Our engagement for more sustainability
Climate change is a global challenge that affects both individuals and companies. Every activity – whether personal or business-related – is associated with greenhouse gas emissions.
Our approach
We work continuously to reduce the environmental impact of our operations wherever feasible. To this end, we have implemented a range of measures within our organisation:
Energy-efficient working environment: Our office building was constructed in accordance with current energy standards and incorporates technologies designed to optimise energy consumption.
Packaging reduction: We review our packaging processes on an ongoing basis and aim to avoid unnecessary packaging materials. Where possible, we use paper-based or recyclable alternatives.
Raw material development: We continuously evaluate alternative material options and renewable inputs, depending on product requirements and technical feasibility.
Recycling and reuse: Selected products incorporate recycled materials or are designed to be recyclable, depending on their material composition and applicable waste management systems.
Support for environmental initiatives: We support initiatives related to nature conservation and resource management as part of our broader corporate engagement.
The triad of sustainability
Avoid
Where possible, we aim to prevent environmental impacts and unnecessary resource use at an early stage. We review decisions and processes with the objective of identifying opportunities to limit resource consumption and material use.
This applies to areas such as supplier selection, product design and logistics planning.
Reduce
Where impacts cannot be avoided entirely, we work to reduce them where feasible. This includes measures to improve process efficiency, optimise energy use and minimise waste generation.
We regularly review technologies and operational procedures to identify further optimisation potential.
Compensate
For emissions that cannot currently be avoided or reduced, we offer the option of a bilateral carbon compensation in cooperation with natureOffice.
The compensation is based on a prior model-based calculation of relevant CO₂ emissions and is implemented through the support of certified climate projects. It is designed as a complementary measure and does not replace efforts to avoid or reduce emissions.
Avoid
Sustainability through durability and quality
For promotional products, durability is a key factor in responsible product design. At mbw®, we focus on developing items that are designed for long-term use rather than short-term consumption.
Our assortment includes gift items and promotional products that combine functional durability with distinctive design. The aim is to create products that are used over an extended period of time and remain relevant in everyday settings.
Each item is manufactured according to defined quality standards to ensure reliable performance and material stability appropriate to its intended use.
By combining durability with appealing design, our promotional products are intended to remain in use and visible within the recipient’s environment over time.
Ducks made from renewable raw materials
We use natural raw materials and manufacture selected duck models from natural rubber.
he Schnabels® family continues to grow and now also includes models made from natural rubber. Natural rubber is a rubber-like material derived from the latex of rubber plants. As a plant-based material, it represents a renewable raw material and does not rely on petroleum-based inputs in its primary composition.
The natural rubber ducks are characterised by a pleasant tactile feel and durable material properties suitable for long-term use. Depending on material composition and disposal conditions, natural rubber may be biodegradable under specific environmental circumstances.
The use of natural rubber can support product concepts that prioritise alternative material approaches within promotional merchandise.
Investment in renewable energy infrastructure
At the beginning of 2024, mbw® installed a photovoltaic system at its site in Wanderup. The system consists of 234 solar modules with a total capacity of 100 kWp and is combined with a 32 kWh storage unit.
During the first spring months following installation, the system generated sufficient electricity to cover the site’s energy demand temporarily during certain periods. The installation forms part of mbw®’s broader efforts to optimise energy use within its operational infrastructure.
The project was realised in cooperation with Holger Braaf GmbH, a neighbouring company based in Wanderup. Holger Braaf GmbH supported the consulting, planning and installation of the photovoltaic system.
“The investment in the photovoltaic system is an important component of our long-term energy strategy,” explains Jan Breuer, Managing Director of mbw®. “It reflects our intention to further develop our operational processes and infrastructure.”
Reduce
Recycable likeable
Cuddly toys made from 100% recycled PET bottles
We manufacture selected cuddly toys using textile materials derived from used PET bottles.
Following product development and quality testing, recycled PET was defined as the primary raw material for our RecycelBears®. The plush textile material used for these products is made from 100% recycled PET fibres sourced from post-consumer plastic bottles.
To avoid additional plastic components, the eyes and nose are embroidered rather than attached separately. This design approach reduces material diversity within the product. Depending on local waste management systems and material separation processes, the product may be recyclable.
The RecycelBears® are designed for repeated and long-term use. The soft plush surface and distinctive design make them suitable as promotional products for different target groups.
In addition to the classic bear models, the range now includes further designs produced from recycled PET-based textile materials.
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M170042
MiniFeet® Dog toy RecycleFox -
M170041
MiniFeet® Dog toy RecycleRaccoon -
M170040
MiniFeet® Dog toy RecycleBeaver -
M160970
MiniFeet® RecycelElephant -
M160969
MiniFeet® RecycleMoose -
M160962
MiniFeet® RecycleCow -
M160956
MiniFeet® RecycleWhale -
M160955
MiniFeet® RecycleOktopus -
M160954
MiniFeet® RecycelStarfish -
M160953
MiniFeet® RecycleRabbit -
M160952
MiniFeet® RecycleBear Nature -
M160951
MiniFeet® RecycleBear Ice -
M160950
MiniFeet® RecycleBear -
M160162
mbw® Triangular scarf all-over-print -
M140910
mbw® Mini-t-shirt all-over-print
SEAQUAL® YARN: Textile material based on upcycled marine plastic
Accessories – made in Germany
We collaborate with the SEAQUAL INITIATIVE and offer printed mini accessories for our cuddly toys manufactured using SEAQUAL® YARN.
The SEAQUAL INITIATIVE works with NGOs, fishermen, authorities and local communities to collect marine litter from coastal areas, seabeds, river mouths and other affected regions. The collected material is sorted, and the plastic fraction is processed into what is known as upcycled marine plastic.
The mini T-shirts, triangular scarves and other accessories used for our all-over print finishing process are manufactured using SEAQUAL® YARN, which is composed of recycled materials including upcycled marine plastic. The textile production and finishing processes take place in Germany.
The all-over print technique enables full-surface printing from seam to seam. Motifs can be applied across the entire garment surface, depending on design and production specifications.
The environmental detectives - a practical example!
Soft toys often play a role in early childhood experiences. Their tactile and emotional qualities can support engagement and communication in different contexts.
In March 2020, Wanderup primary school in Schleswig-Holstein launched the “Environmental Detectives” project. The initiative aimed to introduce topics related to recycling and resource use in an age-appropriate format.
In cooperation with mbw®, pupils from first to fourth grade organised a PET bottle collection campaign. The collected bottles were incorporated into the material cycle of our RecycelBears®.
At the end of the campaign, the participating children received personalised bears made from recycled PET-based textile material, labelled with their individual names and the project logo.
Compensate
Cooperation with natureOffice
Carbon calculation and optional compensation
Some emissions along global production and logistics chains cannot currently be fully avoided. For defined products and orders, mbw® therefore offers the option of a model-based carbon calculation and supplementary carbon compensation in cooperation with natureOffice.
The compensation is designed as an optional service and complements efforts to avoid and reduce emissions.
How does carbon compensation with natureOffice work?
natureOffice, founded in 2008, supports companies in the calculation and documentation of carbon emissions and provides access to certified climate projects.
Based on defined product parameters such as material composition, weight, production processes and transport routes, relevant CO₂ emissions can be calculated using natureOffice’s platform.
On request, the calculated emissions can be rechnerically compensated by allocating a corresponding amount to a certified climate project. The process is documented via an ID-based tracking system.
Carbon-compensated products
For selected products, the associated CO₂ emissions can be calculated and, upon request, supplemented by a corresponding carbon compensation.
The RecycelBär® and RecycelBär® ICE were among the first products in our range for which this optional carbon calculation and compensation service was made available. The service can be extended to further products from our assortment.
PROJECT TOGO – Natural forest reforestation initiative
PROJECT TOGO is a natural forest reforestation project initiated and implemented by natureOffice. The project is designed to enable certified carbon sequestration within defined project parameters and is accompanied by experts from scientific and civil society backgrounds.
The initiative aims to integrate ecological reforestation activities with local economic structures. According to project documentation, this includes measures intended to support regional infrastructure and value creation processes.
PROJECT TOGO includes, among other components:
- facilities related to energy generation
- water supply and soil management systems
- infrastructure projects in the areas of health and education
- agricultural and forestry-related initiatives
- activities linked to local self-sufficiency and market participation
- Further details on the scope, certification standards and project framework are available via natureOffice.
Germany-Plus-Mix
Since 2012, natureOffice has supported the work of Bergwaldprojekt e.V. in Germany through the “Deutschland Plus” initiative.
The initiative relates to activities in forest, biotope and moorland areas across various project regions in Germany. Each year, more than 10,000 volunteers participate in these projects, which take place in locations ranging from the island of Rügen to the Bavarian Alps.
Within the framework of natureOffice’s portfolio, the initiative links certified climate-related projects with regionally organised environmental activities in Germany.
Further information on the scope and structure of the projects is available through natureOffice and Bergwaldprojekt e.V.
More projects from natureOffice
Engagements in Germany, Europe and around the world
In addition to the projects described above, natureOffice provides access to further certified climate projects that can be selected in the context of optional carbon compensation.
An overview of the available projects can be found in this PDF (source: natureoffice.com).
Sponsorship of the German Sustainability Award
In November 2019, mbw® supported the German Sustainability Award in Düsseldorf as a sponsor.
For this event, participants wore printed name badges on lanyards made from wool felt. Wool felt is a natural fibre-based material derived from renewable resources and may be compostable under appropriate conditions.
The lanyards were manufactured by mbw® in cooperation with sheltered workshops in Germany. The material used is certified according to OEKO-TEX® standards.
Carbon calculation and compensation for our annual catalogues
In addition to digital channels, our printed annual catalogue remains an important sales tool. To avoid unnecessary overproduction, we regularly coordinate print quantities with our retail partners in advance and adjust volumes according to demand.
Since 2020, the CO₂ emissions associated with the printing process of our annual catalogues have been bilanziell calculated and supplemented by voluntary carbon compensation through certified climate projects.
Further details:
Project: Natural forest reforestation
Project-ID: DE-077-158725
Compensated amount of CO2: 40,141 t CO2e
www.natureoffice.com/DE-077-158725
Natural forest afforestation on the North Sea island of Amrum.
The referenced project includes reforestation activities on the North Sea island of Amrum. According to project documentation, the activities relate to forest areas affected by storm damage.
>> More information on the project on Amrum (PDF)
(Source: Bergwaldprojekt e.V.)
Sustainable Promotional Gifts – A Structured Approach with mbw®
Sustainable promotional gifts are becoming increasingly relevant for companies seeking to align brand communication with considered material choices, product design and long-term usability. Rather than relying on broad environmental claims, the focus lies on transparency, durability and clearly defined product concepts.
Promotional items can support brand communication when they are functional, thoughtfully designed and presented with precise and transparent information.
What Are Sustainable Promotional Gifts?
The term “sustainable promotional gifts” encompasses different product approaches. These may include the use of recycled materials, alternative raw material concepts, durable product design and tested quality and safety standards.
In this context, sustainability does not describe a single characteristic, but a combination of decisions made across material selection, production and intended product lifespan.
Clear and realistic communication of these aspects is essential.
Sustainable Promotional Items with Logo for Various Use Cases
Sustainable promotional items with logo can be used in a wide range of contexts, including educational projects, employee initiatives, events and customer communication. Where promotional products are intended for extended use, material selection and product quality are particularly relevant.
Through individual customization and finishing options, promotional gifts can be adapted to different brand strategies and target groups.
Material and Product Approaches at mbw®
At mbw®, different product concepts are applied within the field of promotional merchandise. These include:
- Products incorporating recycled material content
- Products based on plant-derived raw materials
- Items designed for repeated or long-term use
Detailed information on specific materials and product lines is available in the respective sections of this page.
Why Sustainable Promotional Gifts Are Gaining Attention
Many consumers and business partners are increasingly interested in material composition, product origin and durability. This development also influences expectations within the promotional products industry.
Promotional items designed for long-term use can remain visible in everyday contexts over time and may contribute to consistent brand presence.
Transparent Sustainability Communication
Sustainability-related communication requires clarity and precise wording. This includes realistic classifications, clear explanations of measures and projects, and the avoidance of generalised environmental claims.
On this page, you will find information about our material approaches, projects, partnerships and complementary services.
Sustainable Promotional Gifts in Modern Brand Communication
Sustainable promotional items do not replace a comprehensive sustainability strategy. However, they can form one element within broader brand communication.
Through considered product choices, transparent information and durable designs, promotional gifts can combine functionality and design with clearly communicated material concepts.
Sustainable promotional gifts from mbw® represent tested product standards, versatile applications and a differentiated approach to sustainability-related aspects.