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Life is starting to return to something more recognisable, but has the Covid-crisis changed the way consumers interact with big brands, and what can marketers expect to see trending in the next 12 months? In this blog, we look at what's predicted to be big in custom lanyards and how you can leverage a competitive advantage in 2022.
- Return-to-office items
Branded items that make the transition back into the office an easy one are expected to be popular with staff this year. Safety essentials like masks, hand sanitiser, and a lanyard to keep these things at hand are bound to be a big hit. Our lanyards come with a metal trigger clip as standard, suitable for most attachments including hand sanitiser.
If you choose to upgrade, we have a range of other clips on offer, including:
- swivel J hook
- crocodile clip
- split ring
- dog clip
- lobster claw
It's understandable that staff want the reassurance of having these things close by after such a long time away, so making it easy for them really shows you are listening.
- Eco-friendly lanyards
Consumers and staff are looking for brands that align with their values, and for many this means having an eco-friendly approach. If your product is re-useable and recyclable then it's more likely to have traction than single-use giveaways that were once popular.
Lanyards are more likely to be retained and re-used by recipients because they are so practical, but they also have a recyclable element to them too. For organisations serious about lowering their impact on the environment, we sell eco-friendly lanyards, made from recycled materials, such as recycled plastic bottles and bamboo fibre.
Those made from PET (recycled plastic bottles) look and feel similar to flat polyester, whereas lanyards made from bamboo are softer, almost cotton-like. It’s still possible to have your logo screen-printed on one side, and it can be pantone-matched as normal.
Prices start from £3.55 for a 20cm wide lanyard (minimum order 50).
- Hands-free designer lanyards
Forward-thinking fashionistas are turning to designer lanyards to keep their hands free for things like holding their wine glass, putting on hand sanitiser, etc. Big designer labels are behind the trend, with lanyards released by labels such as Coach and Jacquemus.
Mobile phone holders (or phone chains) and bottle holders are set to be big this year, and brands that take advantage of this trend could see their promotional merchandise flying off the shelves – whether you're giving them away or selling them as souvenirs.
Our range of bespoke lanyards includes one-off designer finishes, with things like glitter and rhinestones for when you want something a bit different. And you can choose from a range of clips and accessories including glass holders, lip balm, and bottle openers.
It's easier than you might think to order designer lanyards – simply, choose your material and the accessories that you'd like to go with it, and we'll do the rest.
- Wireless promotional products
Products that make it easier to move between desks are tipped to be big this year.
Though staff are returning to the office, it's unlikely that they will be going back to sit at their own desk from 9 until 5. Instead, they'll be a lot more hybrid working (home/office) and when staff are in the office, they are more likely to be asked to hot desk.
Lanyards with an accompanying USB flash drive will remain a favourite with staff and prospective buyers/customers. Our USB lanyards – part of our designer collection – make ideal gifts and freebies, but equally you might prefer a standard lanyard with a metal trigger clip or a lobster claw that can easily attach to a flash drive.
- Fully customisable lanyards
Fully customisable products are always a big hit, and lanyards are no exception. When you order a bespoke lanyard from us, you can pick from a range of options.
- Material: our two most popular fabrics are screen-printed flat polyester and dye sublimation smooth polyester, but we also offer eco-friendly materials.
- Width: choose from 10mm, 15mm, 20mm, or 25mm. Our standard lanyard is 20mm wide, which we think is best for maximising branding opportunities.
- Design: you can choose to send us complete artwork or let us design it for you – simply send us your logo and your colour references (Pantone or RGB).
- Clips: all our lanyards come with a metal trigger clip and safety break as standard, but you can choose from a range of other options.
- Accessories: choose from rigid plastic card holders, clear PVC pouches, or for something a bit different why not consider a bottle holder or a lip balm?
With so many ways to customise your lanyard, it's possible to create your own unique, branded merchandise, putting you head and shoulders above the competition.
A bit more on Only Lanyards
Only Lanyards was established in 2001, and since then we have built up a reputation for being customer-service led with a focus on quality and affordability.
Our aim is to make ordering lanyards easy and with our experienced team to help guide you through the process, we guarantee that you'll find the whole thing hassle-free. If you don't know where to start, we can help you figure out the best option for your needs.
We've worked with some of the biggest names in Britain from charities like Mind, to entertainment venues like the Royal Albert Hall, and brands such as Sony and Nationwide (Building Society).
If you choose to work with Only Lanyards, we are so confident that you'll like the finished product that we’ll give you your money back if you're not completely satisfied.
The key takeaway – lanyard trends
Lanyards are set to remain a popular promotional item in 2022. Not only are lanyards eco-friendly but they provide something practical that fulfils a personal need. With the right lanyard, return-to-office items and wireless products can all be kept close at hand, and what's more with our designer collection you can go hands-free and look good too.