07.26.22
The Plant Based Products Council (PBPC) has released the findings from its annual consumer research program, revealing trends in consumer attitudes and awareness of products made from renewable inputs like corn, soy, and hemp.
This year’s report showed strong interest in plant-based products and illustrated how the industry continues to expand its footprint in American retail and homes – with 71% of consumers reporting they consciously think about products and packaging made from plant-based materials when they shop.
“This year’s consumer research findings really underscore that the majority of American consumers are thinking about, buying, and using plant-based products,” says PBPC executive director Jessica Bowman. “Awareness has been one of our biggest hurdles as an industry – this year’s findings show that we are overcoming that. We expect consumers’ growing demand to continue and PBPC is focused on ensuring our state and federal-level policies allow the plant-based products industry to tap into its full potential and meet that demand.”
Furthermore, 85% of consumers are interested in purchasing personal care products (lotions, cosmetics, etc.)
“The majority of consumers are concerned about the environmental impact of the products they buy,” says Brett Featherston, global vice president of sales of PBPC member Evanesce. “They expect businesses to offer sustainable alternatives to products that are well-known to be harmful to the environment – and in many cases are willing to pay more for that sustainable product.”
Consumers cited recyclability, composability, and the environment as the top reasons for purchasing a plant-based product. At the same time, 21% of consumers reported inaccessible waste disposal infrastructure as a top factor when deciding not to purchase these types of products.
This year’s report showed strong interest in plant-based products and illustrated how the industry continues to expand its footprint in American retail and homes – with 71% of consumers reporting they consciously think about products and packaging made from plant-based materials when they shop.
“This year’s consumer research findings really underscore that the majority of American consumers are thinking about, buying, and using plant-based products,” says PBPC executive director Jessica Bowman. “Awareness has been one of our biggest hurdles as an industry – this year’s findings show that we are overcoming that. We expect consumers’ growing demand to continue and PBPC is focused on ensuring our state and federal-level policies allow the plant-based products industry to tap into its full potential and meet that demand.”
Findings
Nearly nine in 10 consumers are planning on purchasing a plant-based product in the near future, and consumers are more likely to think highly of stakeholders who make, utilize, or support the industry:- 88% of consumers said they are likely to purchase products and materials made from plants in the next three months.
- 71% of consumers said they consciously think about products and packaging made from plant-based materials when they are shopping.
- Only 5% of consumers who have purchased products and materials made from plants said they are not interested in purchasing again.
- 61% of consumers said they would be more interested in a company if they were using products and materials made from plants.
Furthermore, 85% of consumers are interested in purchasing personal care products (lotions, cosmetics, etc.)
“The majority of consumers are concerned about the environmental impact of the products they buy,” says Brett Featherston, global vice president of sales of PBPC member Evanesce. “They expect businesses to offer sustainable alternatives to products that are well-known to be harmful to the environment – and in many cases are willing to pay more for that sustainable product.”
Consumers cited recyclability, composability, and the environment as the top reasons for purchasing a plant-based product. At the same time, 21% of consumers reported inaccessible waste disposal infrastructure as a top factor when deciding not to purchase these types of products.