Read the research results
Research: Australians want companies to end deforestation (conducted by Fiftyfive5, part of Accenture Song)
A recent study reveals Australians expect companies to take action on deforestation.
Study reveals corporations expected to end forest destruction
There is vast concern about deforestation in Australia, and its impacts on nature, climate and communities. But Australians don’t just count on governments to address this crisis. They think it’s also the responsibility of corporations.
New research conducted in August 2024 by market research company Fiftyfive5, part of Accenture Song, for The Wilderness Society, shows Australians want companies to help protect forests.
A whopping 86% of people agree that Australian companies should help protect Australian forests. An overwhelming majority of people (84%) believe Australian companies have a responsibility to ensure they are not contributing to deforestation in Australia.
Several key findings emerged from the research, highlighting the strong expectation for Australian supermarkets to take greater action in addressing deforestation.
86% of people agree that Australian companies should help protect Australian forests. This statistic underscores the strong public expectation that businesses have a role in forest protection and sustainability efforts. Image: Victoria Jack.
82% of Australians see deforestation as an issue that needs addressing. This finding highlights a significant majority of Australians who are alarmed about the threats facing forests and bushland.
84% of people believe Australian companies have a responsibility to ensure they are not contributing to deforestation in Australia. This finding reveals a clear demand for corporations to take ownership of their environmental impact and adopt sustainable practices.
72% of Australians find it hard to trust the claims companies make about operating in an environmentally responsible way. This statistic reflects a general scepticism towards corporate sustainability claims, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability.
68% of Australians believe retailers should not be selling products that come from the destruction of Australia’s forests. This finding illustrates a strong consumer preference for products that do not contribute to deforestation, indicating a demand for ethical sourcing.
68% of Australians expect Coles and Woolworths to ensure the products they sell don’t come from Australian forest destruction. This statistic indicates high public expectations for major retailers to take actionable steps in cleaning up their supply chains. Image: Victoria Jack.
62% of Australians would trust Coles and Woolworths more if they declared and demonstrated that they no longer sold products that come from deforested lands. This finding suggests that transparency regarding sourcing can significantly enhance consumer trust in these major supermarkets.
61% of Australians would prefer to buy from a supermarket known for its commitment to helping protect Australian forests. This statistic highlights the market advantage for retailers that prioritise sustainability and environmental stewardship in their operations. Image: @nature.inspirit
62% of Australians think supermarkets should be doing more to address deforestation in Australia. This statistic emphasises the strong public expectation for supermarkets to enhance their efforts in combating deforestation, reflecting a widespread demand for corporate responsibility.
7 in 10 Australians believe supermarkets should do more to protect iconic animals like koalas and swift parrots from extinction. This finding illustrates that consumers expect supermarkets to play an active role in safeguarding Australia’s unique fauna. Image: Cassie Lafferty.
Research: Australians want companies to end deforestation (conducted by Fiftyfive5, part of Accenture Song)
8 in 10 Australians think companies should be doing more to help protect Australian forests - meaning corporations need to solve their deforestation problem.
It’s time for Coles and Woolworths to go deforestation-free. Coles and Woolworths can lead the way in ending Australia’s deforestation crisis. By taking groceries made from deforestation off the supermarket shelves, they can help iconic Aussie animals like koalas and quolls escape extinction and be on the side of forest protection, not forest destruction.