Online shoppers demand that brands be more environmentally friendly

Over the last few months, consumers have started to move to e-commerce. The temporary closure of physical stores has provided the opportunity for consumers to re-evaluate their shopping habits. Therefore, consumers have become more conscious and more aware of the environmental impact of their purchases.

Conscious consumer

A report from LiveArea and PFS goes on to say that consumer attention in the United Kingdom and Ireland has turned to the sustainability of the buying-cycle. In addition, consumers are more aware of the environmental impact associated with their changing shopping habits. 37% of UK and Irish shoppers say that they are more conscious of the environmental impact their online shopping habits have, than before COVID-19. Meanwhile, 73% expect online retailers and brands to use recyclable packaging. Furthermore, 74% expect online retailers and brands to minimize their use of packaging.

More attention towards sustainability

Many consumers started to pay more attention to the sustainability of the products they purchase. Along with the process online retailers and brands go through prior to their delivery. As a results, only 37% of consumers are satisfied with the communication from online retailers or brands on the environmental impact of the groceries and household products they have bought.

35% of consumers say that when making a purchase a product must be naturally sourced, locally sourced or sustainable. Furthermore, 56% say they prefer to buy products that can be delivered from within their own country.

The issue of over-purchasing

Millennials admit to still over-purchasing and returning items. 30% of Millennials admit to over-purchasing and returning items, compared to 16% of all consumers. However, the COVID-19 outbreak has altered consumer habits, with 37% of all shoppers having stopped over-purchasing as a result. In addition, 30% of shoppers are returning fewer items due to environmental concerns. This change in habits could have a big impact on how online retailers and brands approach promotions in the future.

Maintaining positive shopping habits

Almost three-quarters (72%) of consumers say they plan to continue with their changed shopping habits following the COVID-19 outbreak. 40% of consumers feel that online retailers and brands should continue with reduced carbon footprint initiatives which include changes to product delivery and sourcing.