An on-demand, lean-operating model was a key factor in Zorch (asi/366078), a Top 40 promotional products distributor, winning a SEAL Environmental Initiative Award.

The Sustainability, Environmental Achievement and Leadership Awards (SEAL Awards) honor eco-focused leadership, while funding research and pursuing environmental impact campaigns.

Mike Wolfe, Zorch

To qualify for the award, Chicago-based Zorch had to provide detailed information on its business processes.

“Zorch was created to challenge the lack of transparency in the chain of distribution and the amount of inventory our competitors lean on for each program they launch,” Natalie Rende, a Zorch business development leader, told ASI Media. “We offer our clients on-demand, more efficiency, more flexibility and less waste.”

That approach resonated with the SEAL organization.

“Addressing our environmental challenges requires solutions across all facets of our economy, especially less visible yet impactful areas like promotional products,” said Matt Harney, founder of the SEAL Awards. “The environmental impact benefits of the Zorch on-demand model in terms of reduced shipping, packaging and inventory are needed now more than ever.”

Should #Sustainability matter to the #promoproducts industry? Heck yes! Here are three reasons why(beyond the ethics of operating greener) in 90 seconds @ASI_MBell @Melissa_ASI @asicentral @SaraLav_ASI pic.twitter.com/zqvoDsfhTC

— Chris Ruvo (@ChrisR_ASI) February 11, 2021

Mike Wolfe, CEO of Zorch, said the company incorporates environmental responsibility across all aspects of its business.

“It’s no secret in today’s corporate climate that sustainable practices are a top priority,” Wolfe said in a statement. “Our innovative approach to branded merchandise provides us with an efficient business model that benefits every aspect of the sourcing process while delivering a positive impact on the environment.”

With reported 2019 North American promotional product revenue of $54.1 million, Zorch ranked 33rd on ASI Media’s most recent list of the largest distributors in the industry.

Sustainability efforts are growing across the promotional products industry. Leading suppliers have ratcheted up efforts to make their operations and products more sustainable. Furthermore, initiatives like SwagCycle, which work to ensure that no-longer-wanted branded merchandise is donated or recycled, have sprung up.

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