Design Delight Studio

Research Finds Sustainable Labels Boost Product Sales

Caroline Wang (PhD candidate, Northwestern University) and Sherry He (Assistant Professor, Michigan State University) find that products with sustainable labels boost sales. Their study shows that when a product is marked as eco-friendly, its sales grow. Consumers seek products that help the earth. Retailers now add clear labels like Amazon’s “Climate Pledge Friendly,” Target’s “Target Zero,” and Wayfair’s “Shop Sustainably.” These marks give quick clues about a product’s environmental cost.

Key Insights:

• Increased Visibility: Consumers spot eco-friendly products faster when labels sit beside familiar words.
• Sales Growth: Sales rise when labels and buyer choices link closely.
• Retailer Adoption: Big stores use these labels to match changing tastes and build trust.

This study shows that brands in sustainable markets should display trusted labels. Showing these marks links environmental aims with business wins. Transparent labels help brands grow and keep customers loyal.

For brands dedicated to organic and sustainable goods, clear labels help share the brand story and boost loyalty.

Source: Harvard Business Review, June 2025, "Research: Products Labeled as Sustainable Sell Better" by Caroline Wang and Sherry He.

Design Delight Studio curates high-impact, authoritative insights into sustainable and organic product trends, helping conscious consumers and innovative brands stay ahead in a fast-evolving green economy.