Survey: Consumers Seek Sustainable Products and Packaging, Transparency

A recent survey conducted by Specright found a shift in consumer attitudes towards sustainability and transparency in corporate practices.

The survey analyzed responses of 1,000 U.S. consumers aged 21 and above.

It found a growing emphasis on verifiable sustainability claims, with 80 percent of consumers indicating a preference for companies that support such claims with publicly shared data.

Consumers exhibited a heightened awareness of sustainability and transparency, particularly in relation to their favorite brands and products. However, 69 percent still were skeptical, believing that companies are not accurately reporting on sustainability goals and metrics. Additionally, 40 percent of respondents express discomfort in purchasing products from companies not actively progressing towards sustainability goals.

This heightened awareness is reshaping consumer purchasing behaviors, with 58 percent indicating a willingness to spend more on products deemed sustainable or environmentally friendly. Transparency emerges as a key factor, with 74 percent favoring companies that openly communicate their sustainability practices and frequently update on progress toward goals, such as claiming carbon-neutrality or phasing out single-use plastics.

Beyond purchasing decisions, consumers expressed a strong desire for responsible product disposal, with 82 percent stating they are more likely to recycle products if companies provide clear recycling instructions on the product or packaging.

Looking ahead to 2024, 71 percent of respondents indicated they plan to make more sustainable purchasing decisions, signaling a continued emphasis on environmentally conscious choices.

Surprisingly, 67 percent of consumers admitted to not knowing the term "greenwashing." In the context of holiday shopping, 62 percent preferred bundling items from online retailers for a more sustainable delivery process.