Survey: Google, Nestle top sustainable brands in PHL

Technology giant google, its subsidiary Youtube and multinational nestle were listed by Filipinos as brands they trust in terms of employing sustainability in their operations, according to a study.

a survey carried out by data firms Blackbox research and Dynata showed nearly all of Filipino buyers are willing to spend on brands that model adhere to sustainability standards in producing their goods and lending their services.

the survey reported 96 percent of Filipinos will put money on sustainable products, making it an untapped opportunity for many firms. likewise, about 2 in every 5 said they think the private sector carries much of the load in driving sustainability in the consumer market.

however, only 29 percent said the government is living up to its responsibility to put first issues on sustainability, which ranges from employment to environmental factors.

the study also found that foreign brands are dominating the Philippine sustainability space. according to the sustainability index, google received a score of 1.47, followed by Youtube at 1.37 and nestle at 1.27, to lead the way.

Samsung and Shopee are among the only asian bands that rank above average with a score of 1.13 and 1.04, respectively.

Saurabh Sardana, chief operating officer at Blackbox research, said there is a strong opportunity for local brands that employ sustainable methods to connect with consumers, especially as the Covid-19 pandemic has severely disrupted the country’s trajectory in achieving its sustainability goals.

Before the pandemic, the Philippines had attained progress in the implementation of the United nations’ Sustainable Development goals, through the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 and the 2030 Development agenda.

Poverty incidence fell to 16.6 percent in 2018, from 23.3 percent in 2015, and underemployment and unemployment rates hit all-time lows. however, the impact of the health crisis on economic sectors throughout last year has interrupted this momentum.

“the pandemic has highlighted a need to fast-track our efforts to end poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere. our research makes it clear that this has major economic implications, given that Filipinos have demonstrated a preference for brands that are sustainable,” Sardana said.

“Business is leading the way for sustainability in the Philippines. While our study found global companies dominating the market in this respect, Blackbox research believes that progressive Filipino brands can lead the way when it comes to pioneering sustainable business that would help create a brighter future for all, while winning the hearts, minds, and spending power of consumers.”

Based on the survey, 39 percent of Filipinos said they will patronize businesses that provide an equal footing for their would be workers.

also, 35 percent claimed they support firms that promote fair and just trading system in between countries, and 32 percent said they are looking at brands that make use of responsible consumption and production methods.

as such, the survey concluded sustainability is not limited to environmental concerns, and that issues of social justice are of equal factor to Filipinos.