New research shows consumers are drawn to brands that act on plastics

Businesses that lead the way in eradicating plastics will increase customer loyalty and trust, according to a new study* from the Australian Retailers Association in collaboration with the Queensland University of Technology.

The poll of over 600 consumers identified the five most important Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) tactics in the Australian market being, in order:

1.    Plastic reduction

2.   Healthy food choices for children

3.   Plastic recycling

4.   Fair trade

5.   Racial equality

Pip Kiernan, Chair of Clean Up Australia, said a collaborative effort between business, community and governments was required to solve our plastic waste challenges.

“My father had great insight into our impact on the planet. Three decades ago, he predicted that plastic waste would be the scourge of our generation and was advocating for producer responsibility, the implementation of a circular approach to our resources and the phasing out of single use and problematic plastics.

“We know that the community desire for change is enormous and there’s no doubt that now is the time for action. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware that their buying choices can drive industry and environmental changes. They want to see businesses of all sizes making impactful changes to reduce waste to landfill and providing customers with options that are kinder on the planet.”

Paul Zahra, CEO of the Australian Retailers Association, said that consumers have spoken – they want to see action on plastics and they’re going to be drawn to the brands that are showing leadership on this front compared to those who are dragging the chain.

“Addressing environmental challenges is a top priority for the industry and pleasingly, we’ve seen many retailers go above and beyond government mandates in eradicating plastic items ahead of time.”

This month, NSW became the final jurisdiction to ban lightweight plastic bags 13 years after it was first done by South Australia. While South Australia has led the way in most categories of single-use plastic bans, followed closely by Queensland and the ACT, the other states are making ground - especially Western Australia.

WA has brought in regulations to ban the heavyweight (commonly 15c) plastic supermarket bags and helium balloon releases, from January 2022 but not actively enforced until July 2022.

Queensland was the first to ban polystyrene foodware and plates, cups and bowls (if not enclosed with a lid) from September 2021 and ACT is the first to ban plastic-stemmed cotton buds (from July 2022).

*Wang, D., & Sugimoto, T. (2022), How retailers’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) tactics influence customers' perceptions of store image, loyalty, and satisfaction? Queensland University of Technology, School of Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations.