2021 APPA Show Highlights

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The AAC team were excited to attend the 2021 Australasian Promotional Products Association’s (APPA) event in Brisbane last month. It felt good to be back at a tradeshow after such a long break and we eagerly scoured the show to uncover the latest and greatest promotional merchandise. The APPA show represents businesses that manufacture and sell quality promotional products and we were keen to get ahead of what’s new to offer our customers. So, if you’re struggling to pick the right promotional product, check out AAC’s 2021 APPA show highlights below!

ECO FRIENDLY ALL THE GO

Environmentally conscience products were all the go at this year’s show. In particular, we noticed a growing use of alternative sustainable materials. From bamboo and cork to new plastic alternatives, the choice to be earth conscience and give your customer an eco-responsible gift they will value has never been easier. Check out some of the products we uncovered:

Cork isn’t just for wine!

Cork is a 100% natural product that is biodegradable and harvested from a renewable resource. Interestingly, it’s derived from the bark of the Cork Oak tree (which can live for 300 years!) and is stripped from the tree every nine years. Growing in popularity, the material is showing up in all sorts of places from building materials to stationary. Waterproof, elastic, insulating and visually pleasing, cork is a perfect material for an ecofriendly product. Here are a few of our favorite items from the show:

Beautiful, Renewable Bamboo

Bamboo is definitely the ‘it’ material right now. Beautiful in its design, bamboo is a remarkably sustainable and versatile product. It comes from a hardy, fast growing plant that needs little intervention (read no pesticides here). The renewable and recyclable* properties of bamboo make it an eco-smart material for any promotional product. Our show stoppers:

Wheat Straw as a plastic alternative

Wheat straw was everywhere throughout the show. A natural material, made from the stalk left over after harvesting wheat grains, wheat straw is fast becoming the new plastic alterative. Most products contain anywhere from 50% to 100% wheat straw. (ecoworldonline.com) Promotional products containing wheat straw are suitable for use with food, are lightweight, recyclable* and even compostable (100% wheat straw only). Some favorites from the show:

Calico totes are in (did they ever really go out?)

Calico is a plain, woven unbleached cotton. Suitable as an alternative to a plastic bag, calico totes are becoming quite a statement piece. They make a great promotion tool as they have ample branding ability. Our favorites at the show:

Saying no to waste and single use products

To help your customers kick the plastic habit there was a nice assortment of single use alternatives at the show. This included reusable cutlery, reusable and washable food produce bags, and mesh calico shopping bags, take to work/school lunch boxes, and wide range of drink bottles and double insulated coffee cups. Some of our favorites included:

Promoting an Eco Friendly Office

Offering branded stationary featuring recycled paperboard and/or unbleached paper makes an impactful statement on your commitment to the environment. Our team saw plenty of options for creative and unique notebooks and stationary products to offer your customers. Our favorites:

The Full Package

Providing a sustainable and ecofriendly product doesn’t end with the product itself. It also includes any wrapping, ties, and packaging the product is delivered to the customer in. Special consideration of plastic alternative packing materials and ties including compostable plastic wrapping and paper based wrap provide a complete ecofriendly product guaranteed to please.

TREAT YOUR CUSTOMERS TO A LITTLE LUXURY & FUN

Another interesting trend to emerge from the show was the plethora of items that offered a bit of luxury, personalization and fun. These were typically higher value items including beautifully packaged candles, cheese & meat boards (repeat after me, shahr-ku-tuh-ree!) and lifestyle products including wireless tech, camping gear, kitchen gadgets and toys! Our 2021 APPA show highlights included some standout products:

Wireless tech products

Tech products will always have that certain wow factor and there were plenty of options on show. Branded wireless power banks and chargers offer a high value giveaway along with power cables and Bluetooth speakers. Our favorites:

Spark a Little Joy

Enhancing the customer experience is what promotional merchandise is all about. A fun toy or gadget can really leave an impression on a customer and help communicate your culture and values. With everything from puzzles to cricket balls, APPA exhibitors offered endless opportunities. I guess we’re all just big kids at heart. Our favorites:

Overall, the APPA show was a success and we came away with a wide range of new customisable products we are proud to offer our customers. For more information on any of the products mentioned above or if you’re looking for sustainable products, Aussie made, latest tech or something truly unique to offer your customer, call us today on #1300 797 478. For more articles like, 2021 APPA Show Highlights, subscribe to our newsletter.

*Check your local council recycling guidelines on recyclability of these products.

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