2015 Cone Communications/Ebiquity Global CSR Study

Global consumers feel a personal accountability to address social and environmental issues and look to companies as partners in progress, according to findings from the 2015 Cone Communications/Ebiquity Global CSR Study. Near universal in their demands for companies to act responsibly, nine-in-10 consumers expect companies to do more than make a profit, but also operate responsibly to address social and environmental issues. Global consumers echo that high standard in their own lives and shopping behavior. Eighty-four percent of consumers globally say they seek out responsible products whenever possible, though eight-in-10 (81%) cite availability of these products as the largest barrier to not purchasing more.

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Research, Reports & Publications

Counter Culture Coffee Brings Its Transparency Report to Life With Limited-release Coffee
With text-heavy and data filled pages, it’s no surprise that only 17 percent of consumers actually read companies’ CSR reports. However, many companies are finding innovative ways to make their reports stand out. As a way of grabbing the attention of coffee-loving consumers and encouraging other brands to become more conscious and engaged in their supply chains, Counter Culture Coffee brought its report to life by launching a limited-edition coffee.

Supply Chain & the Circular Economy

Oxfam Spurs Transparency Conversation Between Consumers and Supermarkets
Americans have seen the power of their activism make a change. From boycott hashtags, student protests and outspoken employees, consumers have been a driving force for progress on social and environmental issues. But they are not always equipped to start a direct dialogue with brands about complex issues. Oxfam recognized that issue and is arming consumers with facts to help facilitate a conversation with supermarkets around the world.

Health & Healthcare

Panera Uses Cups to Curb Sugar Cravings
Many fast food companies have started to address consumers’ desires to eat more consciously – and Panera has been on the frontlines of helping consumers make better dining choices. What started with the “No No List” has evolved into a series of commitments to take ‘clean eating’ mainstream. And the café chain isn’t stopping anytime soon. The next step in the menu cleanup process is focused on informing consumers about Panera’s beverage options with each sip they take.

Research, Reports & Publications

Heineken Entertains with 2016 Sustainability Report
In 2016, we saw nontraditional sustainability reports gain traction with Patagonia's report, which swapped the text-heavy format for an image-laden report focusing on action and the outdoors. But the stand-out activation was Heineken’s video featuring a Dutch rapper and spoken word artist who delivered the report stats in a concise and compelling way. This year, the brewing company is taking an even more interactive approach – serving up data in a fun and entertaining way.

Environment

Sky’s Ocean Rescue Campaign Educates on Ocean Trash
Ocean trash has become a serious environmental issue – especially plastic trash like single-use bags and straws. In fact, there are an estimated 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris in the ocean today, according to National Geographic – and that number continues to grow. But, it can oftentimes be hard for people to grasp the severity of the situation unless they live in areas where trash continually washes up on their beaches. Now, one U.K. broadcasting company is aiming to educate consumers by making the issue urgent and personal.

Events, Media & Communications

Ace Hardware Stores Get Hyper-Local with Orca-Friendly Labels
Today, many consumers are looking to shop small, eat slow food and fundraise for people in their own neighborhood. And this focus on local also applies to where consumers think companies should address important issues, as 43 percent of Americans say they want companies to prioritize quality of life in their local communities (vs. 38% nationally or 20% globally). Now, one business is partnering with a nonprofit to bring a hyper-local label to a community, tackling a unique issue while empowering consumers to make educated purchasing decisions.

Events, Media & Communications

TOMS and AT&T Help Consumers Take a “Walk in Their Shoes”
TOMS has given more than 60 million shoes to children in need, but as a consumer buying a pair of TOMS shoes, it can be hard to feel the real impact of each purchase. To solve for that, TOMS enlisted the help of AT&T to create "A Walk in Their Shoes," a story of a TOMS customer who travels from California to Colombia to meet the child who benefited from his purchase.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

INFOGRAPHIC: 5 Tips to Take CSR Reporting to the Next Level

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Five Tips to Leverage CSR Reports for Greatest ROI

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

As 2014 CSR Reports File In, Research Shows Companies Must Go Beyond a PDF

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