How Product Placement in TV Shows Can Drive Sustainable Behaviours
Product placement has long been a powerful tool in TV and film, but today, it’s more than just a clever marketing tactic—it’s a way to drive change in sustainable behaviors.
For associations, not-for-profits, charities, and NGOs, this presents an exciting opportunity to create TV shows that educate, inspire, and generate funding through strategic product placement partnerships.
The Power of Product Placement
Recent research from BenLabs highlights just how influential product placement can be. Three-quarters of U.S. consumers reported searching for a product after seeing it in a TV show or movie, with nearly 60% going on to make a purchase. And it happens fast—over half of those purchases occurred within a day of spotting the product on screen.
Why does this matter? Because consumers are increasingly avoiding traditional advertisements. In the age of streaming, with many viewers opting for ad-free experiences, product placement offers a subtle, effective way to engage audiences without disrupting their entertainment. In fact, more than half of surveyed consumers said they preferred product placement to traditional ads.
Driving Sustainability Through Product Placement
This influence can extend beyond consumer goods to behaviors that align with your organization’s mission. Imagine viewers watching a home renovation show where energy-efficient appliances, solar panels, or recycled materials are seamlessly integrated into the storyline. They’re not being lectured—they’re being inspired.
By showcasing sustainable products and solutions in relatable, entertaining contexts, your organization can make sustainability feel more attainable for everyday people. Whether it’s promoting eco-friendly construction materials, sustainable fashion, or green energy solutions, product placement in TV shows has the potential to normalize these behaviors, making them desirable and accessible.
Jimmy and Tam discussing Bondor insulated wall panels to help make homes more energy efficienct on the award winning Renovate or Rebuild TV Show
Funding Your TV Show with Product Placement
For associations and not-for-profits, creating high-quality TV shows might seem out of reach due to budget constraints. But here’s where product placement can become part of the solution. Brands are eager to get their products in front of viewers, and when you partner with companies that align with your cause, product placement can help fund your content while promoting shared values.
This is the model we’ve adopted for our TV show Renovate or Rebuild, where brands play an integral role in the storyline. For example, energy-efficient appliances, sustainable building materials, and smart home technologies are naturally integrated into the renovation projects. Viewers get to see these solutions in action, and the brands involved get visibility in front of an engaged, environmentally-conscious audience.
By collaborating with brands that are invested in sustainability, your organization can create compelling, educational content that not only drives impact but also generates funding to keep your mission moving forward.
For not-for-profits or NGOs working in these sectors, partnering with a reality TV show or creating your own could be a game-changer. Picture a competition focused on sustainable farming practices or a fashion challenge based on circular design. These formats bring your mission to life in ways that resonate with viewers, showing that sustainability can be both attainable and aspirational.
The Growing Business of Product Placement
Product placement isn’t just a trend—it’s a booming business. In 2022, product placement spending in the U.S. exceeded $15 billion, and by 2026, that figure is expected to reach $23.5 billion. Globally, product placement is projected to grow to $41.5 billion by 2026, with TV accounting for three-quarters of all placements.
For associations, not-for-profits, and NGOs, this represents a huge opportunity. By leveraging product placement, you can partner with brands that share your mission, create high-quality TV content that resonates with viewers, and fund your projects sustainably.
Making Product Placement Work for Your Cause
When done right, product placement isn’t just about selling a product—it’s about aligning with values. As consumer interest in sustainability grows, companies are eager to associate themselves with causes that reflect their commitment to the environment and social good. By creating TV shows that integrate sustainable products and behaviors, your organization can foster partnerships with brands that want to make a difference.
The key is to seamlessly weave these products into your content, so they become a natural part of the story rather than a commercial interruption. Whether it’s featuring a brand’s eco-friendly building materials in a home renovation show or highlighting a company’s sustainable fashion in a reality TV series, the possibilities are endless.
Product placement of uPVC windows by global brand Deceuninck on the award winning Renovate or Rebuild TV Show
Conclusion: A Win-Win for TV Shows and Sustainability
Product placement isn’t just for consumer brands—it’s a valuable tool for driving change and funding impactful TV shows. For associations, not-for-profits, charities, and NGOs, product placement offers a win-win: you get the funding to create shows that promote sustainable behaviors, and your brand partners get exposure to an engaged audience that shares their values.
If your organization is ready to create TV shows that inspire viewers to adopt sustainable practices while partnering with brands committed to social and environmental good, product placement might be the key to making it happen. Let’s start building those partnerships today, and together, we can drive real, lasting change—one TV show at a time.
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