Go green or lose business, says survey

Technology company Shopmium found in a survey that 74% of those in the UK have changed shopping habits to be greener and that almost everybody (97%) views climate change as an issue.

Shopmium adds that “in a clear message to the grocery and FMCG [fast moving consumer goods] industry, eight in 10(80%) say they plan to switch brands for a more environmentally friendly alternatives in future”.

The survey comes as many leading producers and retailers are introducing eco-labelling, including most UK supermarkets.

More than half consumers surveyed (52%) told the survey that they will use eco-labels to guide purchasing decisions.

Among the major buying decisions consumers already seem to have made is to purchase fewer products made with palm oil (35%), with 34% switching to eco-friendly beauty and personal care products.

Nearly a third (32%) said they had cut back on meat and fish, rising to 40% in the 25- to 34-age-group.

Brands’ eco-credentials do get noticed; a third of shoppers (31%) said they always look out for these when shopping, while more than half (55%) said they sometimes notice these on packaging, with consumers under 35 the most likely to search for these on products.

Consumers are not confident in the environmental commitment of brands however, with shoppers rating their overall trust in brands 5.6 out of 10 for eco-credentials, dropping to 3.3 for consumers under 25.

Stuart Sankey, head of Shopmium UK, said: “The results of our survey clearly show consumers want to reduce their environmental impact by purchasing groceries, beauty products and other FMCG goods that have good eco-credentials, such as those that are locally grown or come in recyclable packaging.

“For the past 18 months, the pandemic has been the central driver of change among purchasing habits but this is set to change as climate change moves to the top of the agenda.

The recent IPCC report and upcoming UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, show the climate is an issue that can no longer be ignored and consumers will expect to see brands taking swift action to ensure their products have as little impact on the climate as possible.

“Given 80% of consumers say they will change their purchasing habits to buy products that have a low carbon footprint; it’s the brands and stores that take the initiative to overhaul their operations and ensure the goods they put out are truly sustainable, that will be the brands and shops of the future.

The younger generation in particular, will be seeking products that reduce their carbon footprint and if brands don’t meet their environmental expectations, we expect them to get left behind.”