Zappi’s Upcycled Merch Moment
Client: Zappi – a leading global MarTech company and certified B Corp
Event: MAD//fest, London’s largest marketing festival
Location: Shoreditch, London
Zappi, a leading global MarTech company, came to Kollektif with the need to create something unique, fun and meaningful for MAD//fest – London’s largest marketing festival. By partnering with Kollektif on all conference merchandise needs, Zappi exceeded their goal of standing out in a sea of B2B noise and left a lasting impression on conference-goers through a cohesive brand experience.
The Challenge
With a short runway and a bold vision, Zappi wanted merchandise that would not only reflect their B Corp values but also showcase their core philosophy: nothing should go to waste—not data, not materials, not good ideas.
The goal? Design merchandise that was sustainable, high quality, completely custom, and truly reflective of Zappi’s brand—something that would turn heads and spark conversation on the ground.
The Solution
We kicked off with a creative workshop to ideate with the Zappi team, landing on a hero item that hit all the right notes: upcycled denim tote bags made from secondhand jeans and finished with custom branded iron-on patches. The outcome? A brand experience that stuck—and a tote worth holding onto, not just for how it looked, but for the story it told and the moment it captured.
The full booth experience was tied together with premium-quality, sustainably sourced items including the following for a cohesive brand presence:
- Custom notebooks
- Branded pens
- Soft-touch t-shirts with Pantone-matched printing
The Results
Zappi’s booth didn’t just show up—it showed out. The upcycled denim totes quickly became the most talked-about item on the floor, drawing long line-ups and turning heads. More than just merch, they sparked real conversations with prospects and gave the brand visibility that lived beyond the event—spotted across LinkedIn and slung over shoulders all weekend long.
The activation delivered:
- Cut-through visibility: Zappi’s booth became one of the most talked-about on the floor.
- Extended brand reach: The merch lived beyond the festival, extending the brand moment digitally.
- Circular economy in action: Hundreds of pairs of discarded jeans were reimagined into brand assets.
What Zappi Said
“We’re at MAD//fest giving away the denim bags and patches and they are flying. Someone literally said we have the best activation of the whole event.”
“The quality is brilliant, communication is quick and clear, and everyone who sees the merch (including us) loves it.”
“Internal teams and customers have only seen the merch on social and they’re already asking for a Zappi tote and tee. We need a reorder!”
With Kollektif handling everything end-to-end, the Zappi team skipped the headaches and gained back hours—free to focus on what they do best: connecting with their audience.Together, we turned upcycled denim into a brand moment that still lives on.
