Domus Academy

Domus Academy

Who:
Domus Academy, a leading design school in Milan, Italy.

What:
Customized 3-pack box of SproutWorld pencils.

How:
SproutWorld pencils were given as gifts to guests at their annual Alumni Reunion

Why:
Plantable pencils were the ideal choice to represent one of the most sustainable universities in the world and establish roots with its alumni

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The Story

“We were looking for a more meaningful gift, something that would always remind them of their alma mater and convey a sense of continuity.”

Founded in Milan in 1982, Domus Academy combines an international perspective with a unique ‘learning by designing’ approach. Every year, during Milan Design Week, Domus Academy organizes an important event, the Alumni Reunion, which brings together professionals from all over the world who majored at this prestigious design school.

Last year, Domus Academy was included for the first time in the UI GreenMetric 2022, which ranks the world’s most sustainable universities. To recognize this important achievement, they chose SproutWorld pencils for their original, sustainable, and circular design.
We were looking for a more meaningful gift, something that would always remind them of their alma mater and convey a sense of continuity: Think Further, Design Beyond, but never forget Domus Academy. Since many of our students are international, we also wanted a gift that would be convenient and easy to carry with them while traveling.

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Guldsmeden

GULDSMEDEN

Who:
Guldsmeden Hotels is a nouveau-Bohemian, Danish-owned sustainable boutique hotel group, with properties in Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Germany, France, and Indonesia.

What:
SproutWorld pencils engraved with hotel logo and “Plant me!” message, accompanied by a postcard explaining the pencil’s second life concept to guests.

Why:
We were looking for a solution with as little negative impact as possible. In particular, we were focused on finding a product that would not contribute to our general waste with problematic components.

How:
Pencils are distributed in all guest rooms and are given out to meeting and conference guests.

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The Story

Sustainability is a key driver at Guldsmeden Hotels, known for their luxurious surroundings, great service, and delicious food.

Founded by Sandra and Marc Weinert in Århus, Denmark in 1999, Guldsmeden Hotels has been working with sustainability since the beginning. Guided by their own sustainable values, the couple have embedded this passion into running the hotel group. It’s something they take great pride in. “It is what drives us to not be afraid to learn new things and evolve our efforts continuously.”

It's clearly been a recipe for success as the nouveau-Bohemian, sustainable boutique hotel group has grown to eight hotels, a rental villa in France, and a luxury resort in Bali. Recently, all Guldsmeden properties switched to using customized SproutWorld pencils in their 900+ rooms, and as part of their meeting and conference packs.

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“We were looking for a solution with as little negative impact as possible. In particular, we were focused on finding a product that would not contribute to our general waste with problematic components.” SproutWorld’s second life, zero waste pencils fit the bill and passed the rigorous tests set out in Guldsmeden’s sustainable and ethical purchasing policy.

“The pencils have been well received and put a smile on people’s faces. It also gives us an opportunity to enter into a dialogue with our guests about our choices and decisions [around sustainability], which we always appreciate.”

“Guldsmeden are committed to providing guests with a wonderful stay, and hopefully a few good tips and ideas for a more environmentally sound everyday life.” Being able to contribute in our own small way towards Guldsmeden’s goals and spreading a positive message about sustainability is why we do what we do.

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Southenergy

Southenergy

Who:
Southenergy, an Italian company specializing in providing renewable energy solutions since 2008

What:
Customized SproutWorld pencil on cards

How:
The pencils were handed out at Key Energy, a global renewable energy trade fair in Italy

Why:
The SproutWorld pencil is sustainable, long-lasting, and in line with their values

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The Story

We exhibited at the Key Energy Fair with a stand dedicated to renewable energies, in particular photovoltaic energy, that together with wind energy, represent our core business. We’ve been providing renewable energy solutions to Italian homes and businesses since 2008.

We stand for sustainability, respect for the environment, and work to raise public awareness of these issues. Together with our claim "the force of nature", these are values that the SproutWorld pencil represents.

All our stakeholders, at all levels, really appreciated our gift. They judged it to be consistent with the company and its vision, and also consistent with the theme of the fair itself. People were intrigued by the pencil.

Many visitors told us that they would send us pictures of their growing plants to thank us for our respectful gesture to the planet and nature.

Anastasia Moro,
Marketing and Communications Manager, Southenergy

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Lufthansa

Lufthansa

Who:
Lufthansa Group, Germany

What:
Spread the Love pencil editions with a custom sticker design

How:
The pencil packs were given out to passengers and crew on a Valentine’s Day flight from Paris to Frankfurt.

Why:
Lufthansa wanted to surprise passengers on a Valentine’s Day flight with a special gift – and chose our plantable pencils.

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The Story

Lufthansa approached us about their plans for a Valentine’s Day promotion and asked if we could help. SproutWorld was only too happy to help collaborate with Lufthansa to create a memorable love token that would make a fitting gift.

On 14th February 2023, to celebrate love in all its wonderful forms, Lufthansa renamed Flight LH116, flying from Paris, the City of Love, to Frankfurt – Lovehansa.

As a surprise treat, all 300 passengers and crew on board Lovehansa received a pack of Spread the Love plantable pencils, customized with a special sticker saying, “Happy Valentine’s from Lufthansa and SproutWorld”. Each of our Spread the Love pencils are also engraved with quotes about love.

The Lovehansa passengers were delighted with their unexpected gift and there were a lot of extra happy smiles on board that day.

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DB Schenker

DB Schenker

Who:
DB Schenker is one of the world’s leading global logistics providers, with 1850 locations worldwide and more than 76,000 employees.

What:
Customized SproutWorld pencils and single cards.

How:
2022 was the year that DB Schenker celebrated their 150th anniversary, and SproutWorld pencils were handed out as gifts on many different occasions.

Why:
Because the pencil represents the company’s values like innovation, sustainability, and tradition.

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What did you use the SproutWorld pencils for?

We used them for both internal and external events, as well as customer engagements. 2022 has been a packed year of meetings, workshops, events, conferences, and exhibitions, and the SproutWorld pencils have been very well received wherever they’ve been deployed.

Why are they a good match for your company?

A pencil has been an essential tool since the early years of industrialization. What the SproutWorld pencil represents is more than just a primary writing instrument. It symbolizes innovation, sustainability, and tradition.

It’s often said that the pen is mightier than the sword, but compared with the plastic waste and chemical inks of disposable pens, this SproutWorld pencil not only does what the pen does, it’s virtually circular and has a net-positive footprint.

With organic, compostable shavings, along with plantable seeds for after-use, it just resonates with what we are trying to represent.

What do you want to communicate with the pencils?

Their simplicity and sustainability impact.

How have the reactions been?

The novelty of the plantable SproutWorld pencils triggers a curious reflection, and its symbolism enables a conversation on the why and how.

How do you work with sustainability

As part of the commercial team of a global logistics company, our impact on customers’ global supply chains is absolutely critical, and we are right at the frontline connecting ecosystems and economies.

Every small measure and step we can take to work with and have meaningful conversations on sustainability is absolutely vital, whether we engage with internal or external stakeholders to make things happen.

- DB Schenker APAC (Asia Pacific) Chief Commercial Officer, Thomas Sorensen

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La Tablées des chefs

La Tablée des Chefs

Who:
La Tablée des Chefs, a French charitable organization

What:
Customized SproutWorld pencils on customized cards

How:
SproutWorld pencils were a giveaway to 600 VIP guests attending an annual gastronomic charity event in Paris: La Grande Tablee

Why:
To underline the message of more sustainable world

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Food for people in need

Plantable SproutWorld pencils were part of a top gastronomic charity event in Paris to provide food for people in need and educate young people.

The special dinner organized by the association, La Tablée des Chefs, held in the sumptuous setting of the InterContinental Paris – Le Grand, took place on 22nd November 2022.

The work undertaken by La Tablée des Chefs is remarkable, and so far, more than 6 million portions have been distributed to people in need, and over 30,000 youngsters have benefited from culinary training in high schools, youth centers, and cooking schools.

The 600 attendees enjoyed a delightful dinner prepared by highly-skilled chefs and left with a gift bag containing a SproutWorld pencil – ready to be planted and grow hope and solidarity.

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Danish Industry, NY

Danish Industry, NY

Who:
Confederation of Danish Industry (DI)

What:
SproutWorld pencils on single cards

How:
As a gift for guests during Circular City Week in New York

Why:
To showcase a Danish circular solution

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The story

In May 2022, 10,000 participants joined USA’s biggest circular economy festival called Circular City Week in New York. Organized by the Confederation of Danish Industry in the US, the festival included over 115 events, 250 speakers, and a bunch of plantable SproutWorld pencils!

With the circular economy as the main theme, what could be a more relevant giveaway than SproutWorld pencils?

We talked to Mille Munksgaard, Senior Advisor at the Confederation of Danish Industry in the US, about the event and the use of SproutWorld pencils.

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What did you use SproutWorld pencils for?

SproutWorld pencils were used as a fun, innovative, and creative way to showcase a Danish circular solution. The pencils were used as giveaways for all the events at the Nordic Circular Space and exhibition and for several workshops.

Circular City Week is North America’s largest circular economy festival hosted and founded by the Confederation of Danish Industry in the US. 2022 was the fourth consecutive year celebrating Circular City Week, with 115 events being held throughout the week, with more than 250 speakers and 10,000 participants. Partners within the circular economy from all around the world and across all sectors participate in Circular City Week both online and in-person, and as participants and event hosts.

Why are SproutWorld pencils a good match for DI and the event?

SproutWorld pencils are a good match, given the circular economy focus. They’re a great example of a Danish company contributing to the green transition through an innovative circular solution. Also, as DI is the founder of North America’s largest circular economy festival, we need to talk the talk, and SproutWorld pencils are a great feature for the events.

What was the reaction to the pencils?

Participants were excited about the pencils and the new way of thinking about the life of a pencil. Not only do the pencils contribute to the transition from a linear economy to a circular one, but they’re multi-functional and grow into herbs you can use in cooking!. This extends the longevity of the pencil and works as a product that is capable of being used for more than it is designed for.

Which message did you want to send with the pencils?

With SproutWorld pencils, we wanted to send the message that Danish companies are frontrunners for innovative ideas and new ways of incorporating circularity in business models – no matter the sector and the product.

How is DI (and the purpose of the event) linked with sustainability?

Circular City Week’s purpose is to activate the circular transition of society across borders and industries. We believe that knowledge sharing and collaboration are crucial to reaching unilateral sustainability goals. This week acts as a platform to inspire and teach how we together can accelerate the green transition. No one knows everything, but together we know a lot.

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Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola Italy

Who:
Coca-Cola Italy

What:
Engraved basil pencils on single cards.

How:
Giveaway when launching Coca Cola Life.

Why:
The Sprout pencil contributes with a lot of engagement and innovation.

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The story

We used the Sprout pencil as a giveaway when launching the new Coca-Cola Life in Italy. We chose the Sprout pencil because it was totally aligned with the philosophy of Coca-Cola Life: Naturalness.

The Sprout pencil has contributed with a lot of engagement and innovation among our consumers, and everyone has been very enthusiastic.

I have even received pictures of basil plants grown by children that got some of our pencils – so cute!

I will definitely use Sprout products again and I already recommended them to a colleague who will develop a similar promotion.

Valentina Gandini,
National Account Manager, Coca-Cola, Italy

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Kevin.Murphy

KEVIN.MURPHY

Who:
KEVIN.MURPHY, exclusive natural haircare brand

What:
Customized Sprout pencils and cards

How:
The pencils were part of a giveaway on a yearly distributor event

Why:
Because the Sprout pencil conveys a message that’s close to Kevin Murphy’s values

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The story

We chose to partner with Sprout pencils because they, like KEVIN.MURPHY are trying to make a difference for our planet.

At KEVIN.MURPHY, we maintain our commitment to the environmental issues that affect us and care about what happens to our products after they’ve been used, loved and emptied.

We use only natural ingredients from sustainable and renewable sources, that are harvested in a way that doesn’t harm the environment at all. We feel that Sprout has the same love for our planet and cares about the future. So, for us the partnership has been a great match.

We decided that one of the gifts for our yearly distributor event should be the Sprout pencil. The thought of giving a pencil that can be re-used and grown into a beautiful flower was a beautiful message we couldn’t resist. With no exceptions everyone loved the Sprout pencil, and we heard a lot of great feedback that it was a creative and beautiful gift that fits our brand very well.

Michele Fitzwilliams,
Marketing Manager,
KEVIN.MURPHY EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa)

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Save The Children

Save the Children

Who:
Save the Children, Italy

What:
Customized pencils on cards

How:
They sell the pencils as a gift to raise funds

Why:
Because the pencils have a great symbolic value

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The story

We chose Sprout pencils because they represent the idea of the future. Through the donations, Save the Children can reach many children and give them a better future, so the seeds of the pencils can make their own flowers grow.

Through the fundraising that derives from pencils, we bring food, clean water, medical care and quality education to many children in Italy and around the world.

Our donors like pencils very much, because despite being a simple product they are well made, environmentally friendly and have a great symbolic value.

Paola Marturana,
Products Coordinator at Save the Children Italia

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European Parliament

European Parliament

Who:
European Parliament

What:
Customized Sprout boxes with seeds

How:
Green giveaway to participants and journalists.

Why:
To support Green Week and the theme Investing for a greener future

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The story

We used Sprout´s products for the 2016 edition of Green Week, the biggest annual occasion to debate and discuss European environment policy.

The theme was “Investing for a greener future.”

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Vestas

Vestas

Who:
Vestas 11th Hour Racing in the Volvo Ocean Race 2017-18

What:
Sprout pencils were used to teach about sustainability in workshops

How:
Public and guest giveaways

Why:
The pencils get the message across of finding sustainable alternatives in this race

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The story

The Sprout pencils fit with our message of being the most sustainable team in the race. With the most sustainable equipment, gear and strategy.

Vestas 11th Hour Racing has sustainability at its core. It was decided that we should find sustainable alternatives for everything we do at events in the Volvo Ocean Race.

As our audience is both public (educational) and corporate, pencils are a great way to get our message across.

Very positive reactions – everyone has been really surprised by the idea, and happy that they can give their used pencils an extended life.

Thomas John McMaw,
Senior Project Manager – Campaigns and Communications

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Porsche

Porsche

Who:
Porsche, Germany

What:
Customized Sprout pencils

How:
Giveaway to employees

Why:
Ideal gift to focus on regulations and environment

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The story

We are very satisfied with the pencils and used them internally to promote our team that deals with regulations and environment.

People liked the idea and the pencils very much. We got them recommended from one of our supplier

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Monterey Bay

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Who:
Monterey Bay Aquarium is a non profit public aquarium that was founded in 1984 in Monterey, California. Known for its regional focus on the marine habitats of Monterey Bay, the aquarium has won numerous awards for its exhibition of marine life, ocean conservation efforts and educational programs. Monterey Bay Aquarium receives around two million visitors each year.

What:
Customized Sprout pencils on customized single cards.

How:
Monterey Bay Aquarium sells Sprout pencils in their store and online shop to support a project called The Million Mangroves project in Mexico. Funds from the sale of Sprout pencils also help to support the aquarium's global conservation efforts.

Why:
Sprout pencils represent the aquarium’s commitment to sustainability and support their mission to inspire conservation of the ocean.

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The story

"Sprout pencils were specifically chosen as a tangible way for people to support the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Million Mangroves Project.

The Million Mangroves Project lets individuals pay for the planting of one mangrove tree in a deforested area of the world through Natural Capital Partners. Healthy mangrove forests provide habitat for fish and can store up to four times more carbon than rainforests - making them an important tool for fighting climate change. Funds from the sale of Sprout pencils also help support the aquarium's global conservation efforts.

As part of the Million Mangroves Project, Sprout pencils communicate the aquarium’s move toward renewable and responsible sourcing. The fact that plantable Sprout pencils can grow into spruce trees mirrors the reforestation efforts of the Million Mangroves Project.

Sprout pencils represent the aquarium’s commitment to sustainability and to support our mission to inspire conservation of the ocean. This commitment carries through to the products we offer through our store and online shop.

One of the aquarium’s top priorities is to address climate change and its impact on ocean health. We have committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions in our operations and by offset projects by 2025.

John Abrahamson,
Vice President of Sales, Monterey Bay Aquarium, California"

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Marriott

Marriot, Grand Cayman

Who:
Marriot, Grand Cayman

What:
Engraved Sprout pencils.

How:
Green giveaway to guests.

Why:
The Sprout pencil is original and sends a green message.

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The story

The entire hotel is loving this great idea.

Andrew Dear,
Room Operations Manager, Marriott

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Lorenz

Lorenz, Germany

Who:
Lorenz Germany, is one of the leading producers in the European savoury snack market, and creates brands such: Naturals, Crunchips, Saltletts or NicNac’s.

What:
Customized plantable Sprout pencils with basil seeds on customized cards.

How:
The pencils were part of a campaign for Naturals crisps used in 5,000 displays around supermarkets in Germany.

Why:
To emphasize the natural ingredients in the Naturals crisps and to focus on the responsible use of resources.

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The story

With the herbal seeds in the Sprout pencil, we want to emphasize the natural ingredients that are used for our Naturals range. Furthermore, the reusability of the pencil raises awareness for the responsible use of resources.
At Lorenz, we attach great importance to the sustainable and mindful use of the resources available to us. For this reason, we also maintain 50-year-old supplier relationships with our potato farmers in Germany.
The feedback from our retail partners and consumers was consistently positive, especially because of the perfect match between Naturals and Sprout regarding the natural ingredients.

Andrea Spielmann
Marketing Director, Lorenz Germany

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Garden Gourmet

Garden Gourmet by Nestlé

Who:
Garden Gourmet is a brand that makes plant-based products.

What:
Customized pencils and single cards.

How:
Part of a thank you-gift to colleagues in Europe.

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The story

The Sprout pencils have been sent to our colleagues all over Europe as part of a gift package in order to thank them for their sensational work.

Garden Gourmet’s purpose is to make people fall in love with all the goodness of plant-based food, because it’s good for them and also for the planet. In that sense we try as much as we can to work with sustainable partners in order to reflect this message internally as well.

As the garden is our playground, our starting point of sourcing the ingredients for our products, we also love that our colleagues will have the possibility to create their own vegetable garden with the pencils – that’s why we picked seeds such as cherry tomatoes, basil and thyme.

Hopefully our colleagues will be aware that we do all the best we can to truly live our purpose and think sustainable also when it comes to gifts.

We could definitely imagine using Sprout pencils for other projects. The more plants we can grow, the happier we are!

Violaine Marty,
Digital Brand Manager, Garden Gourmet, Nestlé, Holland

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GUESS

GUESS

Who:
Guess Europe. Guess is a jeans and lifestyle brand with over 1,000 retail stores in the Americas, Europe and Asia.

What:
Customized pencils and single cards in display boxes.

How:
The Sprout pencil was given away as a gift with a Guess purchase in an international campaign..

Why:
The Sprout pencil is natural, sustainable and has a strong recycling message.

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The story

GUESS launched “RESOURCED”, a program aimed at encouraging customers to recycle their wardrobe by giving it a new lease on life.

Launched originally in California and then more broadly in the U.S. in 2018, the aim is to expand the program worldwide by 2020.

The commitment to an eco-friendly world takes the concrete form of the ECO Denim collection. Since starting GUESS ECO in 2016, the company has saved over 2.5 million liters of water, one days’ worth of drinking water for 1 million people. GUESS plans to double its water savings by 2021.

GUESS Europe decided to give away a Sprout pencil to every client who purchased an item from the ECO Denim campaign, both in stores and online.

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IKEA

IKEA, Belgium

Who:
IKEA, Belgium

What:
Engraved Sprout pencils on single cards with highlights.

How:
A giveaway handed to all employees as part of the launch of a sustainability report.

Why:
The Sprout pencil is good at communicating sustainability.

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The story

We purchased pencils with herbs for supporting the launch of our sustainability report. It was a fun item that came together with a card with our sustainability highlights of last year.

It was distributed to all our co-workers in IKEA Belgium. The reactions were very positive. And we know that the pencils work, because we have planted some of them in our office.

Iris de Herdt,
Sustainability Department IKEA, Belgium

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