Short answer: Sustainable corporate gifting, in my experience running Meru Gifting, means fewer plastic-first items and more bamboo, wood, brass and artisan-made pieces from our Dharohar range, sourced from 4,000+ artisan families across 25+ states. We did not rebrand overnight; we swapped categories one at a time as better options became reliable at scale.
Updated September 2026.
What does sustainable corporate gifting actually mean at Meru Gifting?
For us it means two things: material choice and sourcing story. Where a plastic item and a bamboo, cork or metal equivalent both do the job, we now stock and recommend the latter. And through our Dharohar initiative we work directly with 4,000+ artisan families across 25+ states, so a gift can carry a craft story - Moradabad brass, Dhokra metal casting, Kashmiri papier-mâché - rather than being an anonymous mass-produced item.
What did we actually change in our own supply chain?
Three specific shifts, not a blanket rebrand. We expanded bamboo and cork alternatives in diaries, chargers and drinkware. We grew the artisanal side of the catalogue so buyers have a genuine non-plastic option at every price band, not just at the top. And we started being explicit with clients about which items are handcrafted versus factory-branded, instead of blurring the line.
| Category | Before | What we added |
|---|---|---|
| Notebooks | Plain PU-cover notebooks | Bamboo and Cork Notebook with Elastic Band |
| Chargers | Plastic wireless chargers | Bamboo Wireless Charger with Cable Organiser |
| Decor gifts | Generic showpieces | Dharohar artisanal mementos (brass, Dhokra, papier-mâché) |
Bamboo Retractable Multi Charging USB Cable – 9028-10₹375 · MOQ 50 branded
Bamboo Round Bluetooth Speaker – MM 9₹650 · MOQ 50 branded
Wood Grain Vase Aroma Humidifier – 9018-1₹950 · MOQ 50 branded
Kashmiri Papier Mache Oval Box₹2250 · MOQ 50 branded
Is sustainable gifting more expensive?
Sometimes marginally, sometimes not at all. A Bamboo and Cork Notebook sits close in price to a comparable PU notebook. Where it costs more is in the artisanal Dharohar range, because that price includes fair payment to individual craft families, not just materials. I explain that difference to clients directly rather than hiding it in the quote.
What has been the hardest part of this shift?
Consistency. An artisan-made piece varies slightly from one to the next, which is the whole point, but it makes bulk uniformity harder than a factory-moulded item. We manage this by setting expectations upfront on Dharohar orders - some natural variation is part of the craft, not a defect - and by sourcing bamboo/cork items from suppliers who can hold tighter tolerances for large branded runs.
Does choosing sustainable gifts change the GST or tax treatment?
No. GST input tax credit is blocked on goods given as gifts under Section 17(5)(h) of the CGST Act regardless of whether the item is plastic or bamboo, and the ₹5,000-per-employee tax-free perquisite limit under Rule 3(7)(iv) applies the same way. Sustainable sourcing is a materials and values decision on our side, not a tax strategy - confirm specifics with your CA.
Want a sustainable-first gift shortlist?
Tell us your budget and headcount and we will build a shortlist weighted towards bamboo, cork and Dharohar pieces.
What makes a corporate gift sustainable?
Materials like bamboo, cork, wood and brass instead of plastic-first items, minimal packaging, and in our Dharohar range, a real artisan sourcing story from 4,000+ craft families across 25+ states.
Are sustainable corporate gifts more expensive?
Sometimes marginally. Bamboo and cork items are often close in price to plastic equivalents; artisanal Dharohar pieces cost more because the price includes fair payment to individual craft families.
What changed in Meru Gifting's own catalogue?
We expanded bamboo and cork alternatives in notebooks, chargers and drinkware, and grew the Dharohar artisanal range so sustainable options exist at every price band.
Does handcrafted mean inconsistent for bulk orders?
Some natural variation is part of the craft on Dharohar pieces. For tighter bulk uniformity, bamboo and cork factory-made items are more consistent.
Can Meru Gifting supply eco-friendly gifts at scale?
Yes, with a 50-piece MOQ for branded eco-friendly items and lower minimums for artisanal Dharohar pieces.
