Written By Rachael Bean, Marketing Co-ordinator
Picking the right promotional merchandise isn’t just about checking a box - it’s about choosing items that people actually want to use, love, and remember your brand by. Every year, the BPMA Product Awards showcase the cream of the crop in the UK promotional products world, highlighting items that are innovative, sustainable and genuinely practical.
We’re taking a closer look at the Platinum Award-winning branded merchandise for 2025–26. If you’re planning marketing campaigns, events, corporate gifting or staff engagement in 2026, these products are proven winners you’ll want to know about.
Think of the BPMA Product Awards as the Oscars of branded merchandise. The British Promotional Merchandise Association invites suppliers to submit their top products, and these entries go through multiple rounds of independent judging. Products are rated on:
Every category has Silver, Gold, and Platinum awards, with Platinum representing the highest level of achievement. The 2025–26 winners were announced in December 2025.
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The Vertex Stormshell Jacket is designed for demanding environments where comfort, protection and durability matter. Combining technical performance with a modern, professional fit, it’s ideal for branded workwear, outdoor teams and premium corporate clothing.
Why it won Platinum:
3-layer waterproof and breathable fabric with mechanical stretch
Engineered for unrestricted movement in all conditions
Men’s and women’s fits available
Made using a blend of recycled and certified polyester
It’s a jacket people actually want to wear, keeping your brand in sight and in mind.
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These awards feel different the moment you pick them up. Crafted in the UK from solid European beech, they’re tactile, elegant, and a refreshing alternative to standard acrylic trophies.
Why it won Platinum:
Expertly made in an ISO-certified UK facility
Multiple shapes and size options
High-definition print or precision laser engraving
Hand-finished for a premium feel
An excellent choice for brands looking to align recognition with craftsmanship and sustainability.
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Designed for work, travel and everyday use, the Wye Recycled Backpack blends style with practicality. Its thoughtful layout and recycled materials make it a high-use promotional product with lasting brand exposure.
Key features:
Water-resistant recycled PU with RPET lining
Laptop compartment suitable for up to 17” devices
Multiple storage pockets and rear trolley sleeve
Screen print, UV print or embroidery branding options
A reliable promotional backpack that fits seamlessly into daily life.
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FOAMO is a standout example of innovative, UK-made branded drinkware. Using patented foaming technology, it dramatically reduces material usage while maintaining durability and usability.
Why it won Platinum:
Uses up to 50% less plastic than standard reusable cups
Made from 70% plant-based materials
Fully recyclable and dishwasher safe
Designed and manufactured in the UK using renewable energy
A strong option for sustainability-led promotional campaigns.
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Sweet, eco-friendly and totally shareable - this vegan treat pack makes a big impact without the environmental guilt. Presented in plastic-free packaging, it’s ideal for events, mailers and employee engagement.
What’s included:
A mix of popular vegan-friendly sweets
Zero-plastic, recyclable packaging
Compact, shareable format
A feel-good promotional gift that aligns with modern values.
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Small but clever, the WalletMate Collection packs practical tools into a credit-card-sized format. It’s a gadget you actually want to keep in your wallet.
Available tools include:
Mini cutlery kit
Phone stand
Protractor
Golf tool
Manufactured in the UK using 100% recycled plastic, with biodegradable material options available, each item offers high-quality digital print branding.
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The Maxton Sugarcane Notebook reimagines everyday stationery using alternative, sustainable materials. It’s a practical promotional product with a strong environmental story.
Key features:
Pages and cover layer made from sugarcane bagasse
RPET elastic closure and page marker
Chlorine-free, acid-free paper
A smart choice for brands focused on responsible sourcing.
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The Xoopar Aura White Noise Speaker combines sound, light and wellbeing into a compact, modern promotional product.
Why it won Platinum:
Six calming white-noise sound options
Two ambient light modes
Made using 68% recycled materials
Digital print or laser engraving branding available
Ideal for wellbeing initiatives, onboarding packs and premium gifting.
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A modern update on a promotional classic, the Baron Extra Recycled range brings colour, sustainability, and style together.
Highlights:
Made from 100% recycled ABS plastic sourced in Europe
Available in 24 contemporary colours
Matte finish with multiple print areas
A dependable, eco-conscious option for high-volume promotional campaigns.
These BPMA Platinum 2025-26 winners show how far branded merchandise has come - combining quality, innovation, sustainability and real-world use.
If you’re looking to incorporate award-winning promotional products into your marketing strategy, our expert team can help you select items that align with your brand, budget and objectives.
