The Impact of Environmental Indicators on Consumer Decision-Making in the Purchasing of Lifestyle Essentials: A Quantitative Analysis

Beata Paliwoda, Alina Matuszak-Flejszman, Magdalena Ankiel and Małgorzata Jasiulewicz-Kaczmarek ()
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Beata Paliwoda: Management Institute, Poznan University of Economics and Business, 61-875 Poznan, Poland
Alina Matuszak-Flejszman: Management Institute, Poznan University of Economics and Business, 61-875 Poznan, Poland
Magdalena Ankiel: Marketing Institute, Poznan University of Business and Economics, 61-875 Poznan, Poland
Małgorzata Jasiulewicz-Kaczmarek: Institute of Safety and Quality Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, 61-875 Poznan, Poland

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 4, 1-28

Abstract: This research paper explores consumer perceptions and expectations regarding environmental criteria for a range of essential lifestyle products. The term “Lifestyle Essentials” includes various items integral to daily life, covering food, cosmetics, household chemicals, consumer electronics, household appliances, IT equipment, clothing, footwear, and cars. The research aims to assess the significance of environmental factors in consumer purchase behavior and provides insights that can guide businesses and policymakers in developing targeted sustainability initiatives. The study, conducted in Poland with a representative sample (1221 respondents), gathered data on how consumers prioritize environmental indicators across five product categories. Results indicate that 80.5% of respondents expect businesses to be responsible for their environmental impact, and 56.9% of respondents consider environmental indicators as important in their purchasing decisions, with the highest importance assigned to chemical use (mean score: 3.94), waste management (3.90), and packaging (3.90). Additionally, the exploratory factor analysis highlighted that particular attention is given to the groups such as material and wastes, sustainable management, and risk and compliance, reflecting the main areas of consumer interest.

Keywords: environmental indicators; environmental management; purchasing decisions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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