Top 40 supplier Koozie Group (previously BIC Graphic North America, asi/40480) has announced the implementation of a KG (Keep It. Give It.) Factor designation, identifying 510 products whose designs lessen environmental impact through longevity. The supplier worked with Hanover Research to conduct an impartial end-user survey to identify KG Factor items as part of Koozie Group’s larger social impact and sustainability commitment.

Hanover Research included responses from 6,699 men and women ages 18-75 from all 50 states and household incomes. Participants were shown a variety of promotional items from Koozie Group’s assortment and asked questions to determine what they would do if they received the product, why they would take that action and how long they would keep the item. Those that received a minimum score based on these answers were designated as KG Factor products.

“Four out of five people would keep or give a KG Factor product because it was useful, functional, durable and attractive,” Melissa Ralston, chief marketing officer at Koozie Group, said in a press release. “About 85% of respondents said they would keep these items until they break. We always want to be sure Koozie Group promotional products align with our high standards for quality, safety and compliance. The KG Factor is a simple way for our distributors to identify high-quality items that will have longevity in the marketplace.”

So, you heard we changed our name. But wait, there's more! Koozie Group is also so proud to announce our new KG Factor designation. Products sporting the KG Factor are designed to lessen environmental impact through longevity. https://t.co/fGv7S0XkQh

— Koozie Group (previously BIC Graphic) (@kooziegroup) December 14, 2020

The Clearwater, FL-based company began working on the KG Factor project in early 2019 after seeing an increased interest in social responsibility from its employees. Koozie Group established a cross-functional task force of employees who used feedback from their teams, distributors and end users to develop a broader social impact and sustainability commitment centered around four main areas: fostering diversity and inclusion, giving back to employees and community, safety and social responsibility, and environmental stewardship. There’s a three-year goal plan for each of these areas that will further Koozie Group’s overall vision to leave a positive, lasting impact.

“The KG Factor is one way we’re evolving our product strategy as we know not all products we offer can be made with recycled materials, but we do have more control over their longevity and feel this benefits our customers, the promotional product industry and our communities,” Ralston said. “The KG Factor is part of our continued commitment to environment stewardship and our goal is that 75% of all new products will have the KG Factor and 50% of all items by 2024.”

All KG Factor items can be identified with the KG Factor icon, which is displayed on applicable product pages at kooziegroup.com and in Koozie Group’s printed marketing materials.

With reported 2019 North American promotional product revenue of $310.1 million, Koozie Group ranked seventh on Counselor’s latest list of the 40 largest suppliers in the industry.