Survey: Consumer Demand for Environmental Action Growing During Pandemic

A recent global survey shows consumer demand for environmentally sustainable practices and products has increased since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol conducted the survey to find how sustainability programs at brands and retailers had changed in a post-COVID world. The survey found 54 percent of sustainability leaders at apparel and textile brands say they’ve seen their customers’ demands increase for sustainable projects. However, 59 percent said they believe customers will still continue to prioritize price when making purchases. The survey found that 43 percent of respondents believe COVID-19 has had a positive impact on investments in sustainability efforts during this period, while 40 percent believe it has had a negative impact. The survey found 54 percent of respondents report demands for sustainable projects has “significantly” or “somewhat” increased since the beginning of the pandemic, and 42 percent said that those customers are also more vocal in those demands.