- New American Express Trendex research reveals consumers expect transparency from business on their efforts to tackle climate change
- 78% want companies to educate them on ways to reduce their carbon footprint when shopping
- American Express launches new initiatives to support the reduction and removal of carbon emissions
London, UK – 11 April, 2022 – The latest research from American Express has found that UK consumers have high expectations of businesses to be more vocal on environmental issues and efforts to tackle climate change – and will offer support to those that are.
Ahead of Earth Day later this month, the Amex Trendex report revealed that 91% of UK adults want companies to address environmental issues and 89% agreed these businesses should be transparent about their climate impact. Over six in 10 (61%) agreed they pay attention to how a business takes action to reduce the impacts of climate change.
For those businesses that do demonstrate action in this critical area, they will be rewarded with a more loyal customer base; Around eight in 10 of UK adults agreed they would choose to shop with a business that takes actions to reduce the impact of climate change (80%), and they would be more likely to trust a company that works to address environmental issues (79%).
The Trendex research showed that consumers are also turning to business for help when it comes to making more informed choices about their purchases. Almost eight in 10 (78%) want companies to educate them on ways to reduce their carbon footprint when shopping with them. Furthermore, 82% of respondents would like companies to provide options to offset carbon emissions associated with their purchases.
Since 2018, American Express has remained a carbon neutral company across its operations and has been powered with 100% renewable energy. Last year, the company committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2035 and announced a $10 million grant commitment to organisations and initiatives that drive action on climate change through 2025. Now American Express is taking further action to support the reduction and removal of carbon emissions through a range of innovative solutions.
To reduce consumption of virgin plastic and eliminate waste, the company is expanding the availability of cards made from recycled materials globally with the goal of having the vast majority of plastic cards issued by American Express be made of at least 70% recycled or reclaimed plastic by the end of 2024.
Alongside this, an expanded Carbon Footprint Dashboard will also be available to American Express’ global Corporate clients, including those in the UK, to help track emissions associated with their employees’ travel and entertainment spend – across air travel, ground transportation, hotel stays, restaurants and retail purchases. This allows these businesses to better understand purchasing behaviours so they can find opportunities to manage carbon emissions.1
Stacey Sterbenz, General Manager, Global Commercial Services UK at American Express, said: “The findings of our latest Trendex research clearly show that consumers expect businesses to step up when it comes to plans and policies around tackling climate change. The data also shows a significant opportunity for those companies that are acting on this critical issue, and the role they can play in helping to better inform their customers. At American Express, we’re proud to be helping back our business customers on this journey by offering them tools and insights to reduce their carbon emissions and promote more sustainable spending.”
To learn more about American Express’ approach to ESG to support colleagues, customers and communities, check out our 2020-2021 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report.
What is the Amex Trendex?
The Amex Trendex is a trend index that tracks how consumers, small businesses, and merchants are feeling about spending, saving, travelling and more. Data is sourced on a monthly basis in the United States and biannually globally, including in the UK, Australia, Japan, Mexico, India, and Canada.
Research Methodology
This Morning Consult poll was conducted between March 8-13th, 2022 among a national sample of 1,998n US, 1,000n Japan, Australia, India, UK, and 999n travellers in Mexico and Canada who have a household income of at least $70K, and defined as adults who typically travel by air at least once a year. Results from each market’s survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.
1 American Express’ Carbon Footprint Tool calculations are derived by applying selected conversion factors to spending made with the following American Express Corporate products: Corporate Card, Business Travel Account, Corporate Meeting Card, Corporate Purchasing Card, Buyer Initiated Payments, vPayments and Amex Go. The estimated information provided by the Carbon Footprint Tool is for generalised informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, accounting, legal or other professional advice on any subject matter. Product names and features may vary by country, and not all products or features are available in all countries.
CONTACTS:
AMERICAN EXPRESS
Mike Berry
Mike.Berry2@aexp.com
FIRSTLIGHT GROUP (AMERICAN EXPRESS PR AGENCY)
amexteam@firstlightgroup.io
07596 408766
ABOUT AMERICAN EXPRESS
American Express is a globally integrated payments company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, instagram.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/company/american-express, twitter.com/americanexpress, and youtube.com/americanexpress.
Key links to products, services and corporate responsibility information: personal cards, business cards, travel services, gift cards, prepaid cards, merchant services, Accertify, Kabbage, Resy, corporate card, business travel, diversity and inclusion, corporate responsibility and Environmental, Social, and Governance reports.