As environmental crises increasingly intrude on daily life, young parents are reassessing their relationship with society and nature. The new generation of mothers is embracing eco-friendliness, viewing it not just as an option but as a prerequisite for their purchasing decisions. This trend highlights a fundamental shift in consumer behavior, especially regarding maternal and baby products.
Consumers Demand Eco-Friendly Products
The sentiments expressed by contemporary consumers reflect this growing trend:
- Safety First: “Children tend to put toys in their mouths, so the materials used must be eco-friendly and odorless first and foremost. On the premise of genuine and high-quality materials, they should be recyclable and easy to clean.”
- Meaningful Recycling: “What would attract me to participate in toy recycling is the idea that I can give my unwanted items a new lease on life through recycling. They need to undergo a positive change in the process, from old to renewed, from dirty to clean, which will make me feel that recycling is meaningful.”
- Aligning with Green Principles: “I hope that the materials and the manufacturing processes of the products I buy can be closely aligned with green principles.”
Green Consumption: The New Fashion Statement
The “China Consumer Market Green, Low-Carbon, and Sustainable Trend Survey Report (2023)” released by the Shanghai Consumer Protection Committee and the Daily Economic News indicates a significant shift in consumer preferences.
- High Emphasis on Sustainability: In first-tier cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, 92% of respondents expressed a strong preference for green and low-carbon consumption, significantly higher than in lower-tier cities.
- Generation Z Leads the Charge: Generation-Z consumers have emerged as the demographic most willing to purchase green and low-carbon products, with a staggering 88% indicating a preference for sustainable options.
- The Profile of Green Consumers: Tmall DIGITAL Ecology Lab’s consumer insight report reveals that green consumers are predominantly young, mostly female, and possess middle to high purchasing power. This demographic emphasizes the safety and health attributes of the products they buy.
The transition towards green lifestyles signifies that environmental protection is no longer a mere corporate responsibility; it has become a driving force reshaping industries and serving as a beacon for sustainable development.
The Maternal and Baby Industry’s Commitment to Eco-Friendliness
In the maternal and baby industry, eco-friendliness is not just a buzzword; it is a core component of business strategies. This commitment is manifested in two primary ways:
Green Design and Production Practices
Companies in the maternal and baby sector are increasingly choosing environmentally friendly materials and adopting sustainable manufacturing processes. This shift involves:
- Ecological Design: Focusing on the lifecycle of products, from material sourcing to end-of-life disposal.
- Energy and Resource Efficiency: Reducing energy consumption and waste through innovative production methods.
Promoting Green Values
Brands are not just implementing eco-friendly practices; they are also committed to educating consumers about the importance of sustainability. Through marketing campaigns and community initiatives, businesses are working to deepen consumer understanding and inspire proactive involvement in eco-friendly practices.
Leading Examples in the Industry
Several maternal and baby brands are pioneering eco-friendly initiatives, setting a standard for the industry:
- Pigeon: At the CBME China 2023, Fangying Ye, the Vice President of Pigeon China, stated, “We hope to call on more enterprises, institutions, and individuals in society to pay attention to and benefit from the green, low-carbon business philosophy through our efforts.” Pigeon’s commitment includes using sustainable packaging made from renewable materials, such as their Master Series drinking cups, which utilize 50% sugarcane and 50% wood-source paper.
- Feihe: This company exemplifies green development by saving millions of kilowatt-hours of energy and tons of water through efficient practices in its factories.
- Babemax: Initiatives like “Old Clothes for New Children” demonstrate the brand’s commitment to recycling and community engagement, collecting over a thousand pieces of clothing to repurpose them sustainably.
Emerging Consumption Trends in the Maternal and Baby Industry
According to research conducted by CBME Insights, the following trends are shaping consumer behavior in the maternal and baby industry:
- Green and Environmental Protection: There is a growing preference for environmentally friendly and sustainable products.
- Natural Aesthetic Education: Parents prioritize products that foster an appreciation for nature in their children.
- Family Warmth: A shift towards family-oriented products indicates a broader focus that extends beyond just infants.
- National Trend: The revival of traditional Chinese culture influences consumer preferences, leading to a demand for products with cultural significance.
- Intelligent Labor-Saving Solutions: Smart, convenient parenting devices are gaining popularity among modern parents.
Conclusion
The upcoming CBME VISION Future Maternal and Baby Life Show, scheduled for July 17th to 19th, 2024, aims to highlight these emerging trends. By showcasing top-quality products aligned with current consumer values, the event will help industry professionals navigate the evolving landscape of maternal and baby consumption.
As eco-friendliness becomes a critical factor in purchasing decisions, brands that prioritize sustainable practices will not only meet consumer expectations but also foster loyalty and trust. The future of the maternal and baby industry lies in its ability to adapt and embrace green principles.
