Recycled Coaster for Sustainable Brand Merchandise

Small details often carry the greatest weight in brand perception. A branded coaster may seem like a minor touchpoint, but when thoughtfully designed and sustainably produced, it becomes a subtle yet powerful expression of brand values. It speaks to quality, responsibility, and the choices a company makes behind the scenes.

Opting for a recycled coaster today isn’t just a design decision, it’s a brand alignment strategy. It reflects a conscious effort to merge sustainability with function, aesthetics with accountability.

In this article, we’ll explore how sustainable coasters contribute to brand storytelling, the range of material options available, and how The ODM Group supports brands in delivering high-quality, purpose-driven merchandise.

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Choosing the right materials for recycled coasters

We’ve curated a wide range of sustainable material options that allow brands to align functionality with message. Each material offers a different perspective on sustainability, whether recycled, renewable, or  repurposed

Made from recycled bottles, this felt-like material offers softness with sustainability.

Made from biodegradable seed paper that grows into plants after use.

Durable and reusable, suited for long-life applications and circular use models.

Transformed marine waste that adds a powerful environmental narrative.

A robust plastic sourced from electronic waste, offering high durability.

Biodegradable, renewable, and ideal for embossing or laser engraving.

A fast-growing material with a natural grain finish, often associated with minimalism and eco-consciousness.

Sustainably sourced timber that adds weight and tactile appeal.

Agricultural byproducts transformed into moldable, biodegradable forms.

Moulded paper with a low environmental footprint, ideal for mass distribution.

Made from apple, cactus, or cork leather; typically composed of 65% plant base, 23–25% PU, and 10% bonding agents.

Plant-derived polymers that mimic plastic performance with lower impact.

Creative applications for sustainable branded coasters

Recycled coasters are versatile brand assets. Whether used as part of a marketing campaign or operational touchpoint, they offer multiple use cases:

• Packaging Inserts – Add coasters as functional gifts in e-commerce or subscription box packaging to enhance perceived value and brand recall.
• Point-of-Sale & Hospitality – Use branded coasters in restaurants, cafes, bars, and hotels to reinforce brand visibility and convey your commitment to sustainability.
• Corporate Gifting & Events – Include coasters in gift boxes for stakeholders, clients, or event attendees as a subtle yet effective brand reinforcement tool.
• Campaign Collateral – Distribute as part of direct mail, press kits, or promotional events to add a tactile, reusable element to your storytelling.
• Internal Brand Engagement – Roll out coasters during internal ESG initiatives, office onboarding, or team gifting to keep sustainability top-of-mind for employees.

These applications make recycled coasters more than just merchandise, they become tools for brand connection, values communication, and everyday visibility.

From idea to execution: How ODM supports your brand

Our approach to sustainable branded coasters is holistic. Here’s how the process flows:

• Concept & Design: ODM collaborates with brand teams to define coaster goals: target audience (hospitality, events, corporate gifting), finish aesthetics, branding method and sustainability story. 
• Material Sourcing & Selection: ODM sources certified eco‑materials: FSC‑wood, verified recycled rPET, corn‑bioplastic suppliers, vegan‑leather producers with known composition. The sourcing team verifies content, origin and supplier credentials.
• Customization & Manufacturing: Manufacturing takes place in ODM’s regional hubs. Services include die‑cutting, embossing, laser etching, full‑color print, packaging in recycled cartons, and logistics planning. Quality assurance covers durability tests, print adhesion, thermal resistance (important for coasters) and branding alignment.
• Sustainability Documentation: ODM supports the brand’s ESG narrative by providing the material breakdown, factory energy credentials, and packaging recyclability. These documents help procurement teams report on merchandise sustainability.
• Delivery & Global Logistics: From prototype approval to full production and shipping, ODM handles the end‑to‑end process. Whether you need European distribution, Asia rollout or global fulfilment, ODM manages logistics, ensuring quality and sustainability standards are maintained.

Case Study Spotlight: La Pastina’s Coaster Campaign in Brazil

La Pastina, a leading distributor in Latin America, launched an engaging in-store campaign using recycled coasters as custom giveaways. Shoppers who purchased Emiliana or JP. Chenet wines received collectible coasters featuring vibrant, country-themed designs. These coasters served double duty—not only as souvenirs but also as bottle neckers, enhancing shelf visibility. The campaign’s success stems from three key factors: compelling design, standout in-store placement, and a smart brand partnership. With over 3,000 retail points of sale across Brazil, La Pastina effectively demonstrated how a small branded product like a coaster can deliver significant promotional impact.

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Branded coasters made from recycled or renewable materials are more than invoices on a campaign, they’re tactile expressions of your brand’s values. Whether you choose rPET, cork, vegan leather or any combination of the materials outlined above, the material choice becomes part of the narrative.

With ODM Group, your next branded coaster project can be strategically aligned: from sustainability credential to design aesthetics to global delivery. Reach out today to explore material samples, design options and how a recycled coaster can serve your brand while advancing your ESG goals.

At The ODM Group, we specialize in transforming creative concepts into market-ready merchandise through precision printing, professional design, and global manufacturing expertise. Contact us today to learn how we can help you design, source, and manufacture high-quality promotional products that elevate your brand awareness.

• Website: www.theodmgroup.com 
• Email: info@theodmgroup.com 

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