Consumer focus on sustainability
With 71% of global consumers viewing sustainability as crucial, the Sustainability 2024: Navigating Consumer Behaviour study highlights that sustainability is now a fundamental consideration in consumer decision-making. Further studies reveal that 74% of Australians view recycling as a key aspect of their commitment to a sustainable lifestyle.
This signals that consumers are driving economic growth with their increasing focus on environmental sustainability. Brands must start to align with this proactive, eco-conscious mindset to stay competitive and embrace sustainability, recognising that it is no longer a choice—it's a critical success factor in today's market.
Demand for sustainable packaging
As environmental responsibility becomes a key priority, convenience also plays a crucial role in consumer choices. In Australia, 83% of individuals view home recycling as the most convenient method for managing waste, underscoring the need for accessible, eco-friendly solutions.
Faith in Nature is meeting consumer demand by switching to 100% recycled and infinitely recyclable aluminium bottles. Despite a higher carbon footprint per bottle compared to plastic, aluminium's recycling rate of 86% far surpasses plastic’s 10%, making this a more environmentally conscious decision. As a B Corp-certified brand, Faith in Nature is committed to sustainable practices and continuously improving their environmental impact.
Shampoo with a Purpose also provides an eco-sustainable packaging solution with vegan and palm oil-free shampoo bars. Each bar replaces six bottles of traditional shampoo and conditioner, making it a practical choice for reducing packaging waste. The bars are made using a double triple-milled process, ensuring durability and effectiveness while supporting waste-conscious consumer needs.
Embracing biodegradable solutions
Research shows the rising adoption in the use of biodegradable materials across industries. These materials support sustainability goals by reducing waste, conserving resources, and mitigating environmental impact.
Go Bamboo is at the forefront of this movement, offering eco-friendly bamboo products. Bamboo grows quickly and absorbs more carbon dioxide while releasing more oxygen than traditional trees. It is inherently biodegradable and requires no pesticides or excessive water. By utilising Moso bamboo—harvested in a way that doesn’t affect panda food sources—Go Bamboo effectively reduces plastic waste and supports a greener planet.
CleanLIFE is another market leader in this space, recognised for addressing consumer needs with products that are both effective and environmentally friendly. Their plastic-free and biodegradable wet wipes are developed in collaboration with dermatologists, scientists, engineers and water authorities. Made from Australian purified water and native oils and extracts, these wipes contain no harmful chemicals, offering a sustainable solution that doesn’t compromise performance.
Product origin and quality ingredients
Social media and influencers have sparked a shift towards an “ingredient-first” mentality among consumers. According to Vogue Business, this trend reflects a growing desire for transparency and quality in product ingredients.
Antipodes exemplifies this shift, prioritising high-quality, sustainable ingredients and packaging. Their cruelty-free, vegan and organic products highlight a commitment to ethical standards. They also collaborate with trusted local growers to ensure complete ingredient transparency from forest to face. Additionally, Antipodes has already removed over 10 million plastic containers from landfills through their packaging initiatives. They are now focused on achieving 100% plastic-free and curbside recyclable status in the near future.
Mindful Foods also advocates for a thoughtful approach to ingredient sourcing. By supporting sustainable practices, Mindful Foods emphasises the importance of food that not only benefits human health but also restores environmental balance. Their commitment to Australian-grown produce further enhances sustainability, promoting local agriculture and reducing food miles.
The key to consumer trust
In the realm of sustainability, consumers value transparency over perfection. They’re interested in knowing about your efforts, whether it’s the brands you choose, your use of reusable bags, or your investment in solar panels. Sharing these initiatives openly with your customers fosters trust. Being transparent about your sustainability practices helps align your brand with the values of today’s conscious consumers.
At Unique, we adopt a forward-thinking approach to sustainability, committing to impactful changes across our operations. Our initiatives include powering our warehouses with solar energy, using electronic forklifts, and installing LED lighting to reduce energy consumption. We also grow our own vegetables, repurpose lunch scraps for our worm farm, and use 100% recycled toilet paper. These efforts reflect our dedication to creating a more sustainable future.
Upgrade your shelf space with sustainable choices
Elevate your product range to meet consumer demand. Order online or via our sales team at 1800 787 904. Alternatively, register for a wholesale account here.
