Why charities are increasingly engaging in merchandising.
Sustainable products with logo strengthen mission of charities
Our most special charity merchandise of 2026: A Retulp bottle for the Pope
In 2026, Retulp received an application that immediately caught its eye. Merijn Tinga, better known as Plastic Soup Surfer, asked us to create an engraved Retulp bottle for his meeting with the Pope in Rome. That made this collaboration very special for us. Not only because of the moment itself, but also because here mission, visibility and reuse come together in one product.
For charities and social initiatives, this nicely shows why sustainable products with logo can work so strongly. A reusable drinking bottle is not only practical, but also carries a story. In this case, the bottle with the text Casa Comune became a visible symbol of a larger message about less disposable plastic, more awareness and real change. In addition, this case shows how merchandising also helps additional foundation revenue by selling sustainable products with their own logo. Around the Oslo-Rome expedition, Retulp also provided 48 specially printed bottles for the crowdfunding campaign. This creates not only attention but also concrete support. At the same time, such a product can help recruit more donors and volunteers with their own sustainable products.
What makes this case extra strong is its playful and eye-catching visibility. A Retulp bottle for the Pope is an example of extra playful visibility for charity, but also of how a well-chosen product makes an initiative's mission tangible. Read more via the button below!
How green merchandising helps charities grow
Charities face the challenge of always finding new ways to keep doing their good work. Attracting donors, recruiting volunteers and financial stability are super important for their mission to succeed. One smart way to do this is to offer sustainable products with their own logo. These products not only bring in additional revenue, but also strengthen the bond with donors and volunteers.
At Retulp we help charities such as WWF, Club Kakatua, Made Blue, Amnesty International and Just Dig It with sustainable bottles, cups, lunchboxes and cooler bags, all printed with their logo. Here are a few examples of how charities can increase their impact by using products such as drinking bottles, travel mugs, lunch boxes or cooler bags.
Are you curious about the possibilities for your foundation or organization? Feel free to contact us for free advice. At Retulp we are happy to think along with you.
Recruit more volunteers with merchandise products
Finding volunteers to help you with your activities doesn't come naturally. How do you reach the right people? How do you get them excited? Recruiting volunteers is not always easy. According to CBS, there is even a slight decrease in the percentage of the Dutch population doing volunteer work. So it is important to pay attention to recruiting and retaining volunteers.
Volunteers are the beating heart of many charities. By distributing products with the organization's logo, charities increase their visibility and recognition, making it easier to attract volunteers. When people use products with the logo, they become ambassadors of the organization, so to speak. This makes others more likely to become interested. For example, a volunteer can take a printed coffee mug to work or school. Every time someone sees the cup, it is an opportunity to tell about the charity. This works like a snowball: the more people see it, the more likely new volunteers will join.
Attract donors with sustainable merchandise
With sustainable products, charities can attract new donors who consciously choose environmentally friendly purchases. This is a great opportunity for charities: by offering reusable bottles, cups or lunch boxes, for example, they can contribute to a cleaner world as well as their mission. Charities can also use sustainable products to thank existing donors and show that they are appreciated. A gift or reward, such as a reusable bottle or bag, can make donors feel more connected to the organization. This type of action keeps people involved and eager to continue helping.
Increased revenue through product sales
Selling sustainable products with a charity's logo not only provides additional attention but also a source of revenue. By selling printed bottles, cups, lunch boxes or cooler bags, an organization can supplement its budget, while buyers know they are supporting a good cause. A fun and clear web shop, where products are beautifully presented, can make a big difference for charity.
It is important for charities to make it clear that every purchase helps achieve their mission. A slogan such as "With your purchase you directly support our good initiatives. Double the good!" appeals to people's feelings and intellect. The product is practical (sustainable) and gives buyers a good feeling.
Charities do not have to rely solely on a large inheritance, generous donations by subscription, on the street or at the door, but can also bring in nice sums through a Web store. Internationally, e-commerce will pass the trillion mark next year and also has an ever-shrinking ecological footprint, compared to traditional retail. Ideal for charities!
Charities don't have to provide the cheapest price or best service. Often the favor factor and trust in the brand is already strong when you are in the online store. And so these organizations can score just fine with simply good and sustainable products and a clear ordering formula.
The power of sustainable merchandising
Offering sustainable products, such as reusable cups and lunch boxes, fits perfectly with the growing trend of environmentally conscious living. This makes it easier to attract new donors while building a steady revenue stream. Charities and sustainability go hand in hand. Both strive for a better future, each in their own way. By promoting sustainable products, organizations can show that they are not only socially engaged, but also consider the environment. This makes them even more attractive to a wide audience.
Using sustainable products with a charity's logo offers tremendous opportunities to gain more attention, recruit new donors and volunteers, and generate more revenue. Partnering with companies like Retulp makes it even easier for charities to use sustainable products that are not only good for the world, but also powerfully communicate their message.
In the promotional sector, a great many products are made every year that are harmful to the environment due to production and, unfortunately, are often thrown away. We believe that this should change and therefore want to make merchandise more sustainable. We want to reduce the use of raw materials and materials that cannot be reused and promote the use of recycled materials.
Through sustainable merchandise, we help charities express their identity and bring people together. In this way we move from 'me' to 'us' and also provide an offering that the educational institution can be proud of! We only develop sustainable products that last a long time and can be reused as much as possible.
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Receive no-obligation charitable advice
Are you interested in one of our corporate solutions for your charity? Or would you like advice on which solution is most suitable? Contact us today for a no-obligation quote. Our dedicated team is ready to help you make the switch to sustainable office supplies and work together for a greener future. Together, let's step up to reusable office cups and make disposable plastic a thing of the past!
Simply contact us using the form below.
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