Michael Stausholm, the CEO and Founder of SproutWorld, shares his thoughts on how event organisers can meet their sustainability goals with an innovative plantable pencil.
Event organisers are constantly searching for innovative ways to reduce their environmental impact while still providing memorable experiences. One such innovation is the plantable pencil, an eco-friendly promotional product from SproutWorld.
The idea behind the plantable pencil may sound like a quirky novelty, but its origins are grounded in a deep understanding of sustainability. Michael Stausholm, the CEO and Founder of SproutWorld, recently shared his thoughts on how small changes – like switching from plastic pens to plantable pencils – can help event organisers meet their sustainability goals. While Michael did not invent the concept, he was the driving force behind bringing it to a global audience: “The plantable pencil was actually created by three young students at a university in the US over 11 years ago,” Stausholm explains. “I found the idea on Kickstarter, and it immediately resonated with me. To me, the pencil illustrated the very essence of sustainability – use something, and instead of discarding it, give it new life by planting it.” Michael went on to acquire the global rights and patent, founding SproutWorld with the mission of spreading this innovative concept.
For event organisers, one of the key challenges is how to incorporate sustainability without compromising on the quality and memorability of the event experience. Traditionally, non-sustainable promotional items have been a staple at conferences and events. But Michael believes these items often fail to make a lasting impression: “You know, a lot of conferences hand out plastic pens and products with logos, and while they may be used briefly, they often end up in drawers or, worse, in the bin.”
By contrast, a plantable pencil offers something unique: “It’s an immediate icebreaker,” Michael explains. “People want to know what it is, how it works, and what it stands for. It’s a perfect conversation starter about sustainability, something you would never get with a standard pen.” This combination of functionality, sustainability, and engagement makes the plantable pencil an ideal promotional item for event organisers looking to align their branding with their sustainability goals. Moreover, the ability to customise the pencil with branding or event messaging further strengthens its appeal.
While many companies claim to offer sustainable products, Michael stresses the importance of vigilance in verifying these claims: “One of the biggest challenges event organisers face is sorting through the noise,” he says. “Many products claim to be sustainable, but they may not be. As an organiser, it’s crucial to ensure that the items you choose are genuinely sustainable. Look for documentation, certifications, and lifecycle analyses to verify that the product is truly what it claims to be.”
Michael is a strong advocate for integrating sustainability into business strategies. He believes that companies that embrace eco- friendly products not only help the planet but also create long-term value for themselves: “Sustainability is not just about reducing your carbon footprint; it’s also about aligning your brand with the values of today’s consumers. When you give a sustainable gift, you’re making a statement about your brand. It shows that you care about the planet, and it helps build a positive relationship with your audience. And by choosing products that are sustainable and have a lower carbon footprint, businesses can reduce waste and the cost of resources, which ultimately benefits their bottom line.”
For Michael, the true beauty of plantable products is that they leave a lasting impact on the delegates: “When someone receives a plantable pencil, they take it home, use it, and later plant it. That pencil becomes a reminder of the event and the brand that gave it to them,” he explains. “Instead of throwing it away, they’re nurturing something that will grow, and they’ll remember the event every time they see the plant bloom.”