How the Award Industry Can Reduce Plastic Use

The award and recognition industry plays a major role in celebrating achievements across schools, companies, sports, and nonprofits. From small trophies to large event plaques, millions of awards are produced each year. However, many of these products are made with plastic, an affordable but environmentally damaging material. As the world becomes more focused on sustainability, there’s growing pressure on all industries, including awards, to cut down on plastic. Fortunately, with thoughtful planning and creative alternatives like glass awards, the industry can move toward a greener future. This article explores practical ways the award industry can reduce plastic use while maintaining quality, style, and organizational efficiency.

Understanding the Environmental Impact of Plastic in Awards

Plastic has been the material of choice for many awards due to its low cost, durability, and ease of customization. However, producing plastic comes with significant environmental costs. Most plastics are derived from fossil fuels, and they don’t biodegrade. Instead, they break into microplastics, polluting oceans and soil for hundreds of years.

In the award industry, many plaques, trophies, and medallions use acrylics or molded plastic parts that eventually end up in landfills. While a single item may seem small, the global volume of award-related plastic waste adds up quickly, especially in industries and schools that issue awards in large numbers.

Switch to Sustainable Materials Like Glass

One of the most effective solutions to reducing plastic use is switching to sustainable materials. Glass awards are a high-quality alternative that offer beauty, elegance, and environmental responsibility. Glass is recyclable, reusable, and has a longer life span than plastic.

Not only are glass awards better for the planet, but they also elevate the perceived value of the recognition. Whether it’s a corporate milestone or an academic honor, a glass award sends a message of prestige and sustainability. Organizations that use glass awards[1]  are also aligning themselves with the values of eco-conscious recipients and audiences.

Use Recycled and Reclaimed Materials

Another way to cut down plastic waste is by using recycled or reclaimed materials. Some award manufacturers are now offering items made from recycled glass, wood, or metal. These options reduce the need for virgin resources and give a second life to existing materials.

This practice is not only environmentally friendly but can also become a powerful storytelling element. For example, an award made from recycled ocean glass can represent progress toward a cleaner planet, making it more meaningful for the recipient and more impactful for the brand presenting it.

Streamline Packaging to Reduce Waste

Plastic isn’t just used in the awards themselves—it’s often found in packaging. Shrink wrap, foam inserts, plastic gift bags, and bubble wrap are common in the award shipping process. Reducing plastic packaging is an easy win for the industry.

Switching to paper-based or compostable packaging materials can drastically cut down on plastic use. Reusable packaging options like cloth bags or recycled cardboard boxes are equally effective in protecting the product while reducing environmental harm. Streamlining packaging can also improve organization efficiency, lowering costs and simplifying logistics.

Go Digital When Appropriate

In some cases, digital recognition can replace physical awards entirely. For employee recognition programs, volunteer appreciation, or virtual events, digital certificates or online shout-outs can carry just as much weight. These options eliminate the need for materials and shipping, reducing both environmental impact and program costs.

This doesn’t mean replacing all physical awards, especially those meant for major milestones. Instead, organizations can evaluate when a digital option is sufficient and when a physical award—preferably one made from sustainable materials like glass—is more appropriate.

Educate Clients and Buyers

Manufacturers and award companies play a key role in guiding their customers toward more sustainable options. Many clients default to plastic-based awards because they are cheaper or more familiar. But with proper education and product displays, they can be introduced to eco-friendly alternatives.

By showcasing glass awards, recycled materials, and low-waste packaging, businesses can position themselves as leaders in sustainability. Providing information on environmental benefits and long-term costs helps clients make better decisions. It also aligns the brand with broader values, which is becoming increasingly important in both consumer and B2B markets.

Encourage Reuse and Repurposing

Another way to cut plastic waste is by encouraging reuse. Organizations can create awards that are designed to be reused or repurposed. For example, some companies offer interchangeable nameplates or modular awards where parts can be updated each year instead of throwing away the whole item.

Repurposing can also be encouraged through design—awards that double as decor or office accessories (like bookends or paperweights) are more likely to be kept and used long term. Reuse not only reduces waste but also enhances organizational efficiency, as it minimizes the need for reordering or storing surplus inventory.

Invest in Long-Term Value Over Short-Term Cost

One of the main reasons plastic is still so widely used is because it’s cheap. But focusing solely on upfront costs ignores the long-term value of investing in sustainable options. Awards made from high-quality materials like glass, wood, or metal tend to last longer, look better, and make a stronger impression.

When organizations choose quality over quantity, they reduce waste, enhance their brand image, and often build stronger loyalty with award recipients. In many cases, one well-designed glass award has more impact than multiple plastic trophies, both visually and environmentally.

Conclusion

The award industry has a real opportunity to become more environmentally responsible. By moving away from plastic and embracing alternatives like glass awards, recyclable packaging, and digital recognition, businesses can reduce their environmental footprint without compromising quality or meaning.