Consumer Behavior Change

The latest ways brands are supporting a shift toward sustainable consumption, and best practices for brands aiming to encourage more conscious consumer behavior and lifestyles

Article
Proof in the Label: How Sustainability Certifications are Shaping the Future of Retail

A quiet but important shift is taking place in how people shop. Consumers aren’t just buying products—they’re increasingly paying attention to the values and practices behind them. From production to packaging, sustainability has become a meani... View More

Slides
SB Socio-Cultural Trends Research Fall 2025

The SB Socio-Cultural Trends Research, conducted in partnership with Ipsos, tracks changing drivers and behaviors of mainstream consumers around the intersection of brands and sustainable living, including evolving attitudes related to consumption an... View More

Article
Retailers Invite 10M CA Consumers to ‘Break Up with Single-Use Bags’

Beyond the Bag Initiative engages Target, CVS Health, Ralphs and Food 4 Less customers to cut single-use bag waste across nearly 1K Southern California stores. ... View More

Slides
SB Socio-Cultural Trends Research Spring 2025 Highlights

The SB Socio-Cultural Trends Research, conducted twice annually in partnership with Ipsos, tracks changing drivers and behaviors of mainstream consumers around the intersection of brands and sustainable living, including evolving attitudes related to... View More

Article
New Incentive Programs Reward Responsible Travelers

Instead of focusing on quantity of visitors, new traveler-engagement programs emphasize the economic, environmental and social impact of tourists’ presence. ... View More

Article
Consumer Skepticism Slowing Circular Economy Growth

While the economic and environmental logic of a circular economy is compelling, a new report finds its widespread adoption hinges on a critical factor: Trust. ... View More

Slides
SB Socio-Cultural Trends Research Spring 2025

The SB Socio-Cultural Trends Research, conducted twice annually in partnership with Ipsos, tracks changing drivers and behaviors of mainstream consumers around the intersection of brands and sustainable living, including evolving attitudes related to... View More

Article
5 Ways Brands Can Be Supportive Parents

Just like kids often need rewards to clean their rooms, consumers can be nudged into more sustainable choices with the right framework — without the guilt trip. ... View More

Article
US Consumers Value Sustainability, But Affordability Comes First

Food brands can empower conscious consumers to shop their values by making sustainability both attainable and affordable. ... View More

Article
Survey: Shoppers Want to ‘Do Good,’ But Brands Are Missing the Mark

Public Inc highlights need for simpler sustainability claims, reveals ‘anti-woke’ backlash is exaggerated, and provides path for engaging ‘conscious consumers.’ ... View More

Article
The Returns Crisis: How to Balance Sustainability and Convenience

Modern shoppers want guilt-free consumption with minimal inconvenience — here are 3 ways retailers can address the returns crisis while keeping consumers happy. ... View More

Article
4 Keys to Engaging​ Guests on Traveling More Sustainably

New report from Accor and Booking.com sets out challenges hospitality providers face when communicating with guests around sustainability and identifies four key ways to positively influence guest behavior. ... View More

Article
Acumen Invites Chocolate Lovers to Make a ‘Cocoamitment’ This Valentine’s Day

The campaign promotes chocolate brands that exemplify transparency and fairness through practices including direct trade, farmer ownership and paying price premiums to farmers. ... View More

Article
Studies Reveal the Dire Impacts of Bad Gift Giving

Shoppers everywhere would likely agree that the billions’ worth of negative economic and environmental impacts created by unmindful gift giving diminishes the intended sentiment behind giving gifts. ... View More

Article
The Multiplier Effect, in Action! SB’s 2024 Holiday Gift Guide

Here’s this year’s list of tips for taking a more intentional approach to holiday gift giving and some of the many companies, platforms and products that we’d be happy to support anytime. ... View More

Article
Gear-Free Experiences Helping People to Connect More Deeply with Nature

The desire to slow down, reconnect with the physical body and draw on the many health benefits of nature are some of the key attractions to organic, immersive experiences like these. ... View More

Article
UK Electronics Retailer Reminds Shoppers ‘Black Friday Is a Load of Rubbish’

New research shows Brits will spend £3.5B on tech they don’t need this Black Friday, with 1 in 5 using new tech for only four months. CeX’s campaign reminds shoppers about the mountains of tech waste created by the annual shopping frenzy. ... View More

Article
Yuka Users Can Now Appeal Directly to Brands for Healthier Products

New in-app feature allows consumers to contact brands about harmful ingredients and urge them to reconsider products’ formulation. ... View More

Slides
SB Circularity Communications Playbook

Led by Suzanne Shelton from ERM Shelton, this playbook guides brands in effectively communicating circular products and services. It emphasizes benefits of circularity beyond sustainability, providing tools to shift how consumers think, feel, and act... View More

Slides
SB Consumer Behavior Design Playbook

Led by Sille Krukow from Krukow Behavioral Design, this playbook leverages behavioral science and choice architecture principles to inspire circular purchasing. It explores social triggers, emotional rewards, and strategies for fostering impactful be... View More

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