ECO
Our responsible manufacturers and suppliers of promotional items
At Quintessence, we work with carefully selected manufacturers and suppliers of promotional items, all of whom are committed to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. This commitment goes beyond mere lip service: it is embedded in their industrial processes, product strategy, and supply chain management, reflecting a commitment to continuous improvement on par with that of industry leaders.
RCS
(Recycled Claim Standard)
GRS
(Global Recycled Standard)
OEKO-TEX
(Guarantee that the fabric is free of harmful substances)
FSC
(Sustainably sourced wood and paper)
AWARE
(Social responsibility and traceability)
OCS
(Organic Content Standard)
BCI
(Better Cotton Initiative)
RDS
(Responsible Down Standard)
A structured and certified CSR approach
Environmental certifications
Our manufacturers are recognized for their serious and transparent commitment to sustainability, including EcoVadis Platinum certification, which attests to their overall performance in the areas of the environment, ethics, and governance. They also adhere to recognized environmental certifications for products and raw materials:
These labels provide clear traceability of materials and assurance that the products meet strict criteria for circularity and reduced environmental impact.
Transparency & Continuous Improvement
Like the ESG approaches of industry leaders, we value transparency, measurement, and continuous improvement. This means:
Provide clear information about certifications and the materials used
Regularly measure the environmental impact of products
Optimize processes to reduce emissions and waste
Work closely with our partners to set long-term goals
This proactive approach draws inspiration from the practices of the most responsible large companies, which view ESG as a strategy in its own right rather than merely a marketing tool.
Concrete Commitments & Social Initiatives
Our partners don’t just obtain certifications; they actively participate in projects that make a positive impact, including:
Access to drinking water
Support for an international organization that provides clean water and sanitation facilities to communities in need.
Reforestation and Ecosystem Restoration
Partnership committed to planting trees and strengthening forests worldwide.
Certified carbon credits
Participation in recognized carbon credit programs, helping to offset unavoidable emissions and support climate mitigation projects
These initiatives are part of a sustainable, measurable vision that benefits both the planet and local communities. They demonstrate that our supplier network does not merely comply with standards, but also seeks to actively contribute to a more sustainable future.
A responsible supply chain
Our approach to responsibility covers the entire value chain:
Responsible Sourcing
A selection of eco-friendly materials.
Ethical Production
Compliance with strict environmental and social standards.
Audits & Monitoring
Ongoing monitoring and regular reviews.
Green Logistics
Optimization to reduce the carbon footprint.
This approach draws inspiration from the ESG frameworks used by socially responsible companies, which combine transparency, strategy, and action to create sustainable value.
Green Points
measure environmental impact
+20
Green points
+35
Green points
+50
Green points
What are Green Points?
Factors considered when evaluating green points
Materials
Recyclability
Country of Origin
Environmental standards
Social standards
Sustainable printing
Packaging
Supply chain
Why this matters to you
Factors considered when evaluating green points
Audited and certified promotional items
guarantees of environmental and social traceability
contributions to recognized positive initiatives
a responsible partner committed to supporting your own CSR initiatives
FAQ
CSR Commitments & Responsible Manufacturers
Everything you need to know about the impact of your promotional items.
Are your promotional items really eco-friendly?
Yes. We work exclusively with our certified manufacturers and suppliers, who are committed to a structured, audited, and measurable CSR approach. Certifications and social standards ensure that production is respectful of both the environment and people.
What does EcoVadis Platinum certification mean?
EcoVadis Platinum is the highest level of CSR recognition.
It evaluates more than 20 criteria across:
• Environment
• Social Issues & Human Rights
• Ethics
• Responsible Purchasing
👉 Less than 1% of the companies evaluated reach this level
What is the purpose of certifications such as GRS, RCS, or FSC®?
These labels ensure the traceability of materials:
• made from recycled or organic materials
• responsible resource management
• absence of harmful substances
They allow you to choose sustainable and traceable promotional items, rather than simply “green” products
How do you monitor working conditions at your manufacturers?
Our suppliers are audited against recognized standards such as SMETA, BSCI, SA8000, or WCA, which assess:
• working conditions
• safety
• respect for human rights
• prohibition of forced labor or child labor
Do your commitments go beyond certifications?
Yes. Several of our manufacturers actively support:
• https://water.org for access to drinking water
• https://treesforall.nl for reforestation
• certified carbon credit programs via https://regreener.earth
These actions contribute to a measurable positive impact.
Is this greenwashing?
No.
We prioritize:
• verifiable evidence
• internationally recognized standards
• audited partners
We report only on actual, documented, and verified commitments.
Can I highlight these commitments in my own CSR communications?
Yes. We can assist you with:
• product sheets detailing certifications
• visuals & pictograms for labels
• CSR messaging guidelines for reports, requests for proposals, or internal communications
Do you offer a more sustainable alternative for each product?
In most cases, yes.
Our teams will guide you toward:
• recycled or certified materials
• European-made products whenever possible
• solutions with a reduced environmental impact
Conclusion
When you choose our solutions, you’re relying on a network of responsible manufacturers committed to a rigorous, transparent ESG approach that aligns with the current expectations of businesses, institutions, and organizations.
High social standards
Our commitment to responsibility extends beyond the environment. Our manufacturers and suppliers are also committed to upholding social standards throughout their supply chains, with audits and certifications that ensure respect for human rights, occupational health and safety, and ethical practices.
SMETA
BSCI
SA8000
WCA
OEKO-TEX®
Everything is centralized to ensure a seamless experience, from selection to delivery