Stuart Warne, Newell Rubbermaid Corporate Gifts & Promotional Products

"Yes I believe Eco is here to stay; the boom bubble did fade a bit in '09 due to certain budget constraints (it just means manufacturers need to work harder to provide greater value). But eco, ethical products are still top of mind with many of the customers I speak to."

Roger McHugh, Beechfield

 “Eco is still a niche area in the imprint industry, but there is a healthy demand for these products that’s not limited to the ‘obvious’ customers and that’s only going to increase in the future.”

Russell Coulston, Brand Addition

 “Green themes are certainly trendy and currently have a lot of appeal. But eco products can’t afford to be seen as gimmicks. A strong industry is being built to produce such items, so eco products are definitely here to stay."

Evan Lewis, Everything Environmental

"We believe the green sector is here to stay but its growth rate has slowed.

Experts will continue to thrive but those paying lip service will be found out due to the complexity of the green sector these days."

Gordon Filz, EZtrans and Neenah Paper

"For a paper manufacturer there is nothing more important than the source of their product as it is the very earth that suffers if we don’t get it right. Green policies are crucial to our operations in the US and EU and we are required to keep ourselves in a position of continuing development and ahead of the game on green issues."

Malcolm Watson, the Marketing Worx

"Anyone who is involved in the manufacture or supply of eco products deserves support from the Government/Institutions to help them grow and thrive. If this happens (apart from the fact that I will faint) I think the industry will continue to grow and, hopefully, become more cost effective and enable everyone to literally ‘buy’ into the products."

Hannah Knaggs, Westford Mill

 “We are noticing a general move towards a more environmentally friendly way of working, across all industries – whether by choice or pressure from governments and consumers.”

Stephen Richards, Incentives & Promotional Marketing – Live!

"All serious businesses have to consider the environment in the day-to-day work and in the promotions sector this is evident in the number of companies that now specialise in the supply of eco-friendly products."

Andy Steavenson, Crazy Bags

 “Despite the downturn, environmental concerns remain high on the agenda for business and consumers alike.  The drawing power of a clear conscience should not be underestimated, especially in our industry where promotional items are often regarded as frivolous or expendable. We should be harnessing its impact given its importance to our clients buying decisions."

Alison McKenzie, Fruit of the Loom

"Eco products are certainly not just a gimmick: demand for eco apparel has increased significantly in recent years and Fruit of the Loom’s market research suggests that it will continue to do so."

Next month's Hot Topic: How do you see the printwear market evolving over the next decade. What are the opportunities and threats? Email deales@datateam.co.uk

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