Sustainable corporate gifts 2026: the trends in the Swiss gift market

Anyone choosing gifts today increasingly wants them not just to bring joy but also to reflect values. That applies to corporate gifts as much as to personal ones. In a corporate context especially, environmental responsibility, transparent origins and a recognisable social impact are gaining importance.

This shift is clearly visible in Switzerland: CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) is increasingly experienced through concrete products. Gifts thus become a way to make a company's values visible to the outside world.

Sustainability as a strategic factor for brand perception and customer loyalty

In Switzerland, the market for sustainable gifts is growing continuously, driven by CSR goals and rising environmental awareness among consumers. The Sustainable Switzerland ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) report 2025 shows that companies are increasingly taking a holistic approach, from lower-emission supply chains to the circular economy.

“Sustainably and socially responsibly produced products are turning from a trend into a genuine competitive factor for many companies.” What has taken shape as a trend over the years is increasingly becoming the standard today.

With this development, expectations are also rising. Companies expect gifts to convey their values credibly and remain useful in the long term. Aspects such as lifecycle, recyclability, and environmental and social impact are coming to the fore.

Many buyers rate companies more positively when responsibility is visibly put into practice. Sustainability is thus increasingly becoming a measurable factor for brand perception and customer loyalty.

For targeted CSR gift projects in Switzerland, vielfaltwerk.ch offers a selection of sustainable corporate gifts from social institutions and workshops.

Production, origin and quality

Local and fair production continues to gain importance. “Swiss Made” gifts stand for short supply routes, lower emissions and strengthening regional businesses. At the same time, they build transparency and trust.

A wine cooler from Valais or a spice mill with herbs from the Zürcher Oberland not only feel high-quality, they also tell the story of a craft tradition.

Certificates such as Fairtrade or Bio Suisse also serve as guidance for many buyers. According to the Gesellschaft für Konsumforschung (GfK), a majority of the Swiss population is willing to pay more for sustainably and socially produced products.

Partnerships with social workshops create additional social impact by supporting jobs for people with disabilities. Platforms such as vielfaltwerk.ch bring such offerings together and make them easier to find.

Digital extras and functional value

Digital elements occasionally complement sustainable gifts. QR codes let people call up information on origin and production, creating transparency. Products with added functional value, such as solar power banks, are also gaining importance.

“At the same time, it's clear: durable materials and meaningful local manufacturing remain the real pillars of sustainable corporate gifts. They convey authenticity and lived company values.”

Using sustainable gifts strategically

For many companies, CSR gifts have evolved from classic promotional items into a fixed part of their sustainability strategy. What matters is a considered choice that suits both the company and the recipients.

It's worth

• clearly defining CSR goals within your own company
• working with partners whose sustainability credentials can be verified
• developing a credible story around origin and impact
• setting criteria to measure success

Careful coordination is especially worthwhile for larger orders or custom-designed corporate gifts. Many offerings on vielfaltwerk.ch can be adapted accordingly.

Outlook: gifts in 2026 and beyond

Sustainable gifts will continue to become part of everyday life. Transparency about origin and production is gaining importance, as is personalisation. Gifts should not only be sustainable but also align specifically with recipients' values.

Companies that adopt this approach early can make their CSR goals more visible while strengthening their brand. Sustainable gifts thus become a tool for long-term customer loyalty.

Conclusion

For 2026, clear trends are emerging: sustainable corporate gifts stand for responsible action and continue to gain importance, especially in a business setting.

“Choosing gifts consciously lets you combine ecological, social and economic aspects, creating lasting added value.”

This article was created by VielfaltWerk, incorporating some content from Teralios.