42 percent of office workers buying supplies would pay more for environmentally responsible products

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More than a third of office workers buying work supplies say they do not know their company’s sustainability goals, despite a willingness to pay more for sustainable supplies.

According to a new OfficeMax survey of 1,532 people, 42 percent of respondents said they would pay more for environmentally responsible office products, however that was not trickling through to purchases, as most customers ordered supplies on repeat.

The company’s sustainability specialist Emma Coote said with another 36 percent of respondents admitting they were unclear about their employer’s goals to reduce carbon use, businesses have an opportunity for education.

“Imagine if even half of those making regular or reoccurring office supplies purchases, made one or two changes, the collective impact would be huge,” Coote said.

“People are creatures of habit and purchasing workplace supplies is usually at the bottom of a long list of priorities whether you’re a small business owner, an office manager or a procurement lead.

“We don’t always have the time to shop consciously and make alternative purchases.”

Coote advised businesses to take the time to consider their office supplies, and see if there were more sustainable options.

Simple ordering swaps, such as ordering plastic-free products, could save a huge amount of waste from landfill, she said.