Strike gold: China suppliers prep sports-themed merchandise for Rio 2016

Suppliers of promotional items in China are preparing their selections in anticipation of an increase in orders for Olympics-themed products in the months ahead.

China-made souvenirs are expected to be heavily present at the 2016 Summer Olympics, just like in 2012 when up to 65 percent of licensed London 2012 merchandise was manufactured in the world’s largest production center. That time, the "made in China" label was spotted cups, action figures, T-shirts, towels and sporting equipment.

For Rio 2016, keychains, lanyards, metal badges, gift boxes, backpacks, T-shirts, sports scarves and even jewelry will be among the best-sellers. Metal products will be lead- and nickel-free, and have low cadmium levels. Electronic designs will follow CE and RoHS requirements.

Standout keychains will come in soft PVC or rubber with stainless steel rings and chains, and pendants with 2D or 3D logos. Prices are from $0.25 to $0.50.

Zinc alloy or brass badges, meanwhile, are stamped or die-stamped, -cast or -struck and have enamel-filled surfaces. Such models are between $0.50 and $2.

Lanyards, on which medals and name tags can be attached, are made of nylon, polyester and cotton. Widths are from 1 to 2.5cm and lengths run between 90 and 120cm. Logos are silk-screened. Models go from $0.30 to $1.

Souvenir backpacks adopt polyester, with models that fold into a small pouch forecast to be hot. Price is from $1.30 to $2.10.

Using 100 percent acrylic, satin or polyester, scarves will have two-layer constructions and printing on both sides. Some will have decorative tassels.

T-shirts are expected to be another big category. Those in pure cotton are roughly $2 or $3 each while models with an EL panel across the chest that flash to music are between $5.50 and $6.30.

China products will also make their way to the stadium via weight plates and fitness benches. The former come in cast iron with a painted or epoxy powder- or rubber-coated surface. Models come in various weights and are $1 to $1.30 per kilogram.

Rio 2016 marks the fifth year that China manufacturers will be supplying sports equipment to the games, having started in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. 2008 was the banner year when 36 of the 76 equipment providers at the Beijing Olympics were China manufacturers.

China exporters, however, will face a tougher task in 2016. As part of protectionism efforts, the Brazil government has set import tariffs of 20 to 35 percent on sporting goods, significantly higher than duties levied by the US and Europe. Domestic suppliers, on the other hand, receive tax relief incentives to boost price competitiveness.

With regard to licensing, meanwhile, securing the necessary permits to use the various trademarked symbols is a step most China suppliers leave to their potential customers, often shipping products without logos or brands.

This is not to say, however, that makers are not up the licensing task. In August 2012, Beijing-based Honav became the official provider of Rio 2016 pins. The company also designed and manufactured the lapel pins for the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. 2016 marks Honav’s third-consecutive time to receive pin-licensing rights.

Earth friendly

China suppliers, including Dongguan D&S Wood Work Co. Ltd, will be implementing environmentally safe materials and processes specifically during production of Olympics-themed memorabilia. This is to comply with the guidelines in the Sustainability Management Plan for the Rio Summer Games.

Examples of "green" efforts include enhancements to wastewater treatment during printing and plating to reduce pollution. Plating itself will also be eco-friendly, with makers adopting aluminum film vacuum plating or vacuum metallization. Via this process, metallized parts become recyclable.

Finished products will conform to EU safety requirements and will be packed in biodegradable plastic bags.

These efforts are expected to bring up prices 2 to 5 percent.

Check out our gallery of souvenirs, including various gifts and premiums, garments and fashion accessories, and sporting goods.