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Insight of the Day: What do UK consumers think about retail take-back schemes? YouGov survey reveals

Findings:

  • 18% of UK adults have participated in take-back schemes, with a higher participation rate (24%) among 25-34-year-olds.

  • Environmental concerns are the primary motivation for participation, with reducing waste and helping the environment cited as key benefits.

  • Supporting brand responsibility, potential for discounts/rewards, and convenience also play a role.

  • Barriers to participation include limited return locations, inconvenience, lack of awareness, unclear processes, doubts about brand commitment, and perceived lack of environmental impact.

  • 16% of consumers are very likely, and 44% somewhat likely, to support brands with take-back schemes.

  • Consumers suggest improvements such as more convenient return locations, increased awareness, clearer information, better incentives, transparency about environmental impact, and more frequent/larger take-back events.

Key Takeaway:

  • While consumer interest in take-back schemes exists, driven primarily by environmental concerns, barriers like inconvenience and lack of awareness hinder widespread participation. Brands have an opportunity to increase engagement by addressing these barriers and improving convenience and transparency.

Trend:

  • Growing consumer awareness and demand for sustainable practices in the retail industry, including initiatives like take-back schemes that promote circularity and reduce waste.

Consumer Motivation:

  • Primarily driven by environmental concerns (reducing waste and helping the environment).

  • Additional motivators include supporting brand responsibility, potential rewards, and convenience.

What is Driving the Trend:

  • Increasing awareness of environmental issues and the need for sustainable consumption.

  • Consumer demand for brands to take responsibility for their products' end-of-life impact.

  • The rise of the circular economy concept and its potential to reduce waste and environmental harm.

Who the Article is Referring To:

  • UK adults (aged 18+)

  • Retailers and brands implementing take-back schemes (e.g., John Lewis, H&M)

Description of Consumers' Product or Service:

  • Take-back schemes offered by retailers, allowing consumers to return used or unwanted items for recycling or reuse.

Age of Consumers:

  • The survey covers UK adults aged 18+, but notes a higher participation rate among 25-34-year-olds.

Conclusions:

  • There is a significant opportunity for brands to increase consumer participation in take-back schemes by addressing barriers and improving convenience, transparency, and incentives.

  • Consumers are increasingly looking to support brands that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and responsible practices.

Implications for Brands:

  • Invest in making take-back schemes more convenient and accessible, with more return locations and options like home pickup.

  • Increase awareness of these programs through effective communication and marketing.

  • Provide clear and transparent information about the process and environmental impact of the scheme.

  • Offer incentives or rewards to encourage participation.

  • Demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability beyond take-back schemes.

Implication for Society:

  • Increased participation in take-back schemes can lead to a significant reduction in textile waste and environmental impact.

  • Fosters a more circular economy where products are reused or recycled instead of being discarded.

  • Encourages brands to adopt more sustainable practices throughout their product lifecycles.

Big Trend Implied:

  • The Rise of Conscious Consumerism - Consumers are increasingly considering the environmental and social impact of their purchases and actively seeking out brands that align with their values.

Implication for Future:

  • Take-back schemes are likely to become more prevalent and sophisticated as consumer demand for sustainable practices grows.

  • Brands that embrace circularity and actively engage consumers in sustainable initiatives will have a competitive advantage.

  • The success of take-back schemes will depend on their convenience, transparency, and ability to demonstrate a tangible positive impact.

Name of Trend:

  • Sustainable Consumption & Circular Economy

Name of Broad Trend:

  • Conscious Consumerism

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