How Much Extra Will Consumers Pay for Sustainable Packaging?

Consumer behavior is changing massively on the topic of sustainability, and most are willing to sacrifice delivery speed for a more environmentally friendly shipping solution. 

According to a new report from third-party logistics company Radial, 77% of consumers would be willing to wait longer for packages shipped via sustainable shipping methods. Of those, 29% of consumers said they’d be willing to wait an extra day for their packages and 38% said they’d be willing to wait 3-5 days longer for their packages. This gives retailers significant wiggle room in delivery timing as they work to streamline last-mile delivery. 

Focus on Packaging

Most consumers believe online retailers should look to packaging as a main component to improving their sustainable shipping practices. To be more specific, the survey found:

• 30% think online retailers should use packaging made from recycled materials 
• 29% think online retailers should use reusable packaging that can be repurposed or refilled 
• 23% think online retailers should implement more efficient packaging designs to minimize waste 

Despite this growing attention from consumers, many brands are struggling to make the switch to sustainable packaging, with rising costs posing a huge barrier for many companies. This complements other research about companies struggling to balance profitability with environmental impact. 

The costs may be prohibitive but the data speaks volumes: 60% of consumers associate sustainable packaging with environmentally friendly shipping. Notably, 33% prioritize eco-friendly packaging in their purchase decisions. 

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