Beyond the Badge: Calculate the Real ROI of Your Sustainable Event Choices
You've found the perfect sustainable option for your event. It looks great, it aligns with your company values, and it won't end up in landfill. There’s just one hurdle: the price tag. Your boss or the finance team wants to know, "Is this really worth it? The plastic ones are cheaper."
It's a fair question. But "cheaper" and "better value" are two very different things. The price of traditional plastic badges doesn't account for the hidden costs of staff time, waste, and brand risk.
So, let's break down the real ROI. Here is a simple framework to build a business case for sustainable event choices.
The Hidden Costs of "Cheap"
Before you compare quotes, factor in the costs of the old way:
Staff Time: How many hours does your team spend printing, cutting, stuffing, and sorting? (e.g., 2 staff x 4 hours @
40/hr=∗∗40/hr=∗∗320** of labour).
Waste: How many extra badges do you order "just in case"? That's wasted material and money.
Brand Risk: What's the message when your brand is attached to single-use plastic that gets tossed in the bin?
The Sustainable ROI: 4 Metrics That Matter
Now, let's look at the return on a sustainable choice like TerraTag:
Instant CO₂ Savings: Every TerraTag quote comes with a certified CO₂ savings calculation. This isn't fluff; it's a hard metric you can plug directly into your annual sustainability report.
Reclaimed Time: Our badges are delivered sorted and ready to wear. That's 8 hours of staff time you just got back to focus on attendee experience instead of badge assembly. (Value: $320).
Zero Waste Contribution: A 200-person event avoids 200 plastic sleeves and 200 vinyl inserts going to landfill. That’s a tangible environmental win.
A Story, Not Just a Tag: Our plantable badges become a memorable, positive experience. Attendees take home a gift that grows, creating a much stronger brand connection than a piece of plastic ever could.
When you factor in the savings on labour and the immense value of brand enhancement, the choice becomes clear. It’s not about spending more; it’s about investing smarter.
