Eco Consumer Insights

Trend - Businesses across the hospitality industry are investing in single-use paper-based cutlery. These cutleries are to be used in establishments or at home, and can be easily composted once used. This reduces waste in the home and reduces time spent cleaning dishes in high-volume restaurants or hotels.

Insight - While most consumers use reusable metal cutlery in the home, the norm for many take-out restaurants is to provide single-use plastic cutlery, which directly conflicts with the increasing number of consumers adopting eco-friendly lifestyles. These consumers vote with their dollars and prefer food brands with more sustainable solutions, whether it be where the food is sourced from or the packaging offered with the meal. As a result, brands are adopting compostable packaging and cutlery.

Trend - Brands in the micromobility space are further embracing sustainability through the incorporation of hydrogen fuel cells. When compared to lithium-ion batteries, these fuel cells charge significantly faster, use fewer resources, and are less prone to heat-induced damage.

Insight - Consumers who get into the micromobility space do so for a variety of reasons, often related to either convenience, cost, or environmental concerns. While traditional bikes offered these benefits over gas-powered vehicles as well, electric bikes boast more utility for these consumers, leading to many regarding them as vehicle replacements. Brands in the space are now pushing both the convenience and environmental friendliness even further by crafting ebikes with hydrogen fuel cells.

Trend - Amid rising concerns about the ethical and environmental impacts of cocoa farming, many businesses are introducing products that minimize or replace the ingredient. These alternatives aim to combat deforestation, human rights abuses, and wildlife loss in hopes of reducing industry reliance.

Insight - Amidst the global cocoa shortage, confectionery businesses are looking for alternatives to help them deliver the same cocoa-infused creations without profiting from unethical business practices. In response, cocoa-free products are entering the market, appealing to businesses and consumers who wish to avoid contributing to the industry's existing issues. Businesses that cater to the demand for sustainable and honest sourcing practices can attract consumers who value ethical production systems.

Trend - Skincare brands are combining multiple products into single, premium sunscreens to streamline daily routines. These sunscreens double as concealers, and moisturizers, and are often manufactured with organic ingredients, creating a clear value-add for consumers willing to pay a premium.

Insight - Consumers in the beauty space are increasingly prioritizing products with health benefits, particularly those that align with environmentally-conscious values. As awareness of the risks associated with chemical sunscreens increases, so does the preference for products containing non-toxic, reef-friendly components. Brands are adapting by offering multifunctional sunscreens that cater to diverse skin types and provide additional skincare benefits, aligning with such consumer desires.

Trend - Packaging foam, often discarded after use, is becoming eco-friendly due to regulations and changing consumer attitudes. These products reduce the need for petroleum-based foams and minimize environmental impact, appealing to eco-conscious consumers and businesses.

Insight - Eco-conscious consumers often choose products that align with their social and political values, especially in the packaging industry, which is dominated by wasteful practices. These consumers are willing to pay more for sustainability, encouraging businesses to adopt eco-friendly materials and practices. Businesses catering to the demand for sustainable packaging solutions can appeal to consumers looking for brands that demonstrate a genuine commitment to minimizing environmental issues.

Trend - Brands are launching retail stores that offer a variety of household and personal care products through bulk dispensers. These stores claim to reduce environmental impact by allowing customers to refill containers and pay by weight, reducing reliance on potentially harmful packaging methods.

Insight - As consumers grow more aware of the environmental consequences of their purchases, they are gravitating towards stores that actively address the impact of consumerism. This trend has led to a rise in "refilleries," which focus on minimizing packaging waste, especially for frequently repurchased personal care products. By catering to the demand for reduced-impact retail stores, businesses can attract environmentally conscious consumers looking to reduce their ecological footprint.

Trend - Brands are demonstrating an attentiveness to plastic waste by creating edible food and beverage packaging as a sustainable alternative. These packaging options have a number of advantages, including lowering food waste, breaking the cycle of waste, and offering nutritional advantages.

Insight - As more consumers recognize the wasteful nature of food and beverage packaging, there is a shift toward solutions that minimize waste and harm to the environment. In response, brands are debuting alternatives that transform disposable items into an integral part of the food supply chain, reducing reliance on single-use plastics and non-recyclable materials. Businesses that address concerns relating to packaging waste can attract consumers who value the ecological impact of their purchases.

Trend - Self-care products are being offered in aluminum cans to enhance sustainability. Often coupled with refillable designs, these cans reduce packaging costs and are nearly infinitely recyclable. Additionally, the resilience of aluminum packaging simplifies shipping and logistics systems.

Insight - The majority of consumer cosmetic products are packaged in bright plastic cases. Consumers in this space are accustomed to these designs. However, they are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of single-use plastics, and as a result, are now gravitating toward more sustainable solutions, such as refillable or recyclable packages. Brands in the self-care and beauty industries are recognizing the ever-increasing importance of sustainable packaging, and are turning to aluminum.

Trend - Self-care brands are packaging products in paper-based cartons. These cartons are capable of holding liquid substances without deteriorating, making them perfect for dishsoaps, shampoos, and more. These cartons have lower carbon footprints and are easier to recycle by the end user.

Insight - Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of the products they consume. In particular, the health and beauty industry often receives pushback for wasteful and environmentally-destructive practices. As such, these consumers are voting with their dollars, opting for products with eco-friendly labels and recyclable packaging over traditional alternatives. Brands in the space are becoming aware of this, and are engaging in more sustainable product-related practices.

Trend - Brands are designing their products with wash-off labels to streamline the post-consumer recycling process. These multi-use labels are designed to remove adhesive residues, which often require harsh chemicals or scraping that compromise the integrity of the packaging.

Insight - Eco-conscious consumers are often aware of how their purchasing decisions affect the environment and desire products that minimize this impact. As a result, brands are implementing efficient strategies to facilitate and streamline the recycling process without necessitating any significant lifestyle changes. Businesses that address challenges related to post-consumer materials can successfully appeal to consumers who prioritize sustainable business practices.