27 Merchandise
WE CAN ALL DO BETTER
Louisa Daley chats to Karl Dukes , sales and marketing director at Media Hut , about how the company ’ s merchandise aims to support the industry ’ s efforts to become more sustainable
edia Hut is “ an unusual company ”, admits Karl Dukes , the firms ’ sales and marketing director , as it hasn ’ t always sold sustainable merchandise and only began doing so eight years ago . In fact , the company started out by sending direct mail and , as more clients asked for an added item , Media Hut found itself buying more merchandise to meet their needs .
It was only when its clients began exhibiting at events that Media Hut was introduced to the events industry . “ Rather than starting from the bottom up and trying to sell the exhibitors pens , we instead started from the top down and partnered up with exhibition organisers ,” says Dukes . Media Hut not only supplies sustainable merchandise to exhibitors , but it also “ supports exhibitors with their merchandise and provides the events industry with a managed service ,” he says .
From its sustainable paper wristbands , which are fully biodegradable and embedded with flower seeds , to its solid wooden awards that are laser engraved from sustainable forests , all its products aim to help our industry be less wasteful and make a positive impact on the planet .
Dukes encourages us to recognise that sustainable products haven ’ t always been so in demand . “ Five years ago , when we were selling merchandise , the conversation would start with : I need some merchandise , how cheap can you do it ?,” reveals Dukes . However , during lockdown , the profile of sustainability has risen as people have had time to reflect on what ’ s important . It ’ s no longer
“ During lockdown , the profile of sustainability has risen as people have had time to reflect on what ’ s important . It ’ s no longer just part of our CSR or a tick box exercise ”
Karl Dukes , sales and marketing director , Media Hut
just part of our CSR or a tick box exercise .
Instead , individuals are asking : what ’ s the most eco-friendly product you have and how much is it ? “ We are definitely seeing a shift in balance . We will soon consider sustainability as a currency . It will be up there with service , quality and price ,” says Dukes .
What ’ s even more great to see is the sustainability effort being driven by the industry as a whole through various initiatives . “ The industry is beginning to question the whole life of products , not just what we are doing with them ,” says Dukes . “ We have adopted a long-term vision and that ’ s not about to change .”
For Dukes , there is one big takeaway : “ We could all do better , so why aren ’ t we ? “ Sustainability isn ’ t going to be fixed by the top 20 companies , it needs millions of us to take a few little baby steps .” CN www . conference-news . co . uk