When your company makes decisions, it’s done with the customer in mind. You need to offer a product and service that your target market craves. If you’re not selling what your market wants, then there’s no way that your company will succeed.
This includes your company’s sustainability choices. Although sustainability should be a consideration for your company no matter what, some consumers will care more about sustainability than others. If your target market makes their purchasing decisions based on sustainability, then your company needs to start making green changes now before you start losing customers.
As it turns out, demographics surrounding green consumers vary greatly. But, one thing is for certain: green purchasing decisions are on the rise globally, and companies need to start making sustainable choices now if they want to remain competitive.
Let’s take a look at different demographics and how likely they are to make sustainability-minded purchasing decisions.
Table of Contents
Gender
Many studies have found that women are more likely to make green purchasing decisions. However, this seems to depend on the age group and industry.
According to a survey by ICOM Information and Communications, women aged 55 – 59 were the most likely to take environmental concerns into consideration when purchasing a product. However, males in the 65 – 69 age group were 1.6 times more likely to make green purchasing decisions than the average American.
Across age lines, the study found that women were more likely to make sustainable purchasing choices overall. However, one study conducted in Hong Kong found that men were more likely to make greener choices when purchasing healthy food. This suggests that the differences between men and women when it comes to sustainable purchasing decisions may not be that substantial. Whether your target market is men or women, it’s best to play it safe and enact sustainability in your business strategy.
Age
A 2021 survey conducted for the United Nations Climate Change Conference of 10,000 people in 17 different countries showed that 33% of millennials take green purchases seriously compared to 24% – 29% of those in older generations.
The same survey also found, however, that interest in green products is growing across all age demographics. Additionally, older generations are only slightly behind millennials when it comes to sustainable purchasing choices.
Another 2017 study surveying 10,000 individuals from 28 countries found that the middle-aged are more likely to be environmentally conscious than older or younger demographics. This contradicts the common assumption that younger generations are more likely to care about environmental issues. This study found that it had little to do with nationality and education level and more to do with the stage of life. Those in the 40 – 60-year-old age range are more conscious of how their decisions affect the world and are keen to make a positive impact. Those in the younger age groups may not yet understand their individual impact, and those in the older age groups might understand their impacts but not care as much.
These studies show that sustainability should be a consideration no matter the age group of your target market. However, if your market consists of millennials and those in their middle ages, then sustainability should be at the forefront of your business model.
Sustainability-minded purchases are trending across demographics
The above survey from the UN Climate Change Conference showed that 85% of people globally are making more environmental purchases. This crossed age, gender, education, and racial demographics.
Plastics are also a major concern for consumers. In a survey by The Economist, 77% of respondents said that plastic was the worst type of packaging. As consumers are making more green purchasing choices, companies need to do what they can in order to limit their plastic packaging, including single-use plastic bags. If trends are to be believed, then plastic concerns will only grow over time.
Consumers want the companies that they support to help them make greener choices. In fact, 50% of fashion executives have said that consumers are driving them to make more sustainable choices. This shows that consumer demand is pushing for more sustainability within businesses, and green business models will soon be required if your company wants to succeed.
But, making sustainable business choices isn’t always easy. Sometimes, it requires an entire overhaul of practices and approaches to business. If you truly want to commit to sustainability, you must do so in a thorough and intelligent way. Consumers don’t just care about sustainability; they’re savvy about it. In the transparent digital era, greenwashing practices can no longer take place. You must take the time to develop sustainability strategies that truly work if you want to keep your customer base growing.
Take the first step toward sustainability by offering reusable bags from bk-bags
Although creating a sustainable business strategy will not be easy, there’s a first step that you can take that’s as easy as making a phone call: offering reusable bags through bk-bags.
Plastic packaging is a growing concern among consumers. The vast majority of consumers believe plastic packaging to be damaging to the environment, and many will make their purchasing decisions based on how much plastic packaging surrounds a product. The last thing consumers want is to add to their plastic footprint with single-use plastic bags.
Offering reusable bags helps your customers to make green choices while shopping at your company. And that’s something that makes them feel good. When they feel good, they will be more likely to return to your company for future purchases.
Furthermore, all of our bags carry third-party certification, ensuring that they are produced in a sustainable and ethical way. This helps avoid any greenwashing practices; the reusable bags are ethically sourced so that your customers can feel good using them.
Our bags also boast superior durability. They are built to last. After all, the key to reusable bags is their ability to be reused. You can also print your company’s logo on your bags, offering a unique marketing opportunity. Because the bags are reusable, your customers may use them on a daily basis, and as they do so, they’ll carry your logo with you. It’s a win for everyone.
We have a wide variety of bag options, including PP woven and non-woven, bamboo textile, cotton totes, and more so that you can find the perfect bag for your company.
Interested in taking the first step towards more sustainable business practices? Let’s talk about which reusable bag is best for your company.