Introduction
Let us first talk about what “Fast Merch” actually is. Fast merchandise refers to the mass-produced, disposable promotional items that have become very common in corporate and event settings in today’s context. It is much like “fast fashion”. These items prioritize speed on production over quality, cheap materials, designed for temporary use rather than durability and high volume than actual need.
In today’s world, promotional merchandise are often seen as essential marketing tools. These merchandise include tote bags, pens, notebooks, and so on. However, most promotional products like plastic pens and thin polyester tote bags are designed for short-term use and the materials used are also not environmentally friendly. These actions contribute to a growing global waste crisis.
At Samsara, we create a better alternative. Our mission is simple: to replace disposable and unsustainable merchandise with products that are eco-friendly, ethically produced, and built to last. This blog explores the hidden costs of fast merchandise, the environmental and social impact of conventional practices, and how Samsara is leading the way toward meaningful change.
The Dark Side of Fast Merchandise
1. Environmental Degradation
The majority of promotional products are made from cheap plastics, synthetic fabrics, and non-renewable materials. These items are typically mass-produced, shipped globally, and discarded after minimal use. The consequences are severe:
Plastic Pollution: Research confirms that an estimated 91% of plastic waste including promotional merchandise ends up in landfills or oceans, where it can take up to 500 years to decompose.
Carbon Footprint: The production and transportation of these goods rely heavily on fossil fuels. Research confirms polyester bags require significantly more energy to produce than natural fiber alternatives, generating 3-4x the carbon emissions of cotton or hemp (Danish EPA, 2018).
Toxic Waste: Many products are treated with chemical dyes and the waste gets into soil and waterways that ultimately harms ecosystems and wildlife.
2. Exploitation of Labor
Fast merchandise is often produced in factories where workers face poor conditions. Many laborers earn less than a living wage, particularly in regions like developing countries where labor laws are weakly enforced. Here, profits are prioritized over people’s well-being.
Similarly, worker’s safety is also neglected in factories where speed and low cost is prioritized. This leads to injuries and health risks of the workers.
Most of these merchandise which dominate the market are machine made, this will lead to the discouragement of the artisans as machines tend to replace the traditional craftspeople.
3. The Irony of “Branding”
Companies invest in promotional merchandise to build brand loyalty which is cheap and unsustainable. These products often achieve the opposite. Distributing plastic heavy merch will make the brands lose credibility for advocating sustainability.
When a recipient receives poor-quality items that break quickly, it leaves a negative impression of your brand. Instead of adding value, it actually harms your brand’s reputation and that’s the opposite of what good merchandise should do.
Therefore, companies should not miss the opportunity to brand sustainably with the right approach. 73% of consumers prefer brands that use eco-friendly products (Nielsen). Merchandise could instead tell a story of craftsmanship, ethics, and environmental care that resonate deeply with today’s consumers.
Samsara’s Sustainable Alternative
1. Eco-Conscious Materials
We replace plastics and synthetics materials with natural, renewable, and biodegradable alternatives like Bamboo, Dhaka Fabric, Lokta Paper, Hemp, etc. We, Samsara not only consider making the final product sustainable but also consider making the production process sustainable and eco-friendly.
Bamboo is fast-growing and versatile. It is used for bottles, pens, and notebooks. Unlike plastic, bamboo decomposes naturally without leaving microplastics behind. This not only degrades pollution but also contributes to the environment naturally.
Dhaka Fabric is handwoven by Nepali artisans. This durable textile supports local economies along with local manpower while reducing reliance on synthetic fibers. Synthetic fibers cause environmental harm as they are dependent on fossil fuel and are non biodegradable.
Similarly, Lokta Paper is made from the bark of Daphne shrubs in the Himalayas which is renewable, biodegradable, and supports rural communities.
2. Ethical Production
Every product we offer is crafted with respect for people and traditions. We partner with local artisans, skilled weavers, carpenters, and papermakers across Nepal and ensure fair wages and safe working conditions. The production process as a whole causes minimal environmental damage.
Incorporating traditional techniques like Dhaka weaving and Lokta Papermaking, contributes in the preservation of heritage and culture. This will keep our cultural practices alive even for modern use.
3. Designed for Longevity
Samsara’s products are built to last long. Neutral colors and minimalist designs help the sustainable and eco-friendly products to remain stylish beyond trends. Personalization option is available where clients can put their logos or messages, but the core design prioritizes
functionality and durability. Similarly, items like bamboo bottles and eco-friendly tote bags can be easily repaired which extends their lifespan too,something fast merch fails to promise.
The Heart Behind Our Dhaka: Woven with Purpose
At Samsara, our Dhaka fabric isn’t just a material, it’s a legacy. Picture this: In a sunlit workshop, a skilled Nepali artisan sets up a wooden handloom. Then selects raw cotton threads, dyes them with natural pigments (think turmeric yellows and indigo blues) and begins weaving thread by thread. It takes hours to create those iconic geometric patterns. There are no machines here. No rush. Just the rhythmic CLACK–CLACK of the loom and generations of Nepali tradition poured in every inch. This is a slow, intentional craft. The kind of craft that blisters fingers and rewards patience. The kind of craft that fast merch forgot.
When you choose our sustainable merchandise, you are not just carrying a bag, not just a pen, not just a bottle, not just a notebook. You are holding a culture, a lifeline for artisans and a rebellion against disposability.
Fun Fact: One tote takes 3 days to weave. That’s 72 hours vs. the 3 minutes it takes to stitch a polyester knockoff. Some things can’t and shouldn’t be sped up.
Every choice you make leaves a mark. So, choose one that respects the planet, the people, and the purpose.
