Consumers Rank Convenience & Fuel Retailers Low in Demonstrating Commitment to Environmental Friendliness

ATLANTA — Americans are not only seeking out environmentally friendly products but are willing to pay a premium, according to a new study from environmental technology company GreenPrint. Its first-ever Business of Sustainability Index found that almost two-thirds (64 percent) of Americans are willing to pay more for sustainable products, but nearly three-quarters (74 percent) don't know how to identify them.

Additionally, 78 percent are more likely to purchase a product that is clearly labeled as environmentally friendly.

The study also found that people hold a large degree of mistrust about companies' environmental claims. Fifty-three percent of Americans say they never or only sometimes believe it when companies say they are environmentally friendly, and 45 percent say they need a third-party validating source in order to trust a company statement.

"Businesses are in a bind. Broadcasting sustainability would capture an untapped consumer base but also sow distrust," said Pete Davis, co-founder and CEO of GreenPrint. "We'd suggest they follow the data. Third-party validation helps certify progress in the eyes of consumers, and the process of carbon offsetting — which is easy to measure and communicate — helps create tangible benchmarks. Both are good tools for building trust. It's about exploring your trustworthy methods of communication, then selecting one that aligns with your objectives."

Other key findings of the study include:

• 75 percent of millennials are willing to pay more for an environmentally sustainable product, compared to 63 percent of Generation Z, 64 percent of Generation X and 57 percent of baby boomers.
• 77 percent of Americans are concerned about the environmental impact of products they buy.
• More than half (56 percent) of Americans would use a credit card that could calculate and offset the environmental footprint of products they purchased.
• There is a noticeable break between generations, with 71 percent and 66 percent of millennials and Gen Z willing to do so, compared to only 50 percent Gen X, 46 percent of baby boomers and 39 percent of the silent generation.
• 76 percent of Americans would switch their preferred packaged goods brand if they were offsetting carbon emissions, and 74 percent would switch gasoline brands in the same situation.
• Comparing sectors, 78 percent of respondents said food/groceries are doing well in terms of demonstrating their commitment to environmentally friendliness. Tech is close behind at 74 percent, while gas stations and convenience stores rank lower at 51 percent and 54 percent, respectively.

The Business of Sustainability Index and its future editions will track sentiment around sustainability in the economy, including how climate consciousness impacts consumer preference and perceptions of companies and their products as well as the overall effectiveness of the sustainability benchmarking ecosystem across various sectors and demographics.

"Companies must build trust and loyalty by clearly demonstrating that they share environmental goals with their customers," Davis said. "Defending and preserving our planet is not only the right thing to do, it's good business. Companies that are able to navigate the business of sustainability will be best positioned for future success."