Meaningful corporate gifts that last

Whether at trade fairs, events or at the end of the year – promotional gifts are handed out everywhere. The intention is clear: a small gesture meant to be remembered. Yet often, the opposite happens. Unused products pile up at home, are rarely used and eventually end up in the bin.

More and more initiatives are proving that it can be done differently. Upcycling offers a creative and more responsible alternative to traditional corporate gifts. Instead of producing new items, materials that already exist can be used – leftovers from production, surpluses or discarded textiles. Companies themselves can also reuse their own leftover materials or textile surpluses and turn them into new, meaningful products. The result: unique gifts with character and story that not only bring joy but also demonstrate that responsible action is part of a forward-thinking mindset. They create value on several levels – ecological, social and local – and are often produced in collaboration with social workshops, local studios or innovative circular projects.

It’s time to rethink gifting: discover great initiatives and businesses, and get inspired.

Fraenck

Bags from Arnhem: local, inclusive and circular

The Dutch label Fraenck stands for upcycled products with a social focus. In their Arnhem studio, bags and accessories are made from leftover materials from sailmakers and faux leather stocks, crafted by people with limited job opportunities. Companies looking for individual, durable and locally made gifts will find partners here who combine aesthetics with responsibility.

Made Out Of

Local production and upcycling for companies from Rotterdam

Made Out Of creates more sustainable lifestyle products for companies that want to give consciously. Whether made from old banners, workwear or wood scraps, new products with stories are created in their studio. The company collaborates with social workshops in the Netherlands, ensures fairer working conditions and develops tailor-made solutions. This way, corporate waste becomes high-quality gifts that generate local value.

Remake Society

Textile circularity with social impact from Rotterdam

Remake Society demonstrates how textile surpluses can be transformed into valuable resources. The Rotterdam-based company combines upcycling, social inclusion and education by working with municipalities, businesses and educational institutions. Companies can reuse their own textiles to create new products or materials crafted by people trained through the Remake Society Academy. The result: corporate gifts with real impact – circular, social and locally produced.

Pieke & Fein

Upcycling, craftsmanship and culture from Bad Honnef near Bonn

At the Pieke & Fein studio shop, creative upcycling meets culture and craftsmanship. Founder Christina creates colourful bags from old advertising banners and, together with other labels, offers products made from sails, fabric remnants and zero-waste knitwear. Perfect for companies seeking gifts with cultural and artisanal value. Pieke & Fein also offers workshops and events.

bolsos berlin

Locally made upcycled bags from Berlin-Kreuzberg

At bolsos berlin, durable bags with a story are created from old advertising banners, sails and parachutes. Founder Britta Eppinger transforms discarded materials into timeless designs, using 100% green electricity and ensuring fairer, local production in her Kreuzberg studio. Companies can reuse their own materials with bolsos berlin to create individual gifts with real added value: aesthetic, high-quality and circular.

fyksin Atelier

Upcycling from Hamburg: accessories made from old banners

In the fyksin Atelier in Hamburg, Sinah demonstrates how creativity and functionality come together. Bags, backpacks and accessories made from discarded PVC advertising banners are characterised by clean design and long-lasting quality. Companies can collaborate with fyksin to turn their own materials into unique products, showing that design can be more sustainable, practical and locally driven.

Planet Upcycling PLUP

Upcycling design, workshops and collaborations in Düsseldorf

At Planet Upcycling in Düsseldorf, creativity meets responsibility. The PLUP team transforms old textiles and materials into new design products while offering workshops and collaboration opportunities. Companies can commission tailor-made upcycling gifts made from production leftovers, banners or workwear – products with a story that make the transition to a circular economy tangible.

Whether for clients, partners or your own team, meaningful gifts show appreciation and integrity.
If you’re looking for further inspiration, read our blog from last year, where we shared more ideas for mindful and responsibly made corporate gifts.