Sustainability has been a buzz word in the home décor industry for years, but the types of eco-friendly practices and products that consumers gravitate towards change often. According to a 2023 study by NielsenIQ, 78 percent of U.S. consumers say that a sustainable lifestyle is important to them, and in a survey from digital supply chain company Blue Yonder, 69 percent of respondents said they would pay more for sustainable products. But, even though they are seeking out those sustainable products and brands, after so many years of pursuing “greener pastures” consumers have wised up to many of the greenwashing practices that have permeated the industry and marketing tactics.
Now, customers are doing their research before they align their dollars with sustainable and eco-friendly brands and products, and that means retailers need to do the same in 2024.
Authenticity First
Before carrying any eco-friendly products and brands, retailers should invest time into researching them just like their customers. Terms like green, eco-friendly, all-natural, earth-friendly, plant derived, organic — but not organic certified — and non-toxic can be used by manufacturers without meeting any legally required testing or standards.
Retailers should look for third-party certifications — examples include Fair Trade certified, Environmental Working Group Verified, B-Corp, Made Safe and Cradle to Cradle certifications— to be sure they are picking vetted products that meet basic industry standards for those labels. Transparency also goes along way when vetting new products and brands. Consumers gravitate towards brands that feel like they have nothing to hide, so brands that are willing to share their sustainability goals, production processes, and waste and recycling statistics, will continue to resonate with them in 2024.
Material World
Following the rise of biophilic design — or design trends that prioritize connections with nature — green home décor trends in 2024 will be founded on their materials. Sustainable natural materials like bamboo, cork, coconut, straw, cob and natural fabrics like hemp, wool and jute will be more popular because of their renewability, natural origins and — in some cases —recyclability over materials like resin and synthetic fibers. Real woods and stones will be less popular in this category because they are perceived as less renewable and/or recyclable. Carrying products made with recycled metals, plastics and other materials will be key in attracting eco-conscious consumers who want the look of synthetic materials like plastic. Repurposed objects — think newspapers, license plates, fabric scraps, discarded books, and deadstock wallpaper, carpeting, paint and fabric — will also make a big impact.
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Source: giftsanddec.com