As consumers become increasingly environmentally aware, many are looking to product labels to determine. Whether a product was manufacture in a sustainable way. Customers like to be aware of the ecological impact of their purchases. And know that they’re supporting companies that engage in sustainable practices.

However, according to a recent report from the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD). Many companies that have sustainability certifications actually display that fact on their packaging. Only half of Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) oil is sale. With its sustainability certification on the label. While the figures for Rainforest Alliance certified cocoa are only 35 percent. Meanwhile, only a paltry 16 percent of certifie sustainable cane sugar is labeled.

RSPO

What’s the reasoning behind these omissions? According to research conduct by the Food Climate Research Network (FCRN), there are both economic. And social considerations keeping some companies from displaying their sustainability certifications. Some companies fear that adding sustainability information to packaging will turn off key segments of their customer base.

However, there have been recent studies disproving this fear. A survey conducted by Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) in 2014 found that the majority of consumers prefer to see sustainability information on their product labels. What’s more, the survey also found that nearly half of respondents were willing. To pay more for products that were certified as earth-friendly or sustainable.

If your company is certified by any major sustainability organization, consider adding that information to your labels. For information about how you can lease our color label printers to print your own labels, contact us today.