The largest supplier in the promotional products industry has launched a line of carbon neutral apparel styles.

SanMar’s (asi/84863) Port Authority C-FREE collection features garments that the Issaquah, WA-based company makes with Carbonfree Certification. Through the process, SanMar measures a product’s carbon footprint and removes an equivalent number of emissions from the environment through purchasing carbon offsets.   

The certification is offered through the Carbonfund.org Foundation, a nonprofit focused on carbon offsetting and greenhouse gas reduction.

This quarter-zip (K865) is part of the new C-FREE collection. Get it on ESP.

“SanMar is trailblazing sustainability in the apparel space,” said Eric M. Carlson, president of Carbonfund.org Foundation. “We’re excited to collaborate with an industry leader and certify SanMar’s C-FREE apparel line as we take a measurable step in helping offset the industry’s environmental impact and accelerate its transition to a cleaner energy future.”

The initial apparel pieces in C-FREE are crafted from recycled polyester and feature snag-proof and moisture-wicking material. They include a quarter-zip top and polo shirts.

“SanMar’s mission to create positive change is the driving force behind today’s C-FREE announcement,” said Pat Noonan, chief product officer at SanMar. “This launch, in partnership with Carbonfund.org, unites SanMar’s commitment to sustainability in the industry with our values of doing good in our communities.”

A member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, SanMar has sought to be a leader in sustainability and corporate social responsibility within the promo products industry.  

For instance, the company is committed to its “Canvas for Good,” a corporate social responsibility initiative that details SanMar’s goals, actions and tangible progress in areas that range from ethical sourcing and charitable outreach to diversity/inclusion and environmental impact. The firm’s most recent CSR report details progress, including notable improvements on emissions and energy reduction.

“Our belief that a T-shirt can be a canvas for good has guided us and kept us focused on the people and communities we call home,” said SanMar President/CEO Jeremy Lott, a member of Counselor’s Power 50 list of promo’s most influential people. “Our founding principles of ‘Be Nice and Tell the Truth’ continue to inspire us in everything we do.”

With reported North American promotional product revenue of $2.3 billion, SanMar ranked first on Counselor’s most recent list of the largest suppliers in the industry.

Promo for the Planet is your destination for the latest news, biggest trends and best ideas to help build a more sustainable and socially-responsible industry.