Festive Season: Is India Witnessing A Shift Towards Sustainable Gifting?

As the festive season approaches, businesses in different industries are preparing to connect with customers, partners, employees, and customers with thoughtful and powerful gift strategies. One major trend that has been emerging over the last few years and is continuing to grow is the trend toward sustainable gifting.

Sustainable gifting has rapidly become an international trend as well as a corporate value-added statement across all industries, including tech, retail and healthcare, in which organisations are increasingly embracing sustainable practices as a part of their gifting plans. In 2023 the market for biodegradable plastics size was estimated at USD 7.9 billion. There are forecasts that it will expand at an average of 21.3% and reach USD 20.9 billion in 2028. The growth is driven by a growing demand across different industries like agriculture, packaging and consumer goods as more countries adopt strict guidelines to limit the use of plastic. This shift is a sign of increasing awareness of the environmental impacts of corporate and consumer choices.

Key Trends of Sustainable Gifting Across Industries

All industries are seeing an uptick in sustainable gift products, such as recyclable bags, plant-based stationery, and organic skincare items. These products appeal to consumers' desire to reduce consumption while simultaneously supporting more eco-friendly practices. The retail sector, in particular, has been at the forefront of promoting eco-friendly products, leading to a growth in the demand for sustainable gifts such as reusable bottles, plantable greeting cards, and organic cotton products.

An office supply company can play a key role in promoting sustainability practices. For example, these companies can offer products such as recycled paper, biodegradable pens, or energy-efficient devices. They can also encourage companies to adopt eco-friendly policies such as going paperless or using sustainable packaging for deliveries, which not only cuts down on waste but also enhances a company’s green image. This could create a ripple effect of sustainability across multiple sectors.

Why Sustainable Packaging Solutions Are Key

Sustainable packaging solutions have also become an important area where companies can make an impactful difference. From biodegradable containers in the beverage and food industries to recyclable electronic and technological materials, companies are taking measures to minimise the environmental impact of their packaging—which is particularly crucial in sectors with heavy shipping volumes like manufacturing and e-commerce.

Incorporating employee and client engagement through SaaS platforms is another way companies are promoting sustainability practices. SaaS solutions that track and reduce energy consumption or automate processes to eliminate waste can greatly contribute to a company’s sustainability goals. Platforms offering virtual meeting tools, document sharing, and cloud storage help reduce the need for physical resources, cutting down on the carbon footprint typically associated with travel and physical storage.

Personalised gifts are increasing, including elements that promote sustainable practices. Fashion and luxury companies are creating customised items made from eco-friendly materials, such as bamboo notebooks crafted by local artisans. These products not only add personalisation but also contribute to more ethical methods of production.

Within the tech industry, there has been an emerging interest in corporate gifts that combine sustainability and innovation. Supporting local artisans and businesses that create handcrafted goods has quickly become a movement, not just a trend. More people than ever before are buying handcrafted gifts created locally to represent cultural heritage or craft—not to mention reducing environmental impact compared to mass-produced items while fostering community support networks.

As the festive season approaches, sustainable gifts have proven themselves to be more than mere trends. They represent an ethical and environmentally friendly method of showing appreciation while building relationships. When companies from various sectors adopt sustainable gifting practices, they not only show gratitude but also foster meaningful connections, reflecting a commitment to a greener future.

The shift towards sustainable gifting practices reflects the values of both consumers and businesses striving to reduce their environmental footprint. With sectors like office supplies, SaaS, and tech incorporating these principles, the movement is gaining momentum across industries—turning sustainability from a trend into a long-term corporate ethos.

Authored by Aabha Gupta, Co-Founder, ANT MASCOT