources. By choosing these, we reduce waste and stimulate a circular economy.

SDG-12: Responsible Consumption and Production

The choice of recycled or renewable materials contributes directly to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. This goal focuses on promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns, including more efficient management and use of natural resources, waste reduction, and promoting recycling. By choosing products that meet this criterion, we support the transition to a more sustainable and circular economy, which is essential for protecting our planet.

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Local Production (Within Europe)

A product's origin has a direct impact on its ecological footprint. When a gift is produced within Europe, we significantly shorten transport distances. This not only results in lower CO2 emissions due to less fuel consumption, but it also supports the local economy and helps preserve employment in the region.

SDG-13: Climate Action

The choice for local production within Europe contributes significantly to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Climate Action. By keeping production close to home, we reduce the transport distances that products have to travel. This directly leads to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, as less fuel is needed for transport. Less emissions mean fewer greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which is crucial in the fight against climate change and global warming. In this way, local production contributes concretely to a more sustainable and less climate-damaging economy.

Socially Responsible Production

Sustainability goes beyond just the environment; it also includes the people behind the product. We want production to take place under fair working conditions, which means: no child labour, a living wage for employees, safe and hygienic working environments, and the right to freedom of association. This ensures that the gift contributes to a dignified existence for its makers.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The focus on socially responsible production aligns directly with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. This SDG aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. By choosing products that are produced under fair conditions, you contribute to the elimination of child labour, the guarantee of a fair wage, and the creation of safe working environments. This helps improve the quality of life of workers worldwide and promotes a more just and equal society.

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Long-lasting Enjoyment

A sustainable gift is a gift that can be enjoyed for a long time. We prefer products of exceptional quality, which are designed to be robust and durable. By choosing items that will last, we reduce the need for frequent replacement and thus overall consumption and waste production. This promotes a culture of throwing away less and appreciating more.

Social Impact

Some gifts tell a special story and create a positive social impact. These are products from social enterprises or initiatives that serve a specific social purpose, for example by employing disadvantaged groups, teaching them skills, or preserving local heritage. Choosing such a gift means contributing to a better society and raising awareness.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The focus on social impact aligns seamlessly with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10: Reduced Inequalities. This goal aims to reduce inequality within and among countries. By choosing gifts from social enterprises that support disadvantaged groups, for example by providing them with work, teaching them skills, or preserving their heritage, you contribute directly to social inclusion and empowerment. This helps reduce income disparities and promote equal opportunities, which is essential for a just and inclusive society.

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Charity

A direct way to make an impact is by choosing a gift from which a portion of the proceeds is donated to a recognised charity. This charity can be dedicated to various aspects of sustainable development, such as environmental protection, education, healthcare, or poverty reduction. Your gift thus becomes a direct contribution to an important social or ecological mission.