Lawrence, MA (April 10, 2023) – Gemline, a leading promotional products supplier, announced they have pulled their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives together under a new name, “betterway.” Betterway provides the framework for how Gemline makes a positive impact on society and promotes a better world through environmental stewardship, charitable giving, diversity, equity and inclusion leadership and ethical business practices. It establishes the Company’s path forward as a purpose-driven leader using the three pillars of the program: People, Planet and Product. Gemline announced “better way” as part of their 2022 Annual CSR Report. The Company’s 3rd annual interactive report is available for viewing on their website and can be downloaded in PDF format for easy redistribution.

Highlights from the 2022 report include:

People: Charitable Giving Highlights                                                                                                      

During 2022, Gemline donated over $740,000 USD in cash and in-kind donations to charitable causes including Ukraine humanitarian relief efforts, as well as health and wellness programs, housing and human welfare programs, and leadership activities in their local community of Lawrence, MA, one of the largest gateway cities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Among others, Gemline is a proud supporter of the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence, One Family Inc., Northern Essex Community College and the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center. What’s more, their brand partners, including MiiR®, CORKCICLE®, Modern Sprout®, Moleskine®, Out of the Woods®, Slowtide and W&P, all contributed funds to charitable efforts that are making an impact in the world.

Planet: Environmental Stewardship Highlights

Gemline took purposeful action in 2022 to minimize the Company’s environmental footprint and reduce its impact on the planet. Some of the Company’s most notable achievements include the installation of a 1,736-panel Solar Power Generation System at their Lawrence, MA headquarters which currently generates 45% of the power required to operate the facility. In addition, Gemline continues to be a Zero Landfill Facility, meaning no waste from Gemline’s headquarters and manufacturing operations in Lawrence, MA went into a landfill for the 4th consecutive year.

Product: Responsible Product Highlights       

Gemline is focused on offering responsible products that are free of chemicals that endanger people and the planet, and products that use recycled or renewable materials and promote reuse. By the end of 2022, the company made great strides in their PVC-free journey, resulting in a 78% PVC-free product line. Reducing the use of PVC is important because plastic production requires an enormous amount of energy and resources, and is difficult to recycle.

Gemline also introduced more eco-friendly products to their already robust and growing line of responsible products. A staggering 33% of the new products the Company introduced in 2022 met at least one of the following eco-friendly criteria: products made with recycled materials, made with materials derived from renewable resources or intended to help reduce single use plastics. Gemline also continues to seek partnerships with brands that offer responsible products that make an impact on the world through sustainable practices and eco-friendly product innovation, including Out of the Ocean®, Out of the Woods®, Osprey® and Slowtide.

What’s Next: Purposeful Goals for 2023                                                                                                                        

Gemline has earmarked several additional CSR initiatives for 2023, including expanding its giving efforts. Today, Gemline is officially announcing its partnership with two leading national non-profit organizations, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and One Tree Planted. Gemline will be donating significant funds to both organizations, in addition to continuing to support its surrounding communities and global humanitarian efforts through additional charitable donations.

Other 2023 focus areas include improving the Company’s sustainability practices, continuing its waste management success, and achieving greater than a 90% PVC-free product line. Additional details can be found in the Company’s, 2022 Annual Corporate Social Responsibility Report.

“We strongly believe Gemline has a long-term ongoing responsibility to our community and the environment,” said Frank Carpenito, President & CEO of Gemline. “We are proud of what we have accomplished , but also know there is much more to do. We are committed to growing our business in a better way, one that helps to build and support communities, creates products using sustainable materials and protects the planet for generations to come.”

About Gemline

Founded in 1958, Gemline is an award-winning, design-centric supplier providing high-quality branded products to the promotional products industry. Gemline is ranked as the 10th largest industry supplier and 5th largest hard goods supplier by the Advertising Specialty Institute. The Company’s product line consists of a wide range of gourmet food and lifestyle gifts, electronics, bags, coolers, drinkware, stationery, and writing instruments. In addition to its strong portfolio of house brands and Gemline-branded products, the Company offers high-quality retail brands such as American Tourister®, Anker, Be Home®, CORKCICLE®, Courant, Cuisinart® Outdoor Grilling, govino®, Igloo®, Moleskine®, MiiR®, Modern Sprout®, New Balance®, Osprey®, Out of the Ocean®, Out of the Woods®, Paper Mate®, Parker®, Samsonite®, Sharpie®, Slowtide, Waterman®, VSSL® and W&P. Gemline is a registered trademark of The Gem Group, Inc. For more information about Gemline, visit the Company’s website at www.gemline.com or 1-800-800-3200. Find Gemline on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.