IRI: 50% of Consumers Consider Sustainability When Choosing Products

CHICAGO — About half of U.S. consumers consider at least one sustainability factor in selecting consumer packaged goods items and choosing where to shop for those products, a new Information Resources Inc. survey reveals. Respondents were presented with sustainability factors, including organic, eco-friendly product, eco-friendly packaging, and fair treatment of employees and suppliers. One in five participants were deemed “sustainability driven” since they take at least two sustainability factors into account when making purchase decisions. “Sustainability has evolved from a niche segment concern to a major factor influencing purchasing and shopping behavior across a sizable consumer base,” said Andrew Salzman, chief marketing officer for IRI, in a statement. “Our survey indicates that consumers are focused more and more on the social and environmental impact on their CPG purchases, creating a viable and growing U.S. market for sustainable products and packaging with the potential to mirror well-developed markets in Europe and Japan.”

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