Australian-based Arid Zone has won two major awards at the annual international PPAI Awards held in Las Vegas in January which recognises and celebrates creative excellence in the global promotional products industry. This year, they were awarded Gold Pyramid Awards for both Educational and Social Responsibility Client Programs.

The U.S.-based PPAI (Promotional Products Association International) supports the growth and professionalism of promotional merchandise companies. Its awards honour creative excellence in the promotional products industry, outstanding promotions, creative campaigns and exceptional craftsmanship by members around the world.

“Never in my 35+ years of being in our industry have I seen so much care taken to have a truly environmentally sound product used” PPAI judges commented.

Arid Zone was acclaimed for two major awards for Promotional Product Initiatives in recognition of their Kinder Kit produced for the Victorian Government.  To meet the brief’s strict criteria, the Arid Zone team focused on balancing sustainable, ethical and socially responsible purchase practices using recycled and recyclable materials where possible, with most of the Kinder Kits’ components able to be re-purposed or broken down for recycling. The Kits are a bright and engaging collection of useful resources for children, with books, toys and activities designed to encourage continued learning at home and to help parents and carers support their child to thrive in the first year of kindergarten.

“In todays’ world, the more we can do to positively influence children is a win-win for everyone” PPAI Judge commented.

Arid Zone collaborated with the Victorian Government and Climate Active to undertake a carbon-neutral certification process, considered to be one of the most rigorous in the world. This guided the carbon emissions reduction process.

The team also engaged with Ndever Environmental, a climate change and human rights advisory firm who are focused on accelerating the economy’s transition to a sustainable, net zero future. The advisory firm undertook a comprehensive assessment of the Kinder Kit case, with their findings audited and certified by Climate Active.

“We thrive when working on product design projects from the ground up and this collaboration is no different. Seeing such positive results highlights that our strength lies with our partnerships with local and international supply partners as well as our ethical and sustainable accreditations to deliver on this brief,” said Max Fato, Arid Zone’s Sales Director and project leader in reference to the production strategy which “was complex and challenging to deliver against the reduce, recycle, reuse and practical KPIs.”

This cements Arid Zone as a leader in the sustainability category, having also recently claimed the award for “Sustainable Eco-Friendly Initiative” at the APPA Australasian awards held last August in Melbourne.

“The approach Arid Zone took to delivering a multi-use activity case that is both robust and light enough for three-year-olds to carry themselves has been considered both innovative and exciting. Feedback has been very positive, with the colourful and functional case receiving high praise for its engaging, functional and environmentally-friendly design” Department of Education and Training, Kinder Kits Manager commented.

“These awards represent recognition of the significant journey towards greater sustainability and ethical practices that Arid Zone as part of the Conserv Brands Group is committed to. Achieving sustainable and ethical goals is a process of continuous improvement,” says Clive McCorkell, CEO.

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