Why It Matters LIVE: Changing the Conversation on Sustainable Merch
- Jay Busselle
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Here's a recap of the 2 Regular Guys podcast with Terry Combs, Aaron Montgomery, and Jay Busselle, Co-Founder of the Branded Merch Network, and Theresa Hegel from ASI. You can check out the whole conversation here! Before we got serious about sustainability, we had to warm up with the important stuff.
Aaron: Terry, I know we're known for our world-famous Dad jokes, but can we refrain from saying anything about cars today?
Terry: Why's that?
Aaron: Because they're exhausting.
😆 And with that, we were off.
On this episode of the 2 Regular Guys podcast, Theresa Hegel and I joined Aaron and Terry on their 2 Regular Guys podcast to talk about something that's not just a buzzword, but a turning point: sustainability in branded merch, apparel, and print. Below is a recap of the whole conversation, broken into eight key sections based on the questions asked.
1️⃣ Why Is This Sustainability Conversation So Urgent Right Now?
JAY:
We've run out of time to treat sustainability like a side project. Promo, print, and apparel are built on physical products—and that puts us squarely in the hot seat. Buyers are asking better questions. Brands want merch that reflects their values. If we can't provide answers, or worse—if those answers feel hollow—we lose relevance.
This isn't just about being green. It's about building trust, staying competitive, and doing business that aligns with people, planet, and prosperity.
2️⃣ What Progress Are We Seeing in Promo?
THERESA:
Suppliers are starting to show real transparency—publishing impact reports, tracking supply chains, and even building giveback programs for everyday products. There's still a long road ahead, and some greenwashing is happening (sometimes unintentionally), but there's momentum.
We've built the Do-Gooders Directory to track which suppliers are walking the walk. (You can find it at Promo for the Planet, and if you think you should be on it, email me: THegel@asicentral.com
3️⃣ What Are the Biggest Myths About Sustainability?
THERESA:
"Sustainability just means eco-friendly." Nope. It's about people, planet, and profit.
"You have to be perfect." False. It's a journey—authenticity and transparency matter more than perfection.
"No one cares where items come from." Supply chain traceability is critical for sustainability and brand risk management.
"Sustainable means lower quality." Not anymore. Today's sustainable merch is built to last and built to impress.
JAY:
Let me add a few more:
"It's too expensive." Not true—many sustainable options are cost-effective over time.
"No one's asking for it." They are—just not always in those exact words. People are asking for better.
"It's just about the products." It's not. It's about how we source, create, deliver, and even talk about merch. Sustainability isn't a line item. It's a mindset.
4️⃣ What Sparked the Sustainable Merch Summit?
JAY:
The idea grew out of the Why It Matters video series started by Jeff Solomon. He captured 20+ honest interviews with leaders in our space, which lit the fire. Together with ASI, Apparelist, 2 Regular Guys, and the Branded Merch Network, we took it further: a virtual summit to amplify those voices.
This isn't a webinar—it's a rallying cry. We're moving past greenwashing and spotlighting what works and why it matters.
5️⃣ Why Is Collaboration at the Heart of This Event?
THERESA:
Sustainability requires collaboration. We've seen that through ASI's work with PRINTING United Alliance and our monthly podcast, Branding Together. This summit brings together suppliers, decorators, marketers, and industry groups to align on what better looks like.
Here's the truth: Promo has always been a collaborative space—so why shouldn't sustainability be part of that too?
👉 Meaningful quote from Theresa:
"Sustainability doesn't thrive in silos. It grows when we share stories, tools, and strategies across the entire branded merch ecosystem."
6️⃣ What Will Attendees Experience?
JAY:
We designed this as a virtual, fast-paced, two-hour experience on June 10. Expect:
🔍 Bite-sized keynotes from industry leaders
🎤 Live panel discussions with real Q&A
🧠 Case studies and real-world proof
💬 Active chat and interaction
🚀 Tools you can apply the next day
Why It Matters LIVE is built for doers—people who care about merch and meaning.
7️⃣ Who Will Be Speaking?
THERESA & JAY: This is not the complete list.
🔑 Keynote Speakers:
Ryan Moor & Mel Lay – Allmade Apparel
Gary Bell – US Cotton Trust Protocol
Eric Henry – TS Designs
🎙 Panelists:
Ben Grossman – SwagCycle
Brianna Mazze – SRG
Amy Baker – Threadbare Printhouse
Marshall Atkinson – Atkinson Consulting
Gary Jones – OEKO-TEX
Dom Rosacci – Superior Ink
Robert Fiveash – Brand Fuel
Joseph Sommer – Whitestone
Michele Dando – Facilisgroup
8️⃣ Who Is This Summit For?
JAY:
Large businesess Small busineseses. Distributors. Decorators, Suppliers. Sales reps. Marketers. If you touch branded merch, print, or apparel—and want to do it better—this event is for you.
There's no gatekeeping here, no guilt trips, just a community of people sharing what's working and why it matters.
THERESA:
We'll monitor the chat and ensure everyone has a voice. This is a space to connect, ask, learn, and act.
💡 5 Key Takeaways:
Sustainability isn't a SKU—it's a strategy.
Transparency builds trust and relevance.
Progress beats perfection. Start where you are.
The most sustainable merch is the kind people actually want, use, and keep.
This isn't just another webinar—it's a rally cry for change.
🎯 Final Word: Why This Matters
If we want to change the industry, we must change the conversation.
The Why It Matters LIVE: Sustainable Merch Summit is built for the people who care deeply about doing better, not just saying better. If you're ready to be part of that movement, join us.
🗓 Tuesday, June 10, 2025
🕐 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT
📍 Virtual and FREE