The Conscious Consumer
As conscious consumerism gains traction and media coverage of global environmental issues expands, purchasing habits are shifting and corporate sustainability is taking center stage. In recent years, more and more customers are seeking out eco-friendly products, with increasing interest in cruelty-free and vegan items.
A recent survey shows that one in three consumers prefers eco-friendly options when purchasing products. In fact, 35% of people are even willing to spend more money on such products, and 56% are “slightly likely” to consider paying a higher price.
Companies “Going Green”
In light of customers’ shifting preferences, companies worldwide are making an effort to incorporate sustainable practices into their business models. For example, McDonald’s (along with many other corporations) is trialing the use of paper straws, while other companies have eliminated them altogether.
H&M and ASOS have recently introduced sustainable sourcing programs, and U.K. supermarket chain Iceland has stopped using palm oil in branded products. These developments point to a promising future for the growth of eco-friendly products.
As consumer preferences and purchasing habits continue to evolve, companies must consider this new landscape and adjust according, or else risk being left behind.
How Eco-Friendly Packaging Can Benefit Your Business
Offering sustainable, eco-friendly products can not only enhance customer loyalty but also improve your market share while building up a positive brand image. Other key benefits include:
- Easy disposal
- Biodegradability
- Reduced carbon footprint
- Improved brand image and enhanced customer loyalty
- Easy recyclability and reusability
- Cost savings
- Lower shipping prices
- Versatility and flexibility
How Eco-Friendly Products Benefit Consumers
Offering eco-friendly products can be a great boon to business, but how can they positively affect the consumer?
For one, natural products offer better assurance of safety. Such items contain no harmful chemicals; rather than using materials such as plastics containing BPA, which is known to have the potential to cause a number of health issues, natural products often make use of recyclable packaging and eco-friendly, sustainable materials.
Some of the chemicals included in many products have even been shown to cause premature puberty in children, as well as diabetes, stunted growth, and autoimmune disorders.
How to Tell If a Product Is Eco-Friendly
Even for the most well-versed consumer, navigating the various eco-friendly and recyclable options can be confusing, as product labeling is often misleading. Look for the following things when shopping for these of items:
- Green Seal — Shows that a cleaning product is safe for the environment
- Energy Star — Signifies that an electrical product is energy-saving
- Mobius Loop — Indicates that a product can be recycled
For the full list of recycling symbols, click here.
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