Blog | Indigo Promotions | Branded Merchandise For Every Event

Empowering Wellbeing: A Guide to a healthier lifestyle

Empowering Wellbeing It’s easy to let self-care fall by the wayside. But prioritising well-being is essential for a fulfilling and balanced life. Empowering wellbeing means taking proactive steps to enhance quality of life, reduce stress, and foster a balanced lifestyle that's a lifelong journey. Why a Wellness Journal matters A wellness journal is more than just a diary; it's a powerful tool for self-discovery and transformation. By tracking habits, setting goals, and reflecting on progress, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of their needs and develop strategies to improve overall well-being. The benefits of a consistent wellness practice Regularly using our wellness journal can lead to significant improvements in life, including: Increased self-awareness: Understand strengths, weaknesses, and values. Reduced stress and anxiety: Develop effective coping mechanisms. Improved physical health: Make healthier lifestyle choices. Enhanced mental clarity: Boost focus and concentration. Greater sense of purpose: Discover what truly matters. A personal guide designed to offer a structured approach to nurturing mind, body, and soul. What to expect from our 12-Week Wellness Journal Our journal is crafted to support every step of the way. Between it's covers lies: Self-Care Trackers: Dedicate time to activities that nourish mind, body, and spirit. Whether it's meditation, exercise, or spending time in nature, track progress and celebrate achievements. Goal Setting and Progress Monitoring: Set clear, achievable wellness goals and monitor progress week by week. Watch as aspirations become reality. Daily Gratitude Prompts: Cultivate a positive mindset by focusing on the things to be thankful for. Gratitude has the power to transform ones outlook on life. Healthy Meal Planning and Tracking: Plan and record meals to support dietary goals. Nourishing the body is a vital part of overall wellness. Guided Self-Reflection Exercises: Take time for introspection with prompts that encourage self-discovery. Understanding thoughts and emotions is key to personal growth. Dedicated Daily Planner: Stay organised and manage time effectively with a daily planner section. A clear schedule can reduce stress and improve productivity. Small steps lead to big changes. #12weekchallenge #wellnessjournal #selfcarejournal #mindfulnessjournal #healthylivingjournal Read More

October 22, 2024

How Promotional Merchandise Can Help Your Business Without Breaking Your Budget

March 27, 2023

Introduction Of The rHIPS.b Range

rHIPS.b is made from recycled polymers including all in-house waste products with a biodegradable additive, that speeds up the natural biodegradable process of plastic. The material has been tested to ISO 15985 and ASTM B5511 certification. Watch our video for a full guide on how it's produced. <iframe width="1120" height="730" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Zj0W5IfFFnQ" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> This Is Plastic – But Not As You Know It rHIPS.b is made from 100% waste materials. We take things like old products, old yoghurt pots, and the inside of fridges, and turn them into useful products No virgin material is used. No deforestation needed to grow ‘eco’ materials Fully Biodegradeable Unlike other popular bioplastics it does not require extremely particular conditions to biodegrade. The rHIPS.b polymer is broken down by over 600 naturally occurring microbes. Naturally biodegradeing in home compost, marine, and landfill faster than standard plastic No Microplastics Just Rich Biomass Biodegredation occurs by friendly microbes fully digesting the polymer. No microplastics. All that is left is rich biomass and water New Colourways Inspired By Nature Colourways inspired by the manufacturers location, Cornwall. Reminders of recycled history are visible – much like newspaper pulp in egg cartons, the flecks you see in rHIPS.b are the flecks from the recycled products used to create it. Design & Manufactured In The UK rHIPS.b products are made from waste materials sourced from the UK, or from manufacturer waste we’ve created ourselves. All designed, manufactured, and distributed from Cornwall to wherever it needs to go. Meaning no air miles and more smiles. rHIPS.b Coasters rHIPS.b Oblong Trolley Coin View the full range of rHIPS.b Range HERE Read More

January 03, 2023

Bamboo – Nature’s Miracle Material

Introduction Bamboo is a perennial evergreen flowering plant that is prevalent in Asia, Australia, North and South America and Sub-Saharan Africa. China is currently the only country in the world that is exploiting the full potential of bamboo in the mass market. Most Chinese bamboo is harvested from the south Yangtze River area. Bamboo can grow on different altitudes and under various climatic conditions, but it prefers tropical climates. History Bamboo is viewed as a symbol of traditional Chinese values and it is regarded as the harmony between nature and human beings. The history of Chinese people planting and using bamboo can be traced back 7,000 years. As early as the Shang Dynasty (16th-11th century B.C), bamboo was already used in various aspects of ancient Chinese people’s daily lives including food, clothing, housing, transportation, musical instruments, writing instruments and even weapons. Anatomy of Bamboo Although it looks, feels and behaves like wood, bamboo actually belongs to the grass family. Similar to all grasses, bamboo is characterised by a jointed stem called a Culm. In most cases the stems are hollow but some species have solid culms. Culms are segmented by nodes; the points where branches grow out of the culm. These nodes are solid throughout the culm and from the outside appear as swellings. Mechanical Properties Tensile Strength:- Up to 160 N/mm2 (3 times greater than most conventional construction grade timbers) Compressive Strength:- Up to 86 N/mm2. (Cedar is about 40 N/mm2) Hardness:- Up to 1690 lbf. – Janka hardness test. (Cedar is about 900lbf) Bending Strength:- Up to 150N/mm2 (About 2 times stronger than structural timber) Writing and Recording Before the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220) when paper was invented, strips of bamboo had been used as the most important writing medium. China’s first books were crafted from bamboo strips on string. Thus bamboo played an important part in the daily life of ancient Chinese people, and its role as a writing medium helped keep historical records of traditional Chinese culture for us to study today. Some of the most ancient writing instruments were also made from bamboo. These types of pens are referred to as dip pens as the tip has to be regularly dipped in ink to recharge the pen. The hollow shaft of the bamboo culm acts as a reservoir for the ink. Bamboo was the material of choice of Ancient calligraphers until it was replaced by the much finer quill pen in the 7th century. However, bamboo dip pens are still used in classrooms in some South Asian countries today. Bamboo is being increasingly used for flooring as an alternative to hardwood. Its abundance, low cost and eco credentials is making it the natural material of choice for this and many other applications, including pen barrels. Manufacturing Pen Barrels from Bamboo Our pen barrels are made from compressed strand-woven Mao Bamboo fibres. The fibres undergo a chemical-free process known as carbonisation where they are heated under pressurised steam for a prolonged period to cause the natural sugars in the bamboo to caramelise which allows it to be removed. The fibres are mixed with resin and then pressed under extreme pressure into planks. These planks are then cut into long strips of square section and this forms the raw material from which the pen barrels are machined. The bamboo strips are machined on woodturning lathes using a cutting tool to size and polish the outside. The internal diameter of the barrel is reamed using a reaming bit mounted in the tailstock of the lathe. Eco Credentials Renewable New bamboo shoots can grow at staggering rates. Some species of bamboo have been clocked at growing over 900mm in one day. The entire growth period from new shoot to a full height culm can typically be completed in 30 days. Harvesting occurs between 3- 5 years (time taken to reach maturity) after which the bamboo plant regrows. This can be contrasted with wood where tree maturity rates are measured in decades, after which the tree is felled and no regrowth occurs. Pesticide-Free Bamboo requires no pesticides to protect it from parasites or microbes during their growing lifetime. Prevents Soil Erosion Bamboo has a close knitted root system that helps to clump earth. This not only prevents erosion, but rebuilds already-eroded earth. This is particularly important in tropical regions where heavy rainfall can deplete nutrients and strip the land of soil. Low Hydration Bamboo plants require little water to prosper and no irrigation is required. Greenhouse Gases Bamboo Absorbs 5 times more carbon dioxide than similar plants. Bamboo produces 35% more oxygen than similar plants. Antimicrobial Bamboo inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi. Great as a material for hygienic writing instruments. Sustainability The bamboo used in our promotional products is cut from plantations specifically grown for harvesting. No wild bamboo is ever used. Click here to browse our eco-friendly pen range Read More

October 12, 2022

Make Sense Of Sustainability

Make Sense of Sustainability As human beings, our planet means the world to us – literally! That’s why we need to make sure it stays around for as long as possible. But if you’ve been pulling your hair out trying to keep up with the jargon that surrounds sustainability, don’t panic! You’ve come to the right place to start making sense of it all. We understand it can be quite the challenge knowing your biodiversity from your bioaccumulation. And what exactly is the difference between carbon footprint and carbon offsetting, anyway? In order to navigate all of this new lingo, and in honour of World Kindness Day, we’ve put together a handy glossary to make sustainability a little less daunting. We’ve been using this information as an in-house tool which came about through product development and selection. There’s plenty more to add and we’d love to hear from you if you have any additions. Now, let’s dive into some of the terms you’re likely to come across in yourquest for eco-consciousness in the promotions industry and beyond: JARGON BUSTER Popular Product Materials Product Material Sustainable Credentials Sustainable Considerations The Good and the Not So Good BIOplastics Bioplastics are plastic-like materials made from natural sources like vegetable fats, oils, starches, straw, wood chips and sawdust. The Good Made from natural materials which are renewable Does not contain toxic chemicals or compounds Biodegradable and compostable under the correct conditions The Not So Good There is A LOT more research needed on this material and its sustainability credentials. Acall for evidence was recently published by the UK government on the sustainability of bio-based andbiodegradable plastic and they are now considering the responses. At the moment, there is a question mark on whether this product isadding to the plastic issue or helping to solve it. Bioplastics are a product of farming and take up valuable capacity that could be used for growing much-needed food Most types are not recyclable Local authorities have no way of recycling bioplastic, meaning it will end up in landfill or being incinerated – causing furtherrelease of CO₂ and pollutants into the atmosphere. We contacted our local authority on this point and they have confirmed that bioplastic cannot be recycled. Their letter can be found here Only some types of bioplastic are compostable and those that are require industrial compostingfacilities. They cannot be discarded in domestic compost bins The use of compost can be compromised by any ink printed on the product, as this could pass into the food chain Considerations When recycling bioplastic pens, remove the refill and spring Remove the ink from the product where possible Remember that composting requires a set temperature In the promotions industry, we have mainly seen pens and bags made of this material Printed pens and packaging should not be placed in composting bins as the print will contaminate the compost heap and, if the compost is used as fertiliser, contaminants will enter the food chain Organic Organic farming promotes ecological balance andbiodiversity by not using harmful chemicals in thegrowing process. There’s a long-standing joke that organic food is what your grandparents called food! That’s because we’ve become reliant on pesticides and chemical fertilisers to grow crops on a commercial scale. The Good Healthier Better taste Contains high levels of antioxidants The Not So Good Organic farming requires more labour and higher production costs than pesticide-assisted farming, resulting in an expensive end product It cannot produce enough food for the world’s population Bamboo Bamboo is a renewable natural product and the fastest growing plant on Earth. The Good Naturally pest-resistant – requires no nasty pesticides! Requires far less water than similar plants Regrows to adult size in 3-5 years (it can grow 2 feet in 1 day!) Absorbs 5 times more carbon dioxide than similar plants Produces 35% more oxygen than similar plants Bamboo fibres that make up the natural element of processed bamboo products reduce the amount of plastic required The Not So Good Some bamboo products use a chemical process to convert the material into the end product Processed bamboo products only contain bamboo fibres and the rest is made up of polymer Processed bamboo products cannot be recycled and must be put in a landfill or incinerated Processed bamboo products cannot be composted Considerations If the product is made from processed bamboo and is used to store food or liquid, it shouldhave tests completed prior to use to ensure chemicals are not released when heated Presently, we see products made from processed bamboo across our industry Recycled Recycled materials are products made from discarded or no longer needed products or materials. The Good This product will have been made up of one or more materials from an item previously used and no longer needed The Not So Good Product quality or colour can be impacted There is no universal standard for accreditation Considerations Trusting your supply chain is key here to ensuring the products are as described Post-consumer recycled material is the best form of recycled product Recyclable Recyclable materials can be reused in order to make new materials. See Sustainable Considerations for “Recycled” Plastic Plastic is made from non-renewable resources like fossil fuels to create a solid material. The most popular plastics are: PET: Polyethylene Terephthalate PE-HD: High-density Polythene PVC: polyvinyl chloride PET plastic – Highly-recyclable material accepted by 94% of UK councils. PE-HD: High-density Polythene – collected by 92% of UK councils. PVC: polyvinyl chloride – Not generally collected from households for recycling, which could explain why PVCuse is in decline. PE-LD: Low-density Polythene & PP: Polypropylene – Not generally collected for recycling, but mixedplastic recycling is expected to be under way within five years. PS: Polystyrene – Not generally collected fromhouseholds for recycling with the exception of some commercial polystyrene. LDPE – Only recyclable at specialist facilities. The Good Cheap Strong & long lasting Inexpensive Can be sterile The Not So Good Non-biodegradable Impacts wildlife and marine life if not disposed of correctly Takes up landfill space Not all plastic can be recycled, so contact your local facility before attempting to recycle it Plastic cannot be recycled an infinite number of times Recyclability isn’t always clear or consistent Considerations Contact your local authority Plastic products have a long shelf life when made well Reusable plastic products are still a great sustainable choice because they will not be thrown away, so choose wisely when buying plastic products Wood A natural, renewable material commonly used in construction and product design. The Good Natural Renewable Durable Non-toxic Biodegradable in its raw state The Not So Good The use of wood in manufacturing contributes to deforestation, leading to loss of habitats and increased carbon emissions Considerations Make sustainable choices by opting for FSC® certified or reclaimed wood The EU has introduced legal measures to protect forests. Wood from outside the EU may have originated from endangered species and tends not be supported by replanting initiatives Be aware that some wood treatments can compromise the biodegradability of the wood Paper A versatile material made from pressed pulp fibres, commonly derived from wood sources. The Good Biodegradable Recyclable Usually derived from natural sources Recycled paper production saves more energy than the production of virgin paper The Not So Good Directly contributes to deforestation Toxic chemicals are used to recycle paper When decomposing, paper releases a harmful greenhouse gas called methane Paper production requires very large volumes of water Considerations Always opt for paper from sustainable sources like the FSC® Remember that paper is only recyclable when clean – it cannot be stained with grease, foodstuffs, paint or dirt Be sure to remove any plastic wrapping from newspapers and magazines before recycling. This must be recycled separately To determine if paper is recyclable, scrunch paper up. If it remains scrunched and doesn’t spring back, it is suitable for recycling. Processes Process Sustainable Credentials Sustainable Considerations The Good and the Not So Good Biodegradable A substance or product that is able to decompose byexposure to bacteria or other living organisms. The GoodBiodegradable products reduce carbon dioxide levels and greenhouse gas emissions Break down naturally and don’t release harmful compounds when doing so The Not So Good Depend on certain weather conditions to break down properly Do not decompose in water, so they won’t solve the issue of marine pollution Considerations Remember they must be disposed of very specifically Compostable A natural process in which microorganisms, bacteria andfungi break down organic matter into a nutrient-richsubstance. The Good Creates a natural, organic fertiliser Reduces landfill waste Improves soil health The Not So Good Not all compostable products are suitable for domestic compost bins Compostable items cannot be placed with your standard recycling Recycling Widely Recycled: can be recycled at 75% or more of UKfacilities Check Locally: recyclable at 20-75% of UK facilities Not Yet Recycled: Recycled by less than 20% of UKfacilities The act of converting waste materials into new products to avoid sending the waste to landfill. The Good Recycling ensures a secure supply chain by processing non-biodegradable plastics that are already in circulation and turning them into new products Conserves valuable non-renewable resources Reduces landfill waste The Not So Good Some areas do not have access to recycling facilities or simply can’t afford them, so are forced to use landfills as a cheaper alternative Recycling and manufacturing products from recycled materials uses energy Considerations Not all products that you might assume are recyclable are actually recyclable, so always check the symbols carefully Renewable Energy Renewable energy works by harnessing power fromrenewable resources like sunlight, wind, rain, and tides so that we’re not relying on depleting ordamaging sources. The GoodSustainable and abundant Takes advantage of power that would otherwise go to waste Low-maintenance systems The Not So Good Can result in air pollution Requires a lot of energy to produce Can be dependent on seasons Popular Accreditations Name What the Accreditation Stands For FSC® Forest Stewardship Council Any product that is FSC® Certified has met theenvironmental and social requirements of the council.This makes FSC® paper and card a great option forsustainability, as the organisation ensures that allwood harvested for use is replaced to protect againstdeforestation. Choosing FSC® products also guaranteesthat certain sections of forests and woodlands are leftcompletely intact to protect wildlife and theirhabitats. All products can be traced from store tosource. Fair Trade The symbol of a person triumphantly raising one hand inthe air means better pay and trading standards forproducers in developing countries. ISO14001 ISO14001 is the international standard that specifiesrequirements for an effective environmental managementsystem (EMS). It provides a framework that anorganisation can follow, rather than establishingenvironmental performance requirements. Eco Terms So, now that we’ve brushed up on our products and processes, let’s take acloser look at some general eco terms and what they really mean: Biodiversity: Biodiversity is the level and variation of life in aparticular environment. High biodiversity means that plant and animal lifeis thriving, while low biodiversity suggests that only a small amount ofnatural life is supported. Bioaccumulation: This super-sciency sounding term is what we call theaccumulation of materials within an organism. Over time, chemicals andpesticides build up in certain organisms – often at a much faster rate thanthe organism can get rid of those substances… Carbon Emissions: Carbon emissions are released when fossil fuels areburnt, causing harmful greenhouse gasses to be released into theatmosphere. Carbon Footprint: Carbon footprint is determined by the amount of carbondioxide a person, product or organisation emits. Climate Change: Climate change is a change in climate patterns caused by an increase in carbon dioxide. This has a knock-on effect on the environment and causes global temperatures to rise, leading to the shrinking of glaciers and disruptions to natural habitats. Watch this no-nonsense video for a straightforward and simple explanationof climate change:Youtube Video Corporate Responsibility: In terms of sustainability, corporateresponsibility refers to the self-regulated goals of a company ororganisation to reduce their carbon footprint and adopt sustainablebusiness practices. Deforestation: This refers to the removal of trees from forest areas tomake room for other things that certainly aren’t forests… Whendeforestation occurs, habitats are lost, and greenhouse gases areincreased. Eco: ‘Eco’ has become an umbrella term for anything that is beneficial forthe environment. It also refers to any product or practice that is lessharmful than non-eco alternatives. Global Warming: This describes the warming up of the planet over time as a result of greenhouse gas emissions and carbon dioxide. Greenhouse Effect: Gases in the Earth’s atmosphere trap heat from the Sun, causing the Earth to get hotter. This process is similar to theheat-trapping phenomenon experienced with actual greenhouses (N.B. actual greenhouses are not the cause of the issue, so don’t go hurling bricks into your neighbour’s garden in a bid to reduce the Greenhouse Effect!) Greenwashing: This relatively new term that suggests that anenvironmental claim is misleading and has just been made in order to makethe manufacturer appear to care about the planet. Sustainable: And just like that, we’ve come full circle in our discussionof sustainability jargon. The word itself means maintaining something at acertain level, so in terms of the Earth, we want to make sure we are usingprocesses and materials that we can continue to use over a long period oftime in order to cause as little damage to the environment as possible. In Summary We hope this article helps to demystify some of the jargon aroundsustainability, and we encourage you to share this information with yourfriends and family so that we can all understand the change we’re workingtowards that little bit better. Further Reading Want to put your knowledge of eco symbols to the test? Check out theseinteresting articles to learn more: https://www.pureplanetrecycling.co.uk/waste-recycling-glossary/ https://www.greenlivingtips.com/articles/green-jargon-and-terminology.html https://www.thisiseco.co.uk/news_and_blog/recycling-symbols-explained.html https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sustainability-plan/sustainability-plan https://www.hants.gov.uk/landplanningandenvironment/environment/climatechange/sustainabilitypolicy http://grantham.sheffield.ac.uk/bio-based-biodegradable-and-compostable-plastics/ https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/734837/Plastics_call_for_evidence_summary_of_responses_web.pdf https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/standards-for-biodegradable-compostable-and-bio-based-plastics-call-for-evidence Read More

October 04, 2022

Serious about Sustainability

Serious about Sustainability If your anything like us, you will be revelling in the joys of NEW ECO & Recycled Branded Merchandise, all designed and branded to help you ‘Project YOUR Brand & ECO Credentials. On the other hand, if you’re feeling a bit jaded with your current merchandise offering, maybe NOW is the time to take a fresh look at sustainable merchandise with Indigo Promotions! The vast range includes products which are recycled, biodegradable, organic, reclaimed, compostable, recyclable and sustainable, there are so many options it’s a bit like 50 shades of green! Seriously though, with NEW products and re-vamped classic favourites taking on new ECO guises, our team are on hand to help you navigate the extensive and expanding range. Our priority is to help you create maximum brand exposure for now, with minimal environmental impact for the future. At Indigo Promotions we are heavily invested in developing business with supply chain partners who have & continue to demonstrate a strong commitment in keeping ‘sustainability considerations’ at the top of their agenda. This enables us to deliver the most creative & innovative environmentally friendly branded merchandise. Gone are the days when the cheapest, most budget printed pens made from virgin plastic will do! We are seeing a new generation of more discerning purchasers giving higher regard for not only the impact and longevity of branded merchandise to recipients, but prioritising the environmental impact by choosing sustainable alternatives. In 2011, a Which? Report found that 2.5 billion disposable coffee cups are used each year in the UK. However, as the coffee shop industry has grown considerably since then, this figure is likely to be an underestimate of usage now. Based on the estimate that the UK currently uses 2.5 billion disposable cups, by 2025 coffee shop growth will see the UK using approximately 3.75 billion disposable cups per year. However, Eunomia Research and Consulting have suggested that the UK may already use as many as 5 billion coffee cups per year. The Americano - Best of British For the vast majority of established corporate gifts there are ‘earth friendly’ alternatives such as our reusable, recycled & recyclable 350ml insulated Americano ‘take out’ style tumbler. Manufactured and branded here in the UK, the Americano’s are now available in an array of colours & sizes and choice of ECO materials including 100% recycled materials or 25% renewable sugarcane bioplastic material. Whichever you choose we’ve got it all wrapped up in an individual home-compostable bag! The Americano has generous print options for your logo & design, enabling you to add an optional ECO strapline alongside your branding such as “Its refills not landfill’s with ‘your Company name’ drinkware”. Or ECO statements such as, “This tumbler is made from recycled plastic, which can also be recycled”. Carefully selected Branded Merchandise will carry promoting your brand long after any event. The longevity of the reusable American provides outstanding value for your marketing budget. Get in touch for your FREE unbranded sampleand bespoke quotation today! Branded Drinkware – Indigo Promotions - TOP PICKS… Americano Recycled 350ml insulated Tumbler Double-walled insulated tumbler with twist-on lid.Made from 100% recycled material. The shades of blackor white may vary, and the white option has a texturecolour effect and may include tints of colour, due to thenature of the recycled material. Made in the UK.Packed in a home-compostable bag. BPA-free. Americano Renew 350ml insulated Tumbler Double-wall insulated tumbler with screw-on lid.Contains 25% plastic derived from sugar cane.This renewable source absorbs carbon dioxide whilstgrowing and is a by-product of the sugar industry.The use of sugar cane means less oil is used in themanufacture of each tumbler. The tumbler is 100%recyclable and packed in a home compostable bag.Made in the UK. BPA-free. Introducing the NEW Eco 500ml Finger Grip Bottle The environmentally friendly recycled Eco bottle is made from100% reclaimed food grade material that has been savedfrom landfill by collection of milk bottles from council recyclers.The colour is dependent on how many labels or capsget through the remanufacturing process,hence why they are off white in colour. Stay Hydrated this summer! Dehydration means your body loses more fluids than you take in.If it’s not treated, it can get worse and become a serious problem. Check out the NHS website for hydration advice and always rememberbabies, children and the elderly are more at risk of dehydration. For life on the go! Keeping your branded drinkware with you throughout the day canhelp remind you to keep hydrated. Why not include fluid level markerson the side you can even monitor more closely your fluid intake.Check out our Evander Sports Bottle, we can print your logo in one or two spot colours, full colour wrap and even includeindividual names should you wish! And remember with branded drinkware… “If you can’t re-use it – refuse it” Sources: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dehydration/ https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201719/cmselect/cmenvaud/657/657.pdf Read More

August 16, 2022

Invest in Colour: How Colour Psychology Can Help Your Business

How colour choices affect consumer behaviour and psychology. Your subconscious mind is continuously monitoring your environment and sending signals to your brain and so, prompting a response. But did you know, the way in which we perceive things even goes down to our choice in colour? Without recognising it, you are (perhaps) more likely to opt for a dark purple taxi firm over a bright purple one. Similarly, if the price was the same, you may gravitate towards the green petrol station over the pink. As a customer, this may sound silly and unimaginable. However, as a business, this is well thought out and intentional, designed to influence your decisions. It is said that the use of colour can trigger a psychological response that can alter the way in which we see things. Individuals don’t always react in the same way to colours due to previous experiences, however, there are a few generalities in which people do. So, if you like having bright orange walls and someone else doesn’t, don’t take it too personally. Colour Psychology and Branding Colour can be used as a powerful marketing tool – it already is, all around you brands have selected colours purposefully to impact the way in which we think and behave. The infographic below shows the most popular colour choices by industry. This was created by Towergate Insurance by analysing over 500 logos from varying sectors. It’s interesting to take from the below that black is used most often in apparel and accessories industries to portray sophistication and power – things people are happy to put their money towards in order to be associated with. Red can be seen most commonly in restaurant branding, attracting people through bold and passionate advertisement. With all that said, it’s no wonder branding and design can take companies years to master. Creating a logo, content and corporate identity that accurately reflects your offering is just as important to your business as anything else. What can different colours insinuate to consumers? Colours, shades and hues can be powerful marketing tools – if used correctly. The way in which these are used and where, will play an important role in how your brand is perceived, whether you know it or not. This emotional cue can also help with attracting and retaining your ideal customer – helping you to speak to your target audience. RedUsed intentionally to capture (positive or negative) attention, show power and express passion. A bold colour for a bold brand and purpose. Ever wondered why warnings, promotions and call-to-actions are always in red? OrangeOrange tones are said to be inviting by providing a sense of adventure, comfort, creativity and success. Often used to target younger audiences or for DIY/home brands to create the feeling of freedom. YellowUltimately anything yellow gives a sense of happiness and optimism and can be particularly motivating. For brands wanting to inspire and uplift – yellow will do just that. GreenCalming and balancing. Let’s take Holland and Barrett – a health-food store ultimately wanting to present feelings of calm, trust, de-stress and wellbeing to its customers and attract those who want to feel just that. BlueKnown for its connotations with trust, knowledge and responsibility, blue is a soothing colour whilst also inducing feelings of dependability and calm to those who notice it. As one of the most-liked colours globally, it’s no wonder 33% of top brands use it as well as in hospitals and spas. PurplePurple is a great colour to create a feeling of mystery and nobility. Holding the power of red whilst also the responsibility of blue allows anyone who uses it to be seen as creative, but luxurious. PinkA soothing and sensitive colour creating feelings of unconditional love. However, different shades and tints can portray different meanings so should be used carefully. Too much can often be associated with immaturity and even, lack of power. When used appropriately, this colour can generate feelings of hope and be playful. Monochromatic For those wanting to be seen as powerful, elegant and modern. The simplicity of black can create a huge sense of clarity and confidence. Often used by technology companies and designers to give customers confidence in the brand as knowledgeable and in control.Whilst the opposite, creates feelings of trust and innovation. White is seen widely as a ‘clean’ colour, creating a brand that is pure and peaceful. BrownA strong colour to create feelings of structure, comfort and purity. Although not the most stimulating or eye-catching it is great for brands that do not want to be seen as bold and loud, but supportive and reliable instead. Overall Whilst individual colours can give your brand a sense of whatever it is you are trying to convey, it is important to remember that a mix of these colours can also help to achieve just that. For example, if you want to inject the idea that you are reliable and provide a high quality service, why not try blue and black?In just 10 seconds, people have formed a judgement on your brand. Whilst obviously, 10 seconds is not enough to form a fair opinion, this is all you have. Colour is one of the first things noticed by a customer and so, if selected correctly can help boost your credit by 40% and is a marketing tool you cannot afford to overlook. Our Top Picks If red’s your thing, make your statement with the Ashford Plus The Eco Notebook in orange is perfect for targeting younger, adventurous customers. Spread positivity and motivation with the Madras Cotton Tote Bag 7L in yellow. Build up a portfolio of trust and reliability using the Stress Ball in green Use the Eco Contour Ballpen in blue to generate a rapport of high dependability and knowledge. Build mystery through the unique and multi functional Spectrum Hi-Max Ballpen Highlight hope with the Bubble Bluetooth Speaker in pink. Be in control with the Car Phone Holder in black. Be Wild with our Rainbow Beach Ball Resources https://digitalsynopsis.com/design/logo-colour-branding-psychology-industry-specific/ https://coschedule.com/blog/color-psychology-marketinghttps://www.oberlo.co.uk/blog/color-psychology-color-meaningshttps://www.crowdspring.com/blog/successful-branding-for-entrepreneurs-statistics/https://www.towergateinsurance.co.uk/ Read More

August 12, 2022

first Indigo Promotions | Branded Merchandise For Every Event - Home

Heading Indigo Promotions | Branded Merchandise For Every Event - Home

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Empowering Wellbeing: A Guide to a healthier lifestyle

How Promotional Merchandise Can Help Your Business Without Breaking Your Budget

Introduction Of The rHIPS.b Range

Bamboo – Nature’s Miracle Material

Make Sense Of Sustainability

Serious about Sustainability

Invest in Colour: How Colour Psychology Can Help Your Business