With growing demand for eco-friendly products, companies are investing in sustainable packaging and environmental practices to adapt to the market
Photo: Reproduction/Freepik
Initiatives focused on sustainability are transforming multiple sectors of the economy. With growing concerns about climate change and easier access to information, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of environmental issues.
Studies reveal that internet searches for sustainable products have grown by 71% over the past five years. In the food sector, there is a rising demand for natural ingredients and healthier options.
For restaurants, environmentally conscious practices include reducing waste and prioritizing organic items. In the delivery sector, adopting sustainable packaging is among the primary measures adopted, along with other green initiatives.
American Consumers Are Prioritizing Sustainable Products
Warnings about the intensifying climate crisis are reshaping consumer behavior, with a growing emphasis on sustainability. This trend is expected to become even more prominent in commerce in the coming years.
A survey by DoorDash highlighted that Gen Z and millennial consumers are 27% more likely to choose products from brands actively engaged in environmental protection efforts.
In the food industry, this shift is also evident in the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle. Consumers are increasingly prioritizing natural and nutritious ingredients that have a smaller environmental impact.
Sustainability’s Influence on Delivery Consumption
Data shows that 75% of American consumers consider sustainability when making purchases. This trend demands that companies take real actions to meet consumer expectations.
For example, the use of biodegradable, reusable, or compostable materials is a practical alternative to reduce plastic usage and other environmentally harmful materials.
As commerce continues to digitize, activism for sustainability is likely to grow, favoring companies that adopt responsible practices. Businesses that fail to adapt risk financial losses and reputational damage.
The growing focus on sustainability in the U.S. suggests that this trend will persist. Consequently, companies must consistently align their practices with this new demand.
The Rise of Sustainable Packaging in Delivery
Sustainable packaging is among the top sustainability initiatives in the delivery sector, especially since plastic remains widely used for meal delivery despite its long decomposition time.
A global survey by McKinsey found that 75% of companies have already adopted environmentally responsible packaging. Another 15% have implemented these practices in select areas, while only 10% reported taking no action on this front.
In addition to benefiting the environment, eco-friendly packaging offers companies some advantages, such as:
- Resource efficiency:saving water and energy during production, allowing these resources to be allocated elsewhere.
- Reduced reliance on natural resources:using sustainable raw materials eases the pressure on resources facing lack risks.
- Long-term cost savings:sustainable products can lead to financial savings without compromising quality.
Market Impact and Corporate Adaptation
Businesses are responding to the rising demand for sustainable products by adopting eco-friendly solutions to minimize waste and reduce their dependence on materials like plastic.
In digital marketing, there is a growing movement to position brands as socially responsible by strategically displaying their sustainability initiatives.
In the food delivery industry, plastic utensils are increasingly being replaced with sustainable alternatives. Additionally, the dark kitchen model — currently gaining popularity — emerges as an efficient approach, optimizing resources for restaurants operating exclusively via delivery.
Companies like CloudKitchens, for example, provide spaces and technological solutions that enable restaurants in this model to serve customers efficiently and sustainably without compromising service quality.
Digital Transformation and Access to Information
The internet has played a vital role in raising consumer awareness. With greater access to information, understanding the impacts of climate change and the importance of action has become more accessible.
In addition, digital transformation is also benefiting businesses. Technologies such as artificial intelligence enable more efficient operations management, reducing waste and optimizing the use of natural resources.
Advanced equipment further supports the replacement of polluting materials with renewable energy sources, delivering financial advantages in the long term in times of limited resources and rising costs.
Future Projections and Sustainability’s Growth
Technological advancements in the delivery sector, including automation and artificial intelligence, are expected to facilitate the adoption of sustainable practices and reduce reliance on polluting materials.
As environmental impacts intensify, concern over the climate crisis will continue to shape consumption behavior.
In this scenario, companies that invest in sustainability will be better positioned to attract environmentally conscious consumers and build a positive market image, balancing productivity, quality, and environmental responsibility.
