More than 38% of consumers prefer to buy products with sustainable features or packaging

Research agency BOXpoll found that more than a third of consumers (38%) would be more likely to buy products with sustainable features or packaging.

Of consumers who are more likely to purchase environmentally friendly products and packaging, 10% actively seek out such products, while 28% prefer to purchase products based on environmental attributes, such as sustainable materials , sustainable packaging or a portion of proceeds going to an environmental cause .

A wide range of demographics, including younger consumers ( Gen Z and Millennials), affluent consumers with household incomes over $100,000, as well as parents and those living in urban environments, are the most sustainable shoppers. Nearly half (47-48%) of these groups identify as sustainability -conscious shoppers.

Despite the sustainable habits of the young , the wealthy , parents and urban dwellers, sustainability is not yet a factor in the purchasing decisions of the majority of consumers (59% on average), either because they do not notice sustainable features or because sustainability has no impact on their shopping behavior.

One potential downside could be cost. According to BOXpoll, 67% of consumers believe that a box with sustainable packaging costs more than a conventional box, despite the same contents. Consumers believe that sustainable packaging is worth an average of $5.70 more than conventional packaging.

Gregg Zegras, executive vice president and president of global eCommerce at Pitney Bowes, said : “Consumers are increasingly demanding that retailers offer more environmentally friendly options. This is evident not only in our latest BOXpoll findings, but also in brands’ rapid action to show progress in sustainable manufacturing and distribution. E-commerce represents a greater choice for consumers , and with more of their shopping happening online, consumers are using that power to support brands that care about sustainability. ”

Consumer preferences

Sustainable

Online Shopping