Koozie Group (Previously BIC Graphic) Launches New 'KG Factor' Sustainable Product Designation

Koozie Group (previously BIC Graphic North America) has announced the implementation of a "KG Factor" (Keep It. Give It.) designation identifying 510 products whose designs lessen environmental impact through longevity. The supplier worked with a third party, Hanover Research, to conduct an impartial end-user survey to identify KG Factor items as part of Koozie Group’s larger social impact and sustainability commitment.

KG Factor promotional products have a high likelihood of being kept or gifted (i.e., given or passed along), as determined by the end-user survey. Hanover Research included responses from 6,699 men and women ages 18 to over 75, from all 50 states and household incomes. Participants were shown a variety of promotional items from Koozie Group’s assortment, and asked questions to determine what they would do if they received the product, why they would take that action and how long they would keep the item. Those that received a minimum score based on these answers were designated as KG Factor products.

“Four out of five people would keep or give a KG Factor product because it was useful, functional, durable and attractive. Eighty-five percent of respondents said they would keep these items until they break,” said Melissa Ralston, chief marketing officer for Koozie Group. “We always want to be sure Koozie Group promotional products align with our high standards for quality, safety and compliance. The KG Factor is a simple way for our distributors to identify high-quality items that will have longevity in the marketplace.”

The supplier began working on the KG Factor project in early 2019 after seeing an increased interest in social responsibility from its employees. As part of the transition to a standalone company, Koozie Group established a cross-functional task force of team members who used feedback from their teams, promotional products distributors and end-users to develop a broader social impact and sustainability commitment centered around four main areas:

• Fostering diversity and inclusion
• Giving back to employees and community
• Safety and social responsibility
• Environmental stewardship

Each of these areas has a three-year goal plan to find areas of improvement that will further Koozie Group’s overall vision to leave a positive, lasting impact with the solutions and experiences it delivers.

“The KG Factor is one way we are evolving our product strategy, as we know not all products we offer can be made with recycled materials, but we do have more control over their longevity and feel this benefits our customers, the promotional product industry and our communities,” said Ralston. “The KG Factor is part of our continued commitment to environment stewardship and our goal is that 75 percent of all new products will have the KG Factor and 50 percent of all items by 2024.”

All KG Factor items can be identified with the KG Factor icon, which is displayed on applicable product pages at kooziegroup.com and in Koozie Group’s printed marketing materials. More details on the KG Factor and Koozie Group’s entire social impact and sustainability program will be available in early January 2021.

For more information on Koozie Group, visit www.kooziegroup.com.