Going Eco-Friendly

Mintel finds more new products boasting environmentally friendly claimsAmericans increasingly express environmental concerns, so manufacturers are taking steps to convey the eco-friendliness of their products. According to Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD), the number of new products with an environmentally friendly claim has grown substantially over the past five years. In 2002, only five such products were launched, but in 2007 there were a staggering 328. This was an increase of nearly 200% from the year before. “We’re seeing rapid growth in new products with environmentally friendly traits,” comments Chris Haack, senior research analyst at Mintel. Haack goes on, “more than ever, shoppers want to purchase goods that help protect and preserve the world around them. Manufacturers have responded with everything from recyclable packaging to products that maintain the body’s health to entire brands that support environmental causes. “