Being sustainable is no longer something we do to stay on-trend, it is now part of how we live our lives and the products we use.
For many businesses this means using eco-friendly materials and zero-waste processes as well as committing to products that are durable, ethical and come with the sustainable tick of approval.
Check out some of the sustainable brands that will be exhibiting at this weekend’s Melbourne gift fairs.
Artiwood (Reed Gift Fairs, stand F25)
Describe your brand in 3 words.
Durable. Sustainable. Educational.
What new products are you launching at the gift fair?
We’re showcasing the new Nordic collection from New Classic Toys. This is an all-new range of classic toys plus some innovative additions in a stunning on-trend colour palette. We’re also profiling the new Natural collection from Indigo Jamm, a range of wooden vehicles finished in subtle pastel hues.
Why should retailers choose sustainable products for their store?
Increasing environmental awareness means more and more consumers are seeking products made from sustainable materials. The toys we supply are made by hand from natural materials. They’re built to endure, rather than discard. Cheap, disposable products always come at a cost to our environment.
Axis Toys (Kids Instyle, stand 1220K)
Describe your brand in 3 words.
Sustainable play.
What new products are you launching at the gift fair?
We’re launching the rest of the new Sassi eco lifestyle range, which is now in stock, plus more new sound books from Sassi which are all FSC certified. We also have new sustainable Christmas ranges from both Sassi and Fabelab.
Why should retailers choose sustainable products for their store?
In this day and age it’s a logical choice to select sustainable ranges over landfill options. Our planet’s climate is changing fast and we need to reduce the overall foot print as part of the purchasing decision, particularly in our industry which is catering to the next generation.
Earth Greetings (Life Instyle, stand 2242)
Describe your brand in 3 words.
Thoughtful. Earthy. Australiana.
What new products are you launching at the gift fair?
We’ll be at Life Instyle with new additions to our huge range of 100 per cent recycled, carbon neutral everyday greeting cards and wrapping paper, boxed Christmas cards and tags, our plastic-free, Australian made 2025 planners and annual artist calendar, plus Australian certified organic cotton tea towels and tote bags.
Why should retailers choose sustainable products for their store?
Retailers should choose sustainable products for their store because people want to make sustainable choices. The 2024 Monash University Sustainability Report found that 96 per cent of Australian consumers engage in sustainable practices, 46 per cent reported that sustainability is an important factor when making a retail purchase and 60 per cent said that it’s important to them to choose products packaged in recyclable materials that are ethically produced.
By offering products that tread lightly on the planet and give back to nature, you’re empowering your customers to make choices they can feel good about and they’ll return to your store for that good feeling.
ECOMAX (Reed Gift Fairs, stand K52)
Describe your brand in 3 words.
Natural. Ethical. Sustainable.
What new products are you launching at the gift fair?
ECOMAX Kids—we are launching a new range of natural, ethically produced kids play products.
Sensory kitchen play set—using different fibres from soft to hard, this kitchen set is designed to encourage learning and develop fine motor skills through sensory play. For fun water play outside, in the kitchen sink or in the bathroom. Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
Paintee Peeps—paint brushes for little people. These bright coloured multi-functional sensory play brushes are shaped like little people with natural fibre bristles for imaginative play and art. Specially designed for little hands and little mess as they stand up keeping the wet paint ends away from surfaces and making it easier for children to pick up and hold.
Coloured spa brushes—a world first range of coloured natural fibre body brushes, adding a splash of colour to your daily ritual of self-care and exfoliation. Beautifully presented in FSC certified boxes with all the information on dry body brushing, these planet loving brushes are a beautiful gift.
Shower puffs in a wonderful range of colours and all ethically made from natural plant fibres. Combine with your favourite soap for a zero plastic showering experience. Presented in an SFC certified wrap that allows these new natural shower puffs to stand on a shelf instore or hangsell.
Wool dryer balls—WFTO guaranteed hand felted in Nepal from natural New Zealand wool. A range of fun designs of flowers and animals, cute emojis, gay pride hearts, mushrooms and more, there is one for everyone. Wool dryer balls replace dryer sheets and can be used over and over again, lasting more than 1,000 loads. They decrease drying time by 25 per cent and act as a natural fabric softener, reducing wrinkles and static. Chemical free and good for the environment.
Why should retailers choose sustainable products for their store?
Your customers do care about sustainability, in fact, 42 per cent are willing to pay more for sustainable choices, according to a Monash Business School’s Australian Consumer and Retail Studies Unit report published this month. So tapping into those buyers is an important market that you don’t want to miss out on.
Hand in hand with sustainability is ethical and that is why our products tick all the boxes. All ethically handmade from natural plant fibres, they fit well into the consumer movement towards eco-friendly, zero waste and sustainability.
Summer Salt Bags (AGHA Gift Fair, stand 1034)
Describe your brand in 3 words.
Washable. Durable. Practical.
What new products are you launching at the gift fair?
I’m introducing new accessories to enhance the functionality of our bags and some exclusive fun new charms.
Why should retailers choose sustainable products for their store?
Retailers should choose sustainable products, like the reusable and durable Summer Salt Bags, to attract environmentally conscious consumers and reduce the environmental impact in not using plastic bags. They take you from kids sport to supermarkets to the beach, making them a sustainable and smart choice.
Life Instyle starts on Thursday 1 August till Sunday 4 August 2024 at the Royal Exhibition Building and both Reed Gift Fairs Melbourne (doors 1-8) and AGHA Melbourne Gift Fair (doors 9-17) will be at the MCEC from 3 to 6 August.
