sustainability

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Dealing with Threats to Corporate Reputation and Image

A recent Nielsen global survey, “The Sustainability Imperative-New Insights on Consumer Expectations,” found that consumers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for socially responsible products.  This survey found that 66% of respondents are willing to pay more for products and services from companies that have demonstrated their commitment to positive social and environmental impact.  This percentage has increased from 55% in 2014 and 50% in 2013, according to Nielsen’s newswire about this survey. According to this report, there are key sustainability purchasing drivers for global respondents.  Survey respondents were “very heavily” or “heavily” influenced by the following factors: 62% The products are made by a brand/company that I trust. 59% The product is known for its health and wellness benefits. 57% The product is made from fresh, natural and/or organic ingredients. 45% The product is from a company known for being environmentally friendly. 43% The product is from a company known for its commitment to social value.  According to Carol Gstalder, Senior Vice President, Reputation and Public Relations Solutions at Nielsen, “Brand trust and reputation are paramount.” She also stated, “An excellent reputation makes it far more likely a company will be welcomed into new communities; partner with the most respected non-profits working on issues consumers care about most; and be a go-to source for products and services. And what we know for sure is that sustainability is playing an increasingly significant role in consumer decision making.” The report also discusses the sustainability tactics used by brands in a variety of product categories.  Nielsen’s newswire provides a link to the “Global Corporate Sustainability Report.” See all 5 Cups articles.  

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When Good Research Produces “Bad” Findings

A recent Nielsen global survey, “The Sustainability Imperative-New Insights on Consumer Expectations,” found that consumers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for socially responsible products.  This survey found that 66% of respondents are willing to pay more for products and services from companies that have demonstrated their commitment to positive social and environmental impact.  This percentage has increased from 55% in 2014 and 50% in 2013, according to Nielsen’s newswire about this survey. According to this report, there are key sustainability purchasing drivers for global respondents.  Survey respondents were “very heavily” or “heavily” influenced by the following factors: 62% The products are made by a brand/company that I trust. 59% The product is known for its health and wellness benefits. 57% The product is made from fresh, natural and/or organic ingredients. 45% The product is from a company known for being environmentally friendly. 43% The product is from a company known for its commitment to social value.  According to Carol Gstalder, Senior Vice President, Reputation and Public Relations Solutions at Nielsen, “Brand trust and reputation are paramount.” She also stated, “An excellent reputation makes it far more likely a company will be welcomed into new communities; partner with the most respected non-profits working on issues consumers care about most; and be a go-to source for products and services. And what we know for sure is that sustainability is playing an increasingly significant role in consumer decision making.” The report also discusses the sustainability tactics used by brands in a variety of product categories.  Nielsen’s newswire provides a link to the “Global Corporate Sustainability Report.” See all 5 Cups articles.  

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What is an “Authentic” Brand?

A recent Nielsen global survey, “The Sustainability Imperative-New Insights on Consumer Expectations,” found that consumers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for socially responsible products.  This survey found that 66% of respondents are willing to pay more for products and services from companies that have demonstrated their commitment to positive social and environmental impact.  This percentage has increased from 55% in 2014 and 50% in 2013, according to Nielsen’s newswire about this survey. According to this report, there are key sustainability purchasing drivers for global respondents.  Survey respondents were “very heavily” or “heavily” influenced by the following factors: 62% The products are made by a brand/company that I trust. 59% The product is known for its health and wellness benefits. 57% The product is made from fresh, natural and/or organic ingredients. 45% The product is from a company known for being environmentally friendly. 43% The product is from a company known for its commitment to social value.  According to Carol Gstalder, Senior Vice President, Reputation and Public Relations Solutions at Nielsen, “Brand trust and reputation are paramount.” She also stated, “An excellent reputation makes it far more likely a company will be welcomed into new communities; partner with the most respected non-profits working on issues consumers care about most; and be a go-to source for products and services. And what we know for sure is that sustainability is playing an increasingly significant role in consumer decision making.” The report also discusses the sustainability tactics used by brands in a variety of product categories.  Nielsen’s newswire provides a link to the “Global Corporate Sustainability Report.” See all 5 Cups articles.  

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  • Article

Making Prosocial/Cause-Related Ads More Effective

A recent Nielsen global survey, “The Sustainability Imperative-New Insights on Consumer Expectations,” found that consumers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for socially responsible products.  This survey found that 66% of respondents are willing to pay more for products and services from companies that have demonstrated their commitment to positive social and environmental impact.  This percentage has increased from 55% in 2014 and 50% in 2013, according to Nielsen’s newswire about this survey. According to this report, there are key sustainability purchasing drivers for global respondents.  Survey respondents were “very heavily” or “heavily” influenced by the following factors: 62% The products are made by a brand/company that I trust. 59% The product is known for its health and wellness benefits. 57% The product is made from fresh, natural and/or organic ingredients. 45% The product is from a company known for being environmentally friendly. 43% The product is from a company known for its commitment to social value.  According to Carol Gstalder, Senior Vice President, Reputation and Public Relations Solutions at Nielsen, “Brand trust and reputation are paramount.” She also stated, “An excellent reputation makes it far more likely a company will be welcomed into new communities; partner with the most respected non-profits working on issues consumers care about most; and be a go-to source for products and services. And what we know for sure is that sustainability is playing an increasingly significant role in consumer decision making.” The report also discusses the sustainability tactics used by brands in a variety of product categories.  Nielsen’s newswire provides a link to the “Global Corporate Sustainability Report.” See all 5 Cups articles.  

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E, S, or G? Which Matters Most to Consumers and Institutional Investors?

When firms communicate about their environmental, social and governance (ESG) activities, they should consider not only what matters most to which stakeholders, but what results make the most impact with which stakeholders as well. While consumers prefer to invest in brands perceived positively on environmental and social issues, institutional investors focus less on these aspects and far more on governance.

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Consumer Ambassadors Promote Prosocial Behavior for Themselves & Others

Using consumers as “ambassadors” has many benefits, research has shown. They can help organizations promote their prosocial messages about the environment and other issues and might even become the impetus behind positive behaviors across social networks. However, the greatest impact and the most persistent one, may be on the ambassador themselves, especially those who were less than environmentally conscious at the outset.

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