New research suggests a substantial shift towards conscious consumerism, with a staggering 87% of shoppers more likely to purchase products that are ethically and sustainably produced.
The survey, commissioned by leading parcel delivery service, CouriersPlease (CP), also reveals that 85% of consumers want retailers and brands to be more transparent about the origins and sustainability of their products and whether they are engaging in ethical practices.
NSW residents top the states when it comes to conscious consumerism, with 87% of respondents calling for transparency from retailers, followed by 85% of Queenslanders, and compared with 68% of ACT residents.
CP also found that two in five (41%) Aussie consumers would be willing to pay more for ethical and sustainable products. Younger consumers appear to be more sustainably minded, with 46% of shoppers under-30 stating they would be willing to purchase an ethical product at a higher price point, compared with 34% of over-50s.
CP chief commercial officer, Paul Roper said the research reveals that Australians are becoming more conscious shoppers and are starting to make more considered choices by seeking, and purchasing, products that are sustainably and ethically produced.
“This is an important incentive for retailers to embark on sustainable initiatives within their own operations and supply chain,” he said.
“As a business, CP has taken giant strides towards achieving carbon neutrality. We recently gained LowCO2 Certification for all our operations from The Carbon Reduction Institute, and are working on several other ‘green’ initiatives which will help us on our path to becoming a carbon-neutral carrier by 2025.”