Biopinio Blog

We did a consumer survey on print products in March 2017 for the Druckerei Lokay (Printshop Lokay).

The results of our survey were later presented by Ralf Lokay during a session at BiolebensmittelCamp (Organic Products Camp).

The majority of organic-conscious consumers work under the assumption that print products from organic producers and organic retailers use recycled paper and environmentally friendly ink exclusively.   About half expect the printing process to be Carbon neutral.

Over 80% of survey takers want organic product producers and organic retailers to use recycled paper as well as environmentally friendly color in their print media products.   More than two thirds also want a C02 neutral printing process and for printers to stop using artificial materials.  When takers marked „other“ they mostly expressed the desire to simply see less printed materials in general.

91% of participants (Top2-Value) identify the use of environmentally friendly paper as important to them.

88% of participants (Top2-Value) identify the use of environmentally friendly ink as important to them.

85% of participants (Top2-Value) identify the prevention of the use of  artificial materials in print products as important to them.

Although almost all those asked claimed they had standards when it came to print media, only a third reported to consciously paying attention to whether when making a purchase.   The cause of this is likely, that such a high percentage are working under the assumption that these important criteria are already fulfilled and do not need to be verified.

When it comes to certification logo, the German „Blue Angel Insignia“ is by far the most well known.  Half of the participants were also able to identify the logo of the „Forrest Stewardship Council“

The „Blue Angel Insignia“ is also a symbol that the majority of survey takers claimed influenced their decision to purchase positively.   Although individuals surveyed were less familiar with „Climate-Neutral Printing Certification“, it was still recognized by more people than the logo of the „Forrest Stewardship Council“.

When it came to media in general, the majority of organic-conscious survey takers preferred using a mix of printed products and internet media, rather than just relying on print media.

• Most organic-conscious consumers already operate under the assumption that print products are environmentally friendly produced, and would like to see an even higher standard than already exists if possible.
• The most important aspects consumers pay attention to are recycled paper, environmentally friendly ink, and a carbon neutral printing process.
• Even though almost all survey takers expected this high level of environmentally friendly standards, only about a third of them admitted to actively paying attention to these factors when buying print products.
• In terms of environmental insignias, the „Blue Angel“ was the most well known and had a strong positive influence on organic consumers.  The „Climate-Neutral Printing Certification“ is far less well known, however half of those surveyed claimed it had a positive connotation and would make them more likely to purchase a product.
• All in all, the majority of individuals surveyed preferred using a mix of internet media and print media, rather than just relying on print media.