22 Sustainable Shopping Statistics & Trends You Need To Know
DealAid curates sustainable and ethical shopping statistics from public data, private organizations and other sources. You will find key trends and statistics for sustinable and ethical shopping below. Please refer to the footnotes for original data sources.
*This resource will be updated with more statistics when more data becomes available.
1. US market share of products which have sustainability and ethical labels accounted for 17.3% of all consumer products sold last year.
The US market witnessed a remarkable shift towards sustainability and ethical consumer products, as the market share of products adorned with sustainability and ethical labels surged to 17.3% of all consumer products sold in the previous year, reflecting a growing consciousness and demand for eco-friendly and socially responsible choices among American consumers.
2. Sustainable and ethical product market in the US grew 9.5% CAGR over the last five years versus 5% for conventionally marketed products.
The sustainable and ethical product market in the United States experienced robust growth with a notable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5% over the past five years, outpacing the 5% CAGR of conventionally marketed products, underscoring a significant consumer shift towards environmentally conscious and socially responsible purchasing choices.
3. Projected market value of sustainable and ethical products in the US is expected to reach $2.4 trillion in 2023.
The projected market value of sustainable and ethical products in the United States is set to surge to an impressive $2.4 trillion in 2023, reflecting a resounding recognition and demand for environmentally conscious and socially responsible goods, further solidifying the sustainable market’s prominent position in the American economy.
4. Sustainable products average 27.6% higher prices than other products in US.
Sustainable products in the US command an average premium of 27.6% in comparison to other products, showcasing the willingness of consumers to pay a higher price for goods that align with their values and support sustainable practices, highlighting the growing importance of sustainability in purchasing decisions.
5. 80% of American consumers consider sustainability when making a purchase.
An overwhelming majority of 80% American consumers demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability by factoring in environmental and social considerations when making purchasing decisions, reflecting a significant shift towards conscious consumerism and the growing significance of sustainability in the marketplace.
6. 55% of US shoppers are willing to pay more for sustainable products and services.
A substantial portion of 55% of US shoppers demonstrate a willingness to pay a premium for sustainable products and services, indicating a significant consumer demand for environmentally friendly and socially responsible offerings, thus encouraging businesses to prioritize sustainability in order to cater to this conscientious consumer base.
7. 40% of US Shoppers are also willing to pay more for eco-friendly products and services.
A significant segment of 40% of US shoppers exhibit a readiness to invest extra in eco-friendly products and services, underscoring the growing importance of environmental considerations in consumer purchasing decisions and creating a compelling market opportunity for businesses that prioritize sustainable practices and offer eco-conscious alternatives.
8. 70% of American consumers indicated that they would be willing to stop buying products from a brand that is not ethical or sustainable.
A notable majority of 70% American consumers express a strong commitment to ethical and sustainable practices, with the willingness to cease purchasing products from brands that do not meet these criteria, highlighting the growing consumer expectations for corporate social responsibility and the potential consequences for businesses that fail to prioritize ethical and sustainable initiatives.
9. The most commonly cited reasons for purchasing sustainable products are improve the environment (30%), reduce production waste (23%), reduce carbon footprint (22%) and improve animal welfare (22%).
When it comes to purchasing sustainable products, consumers have a diverse set of motivations, with the most commonly cited reasons including a desire to improve the environment (30%), reduce production waste (23%), lower their carbon footprint (22%), and enhance animal welfare (22%), illustrating the multifaceted nature of sustainability concerns that shape consumer choices.
10. 71% of consumers worldwide have shifted their preference towards buying more sustainable and ethical products to some degree in the last five years.
A significant majority of 71% of consumers across the globe have exhibited a notable shift in their preferences, demonstrating an increased inclination towards purchasing more sustainable and ethical products to varying extents over the past five years, signaling a global trend towards conscious consumerism and a growing demand for responsible and sustainable options in the marketplace.
11. Brands that actively advertise their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives average 6.4% growth over the last five years.
Brands that proactively promote their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives have experienced an average growth rate of 6.4% over the past five years, highlighting the positive correlation between effective communication of sustainability practices and business success, as consumers increasingly gravitate towards socially responsible and environmentally conscious brands.
12. Brands that do not actively advertise Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives average 4.7 growth over the last five years.
Brands that have not actively promoted their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives have achieved an average growth rate of 4.7% over the past five years, emphasizing the potential missed opportunities for growth and consumer engagement when sustainability practices are not effectively communicated, indicating the increasing importance of ESG considerations in the modern business landscape.
13. Products with more specific claims (such as 'vegan' or 'carbon free') had the highest growth of 8.5% in the last five years.
Products with more specific claims, such as “vegan” or “carbon-free,” have witnessed the highest growth rate of 8.5% over the past five years, underscoring the increasing consumer demand for transparency, authenticity, and products that align with specific sustainability attributes, further driving the market for specialized and purpose-driven offerings.
14. Products with more broad claims (such as 'plant based' or 'sustainable packaging') had middle growth of 4.7% in last five years.
Products with broader claims, such as “plant-based” or “sustainable packaging,” achieved a moderate growth rate of 4.7% over the past five years, indicating that while these attributes still resonate with consumers, the market impact is comparatively lower compared to products with more specific and niche sustainability claims, highlighting the potential benefit of focusing on targeted and distinct sustainability messaging to drive stronger consumer engagement and growth.
15. Products that made very broad claims (such as 'environmentally friendly') grew at an average of 2% in the last five years.
Products that made very broad claims, such as “environmentally friendly,” demonstrated a modest average growth rate of 2% over the past five years, suggesting that while the concept of environmental friendliness is valued by consumers, the lack of specificity and differentiation in the messaging may limit the potential for stronger growth and consumer appeal, highlighting the need for more focused and distinct sustainability claims in the marketplace.
16. Almost 50% of American consumers also believe that companies are responsible for becoming more sustainable.
A significant proportion of nearly 50% American consumers firmly believe that companies have a responsibility to actively adopt more sustainable practices, reflecting a growing expectation for businesses to prioritize environmental stewardship and take concrete actions towards building a more sustainable future.
17. 35% of ecommerce businesses in North America have invested in long term sustainability initiatives.
Approximately 35% of ecommerce businesses operating in North America have made significant investments in long-term sustainability initiatives, showcasing a notable commitment to environmental responsibility and a recognition of the importance of integrating sustainable practices into their operations to meet the evolving demands of conscientious consumers.
18. 82% of US shoppers prefer that the brand's values align with their own.
An overwhelming majority of 82% of US shoppers express a strong preference for brands whose values and commitments align with their own, emphasizing the increasing significance of brand values and ethics in shaping consumer purchasing decisions and fostering long-term brand loyalty.
19. 90% of Gen Z consumers are willing to spend 10% or more on sustainable products.
A remarkable 90% of Gen X consumers showcase their strong commitment to sustainability by expressing their willingness to allocate at least 10% or more of their budget specifically for purchasing sustainable products, highlighting the significant role of this demographic in driving the demand for environmentally responsible options in the marketplace.
20. 64% of UK consumers have limited their consumption of single use plastic.
A significant majority of 64% of UK consumers have actively taken measures to restrict their consumption of single-use plastic, signaling a growing awareness and adoption of sustainable practices among the population, as individuals make conscious choices to reduce their environmental impact and promote a more sustainable future.
21. 51% of UK consumers are not willing to pay more for sustainable products.
More than half of UK consumers, specifically 51%, demonstrate a reluctance to pay a premium for sustainable products, indicating the existence of price sensitivity and the need for competitive pricing strategies and effective communication to bridge the gap between consumer demand for sustainability and their willingness to invest in eco-friendly options.
22. 71% of Canadian consumers are concerned about high prices associated with sustainable products.
A significant majority of 71% of Canadian consumers express concerns about the elevated prices often associated with sustainable products, highlighting the need for affordable and accessible options to effectively address consumer demand for sustainability and alleviate barriers to entry in the market.