Unique ESG corporate gifts

Corporate gifts are evolving to fit the needs of meeting planners who source for ESG products. M&C Asia profiles an eclectic selection from five Asian destinations:

Penan Women Project (PWP),Sarawak

Based in Miri, Sarawak, PWP is a weaving social enterprise seeking to empower 60 Penan women and their families to improve their lives through high quality traditional weaving. Penan women weavers are guided by leaders who are experts in weaving. Feedback on weavers’ workmanship is shared to maintain a high level of consistency and quality. The project uses plastic strapping belt as it is durable, washable, re-usable, colourful and recycable. PWP supports the women in product development, design and quality control. Their intricate patterns are a blend of nature, design, tradition and innovation.

Online store: https://www.penanwomenproject.com/shop

demi bumi, Jakarta

From the early days of producing its draw string net bag for supermarket shopping, demi bumi has evolved to a staff strength of 30, serving the MICE industry and producing 200 products made of recycled and upcycled materials.

The company remains consistent in raising awareness about the danger of single-use plastics via educational initiatives and free workshops.

Upcycled products made of window curtain waste are one of the favourites among DMCs and event organisers. Clients include travel planners, geothermal event planners, private firms, state-owned enterprises, insurance companies and banks. Demi Bumi customises laptop sleeves, covers for passports, pouches, coin purses, folding bags, among others.

Online store: https://www.instagram.com/demibumi.shop/

Foreword Coffee, Singapore

Foreword Coffee is a social enterprise cafe that empowers persons with disabilities, special needs and mental health conditions through employment opportunities. The business has expanded to seven locations, and was a recipient of the Enabling Mark (Platinum) Award in 2021, the highest accolade given to organisations for best practices and outcomes in disability-inclusive employment. Besides offering cafes and mobile coffee carts for events, the enterprise offers an online vegan snack box and sustainably sourced coffee and tea bags.

Vegan snacks include freeze-dried Apple and Peach chips along with coffee and tea with fruity tasting notes. These snacks are naturally sweet and do not contain artificial sugars and are made with 100% real fruits and vegetables from local farms in Thailand.

Its HuskeeCup Bundle comes with five coffee brew bags in a re-usable HuskeeCup, which can be stored in a pouch. Foreword Coffee was recently part of Singapore MICE Forum’s Marketplace event.

Online store: https://forewordcoffee.com/collections/gift-bundles

Lyllon Skincare, Macau

Lyllon offers 100% natural and handmade soaps, candles, body scrubs, deodorants. The lush and cruelty-free products are free of palm oil and come in 100% plastic-free packaging. All items are made from high-quality natural ingredients and essential oils, with no chemicals, artificial colouring, or perfumes. A variety of herbs gives the products unique and vibrant colours. Lyllon has participated in MICE events such as the Macao MICE & Luxury Forum.

Online store: https://lyllon.com/shop-now/

Kadaiku, Sabah

Kadaiku, Sabah, offers handmade products that support local communities. It is Sabah Tourism Board's subsidiary platform for local crafters, who use natural materials, to promote the generations-old craftsmanship of local artisans. Among its most popular products is the beaded Vinusak Lanyard, which is handcrafted by the Rungus community in Kudat. These lanyards are more colourful and eye-catching than conventional lanyards, making them great conversation starters at events and instant fashion accessories.

Another standout product is the Serdang box, crafted by the Bajau community of Kota Belud, and the Bamboo boxes which are made by the Dusun womenfolk, also from Kota Belud. These boxes function as both elegant home decor and functional storage solutions. They come in a variety of sizes and are ideal for travel. 

Online store: https://www.kadaiku.com/