In a world where brand trust is everything, how your organization shows up through the gifts, gear, and giveaways you choose really matters. Whether you're in HR, marketing, or procurement, selecting sustainable promotional products sends a clear message about your values. But finding products that genuinely reflect those values? That’s the hard part.
That’s why Ethical Swag created our Emoji Rating System. A simple, visual way to shop by what matters most to you. Whether it's ethical sourcing, local manufacturing, or eco-friendly materials, we make it easy to align your swag with your values.
Why Shopping by Your Values Matters
More than 70% of Gen Z say they prefer to buy from brands that reflect their beliefs, according to Fast Company. And they’re not alone, employees increasingly want to work for companies that prioritize purpose alongside profit.
That’s where values-led swag comes in. The right items don’t just promote your brand, they tell a bigger story. They show that you care about how things are made, who makes them, and what happens to them after they're used.
Whether you’re onboarding new team members, sending thank-you gifts, or hosting a conference, swag that reflects your values can deepen loyalty, inspire trust, and drive impact.
Meet the Emoji Rating System
At Ethical Swag, we do the legwork so you don’t have to. Our Emoji Rating System gives you a visual snapshot of the sustainability and ethical credentials behind every item we offer.
You’ll see these emojis on every product page and you can even filter collections by value, making it fast and simple to find what fits your mission.
But these aren’t just icons. Each emoji represents a real commitment: verified sourcing, environmental stewardship, and fair labor practices. We’re a Certified B Corporation, which means we’ve already vetted every supplier for transparency, compliance, and quality.
Emoji Key: What Each Symbol Means
Here’s how to decode the symbols behind our curated swag:
Download the Full Emoji Rating Guide
More Than Just Icons: Why It Matters
Swag isn’t just stuff. It’s how your brand shows up in the world. That’s why every product we carry is curated, not manufactured. We work with suppliers who meet rigorous standards for social compliance, fair wages, safe workplaces, and environmental impact.
Our team reviews supplier certifications, verifies sourcing claims, and ensures that what you see is what you get. When you choose swag through Ethical Swag, you’re not just ticking a “green” box, you’re investing in products with integrity.
Book a Free Swag Project Intro Call to chat with our team about sourcing swag that aligns with your brand story.
How to Shop by Values
Shopping your values is easy on ethicalswag.com. Use our emoji filters to narrow products by:
Material (recycled, organic, biodegradable)
Location (Made in Canada, Made in the USA)
Impact (charitable giveback, environmental support)
Certifications (B Corp, Fair Trade, etc.)
Not sure where to start? Our team can help you match the right swag to your campaign whether it’s for employee gifting, brand activations, or client appreciation.
FAQ: People Also Ask
Q: What is the Ethical Swag emoji rating system?
A: It’s a visual guide that shows which sustainability and impact values each product supports like recycled content, local manufacturing, or charitable causes.
Q: How do I find sustainable promotional products that match my values?
A: Use the filter tools on our site or look for emojis on each product page. You can also download our Emoji Rating Guide for quick reference.
Q: What do the sustainability emojis mean on Ethical Swag products?
A: Each emoji represents a specific verified value, like eco-friendly materials, ethical sourcing, or local production.
Q: Why is it important to choose ethical swag?
A: It ensures the items you give reflect your values, reduce harm, and support fair labor practices making your brand part of the solution.
Ready to Make Your Swag Matter?
Choosing the right branded merch doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With our Emoji Rating System, you can make smart, ethical choices that support your values and your brand’s reputation. Reach out to [email protected] to get started on your next project or Book a Free Swag Project Intro Call where we can help align your brand's values with what you put your company logo on!