Covid-19 increases interest in ‘conscious consumption’, research finds

The research by Accenture suggests that more consumers are focusing on: limiting food waste (72%), shopping more health-consciously (68%), and making more sustainable choices when shopping and will likely continue to do so (66%).

In addition, the research shows 65% of consumers believe that the government should introduce legislation to promote ‘conscious consumption’, such as charging for plastic bags.

Oliver Wright, senior managing director and global lead of Accenture’s consumer goods industry group, said: “The pandemic is making consumers think more about the impact their purchasing decisions are having on the environment and society at large.

“Consumers’ focus on areas like the provenance of ingredients and raw materials, working practices, the environmental impact of finished products and packaging, calls for companies to ensure the agility and capability to be relevant to consumers and customers — with a portfolio of products and services that match shifting purchasing patterns – and to better collaborate with industry peers, just as they proved they could during the pandemic.”

Jill Standish, senior managing director and head of Accenture’s global retail industry group, added: “People’s values are increasingly becoming infused in their shopping habits as consumers think more about balancing what they buy, and how they spend their time, with global issues of sustainability. This calls for retailers to be authentic and to pay attention to what each community they serve really cares about.”