 |
| PVC patches & badges are the new way to identify your organization or product. |
As often is the case, the corporate world has recognized successful military ideas and co-opted them for use in branding & marketing. Instead of unifying a tactical team, they are using these patches to inspire a sales team towards a common goal. Often, once the visual "signature" of the group is established, it's popularity as an icon can progress into promotional & packaging materials that further reinforce the brand. From luggage tags, on-product badging, to zipper pulls, your icon can be molded to identify your company at a glance. Consider anything from the Nike Swoosh to the Billabong logo in a flexible tag that not only influences the purchase, but also acts as a walking advertisement for "what the cool kids" are wearing.
Critical to the success of using these as a tool is the conceptual design of the patch. This requires a visual that embodies the spirit and mission of the organization. The visual statement should be bold, visible from a distance, and truly representative of the group. A sure way to destroy morale and/or sales is to have a icon that poorly represents the group or is just downright tacky. Ask the Civil Air Patrol cadets from Florida in the late '80s how they felt about their wing patch that showcased a cartoon "pregnant alligator" wearing a flight cap & goggles... they probably will claim to be from very south Georgia.
 |
| Clearly, one of these is not like the other. As fond as we were of Florida Wing, there was never a national event that we weren't made fun of. In contrast, the patch representing ITS Tactical subtly says "Quiet Professional". |
 |
| Thought out & well executed, every element to the ITS Tactical patch has a specific purpose it represents. Image credit: ITS Tactical. |
PVC (poly vinyl chloride) patches have become the most popular material for patches for several reasons. PVC patches are made using the PVC material injected into molds. The molds allow a level of detail and a variety of color to be used that cloth and other sewn materials could never equal. Lettering on PVC can be distinctive and boldly colored allowing easy recognition of the wearer's agency, location, rank, role, and identity. PVC can even be made with fluorescent glow-in-the-dark coloring to allow the patch to be readily seen in low-light - keeping the individual safe and even more recognizable.
A very popular option is a PVC patch with a Velcro backing. This allows the easy transfer of a patch between uniforms. This advantage allows the wearer to change identification that pertains to the operators current role, granting easy recognition of who's who in law enforcement & military environments.
PVC patches are much more durable and will last longer than cloth or other materials saving money not only to the agency but look more professional as well. PVC resists sun fading, water, and salt water damage. PVC patches with or without Velcro backing have become the standard for agencies of all kinds as well as civilian security forces because they are easily recognizable, can be colored and lettered to fit any need and preference, and are hard-wearing and durable. We can also accommodate U.S. production & purchasing requirements if needed by your agency.
 |
| QR codes can be added to PVC patches to increase traffic to your website & increase product awareness. |
Consider PVC molded items as an option to advance your unit or your corporations sense of identity. At Hawkins Communications, we can help you develop that unique visual signature that sets your group apart from the crowd and carry that look through production to an item that's durable and meaningful to your team members. Call us to get a quote & design for your next branding success.
