Why Product Sustainability?
Consumer goods bring countless benefits to society, dramatically improving lifestyles around the world. These benefits however come with an increasingly sizeable sustainability price tag—both for people and the planet.
From hand soap that prevents diseases, and packaging that preserves our food, to the electronic devices that are transforming our economies and societies, the conveniences we take for granted today began as niche products only the wealthy could afford.
Over time, falling prices and rising incomes have made them more widely available and accessible. Through improved production methods and economies of scale that reduce costs, the penetration of consumer goods now reaches well beyond the middle class and has accelerated rapidly.
Global production and use of food and consumer goods accounts for more than 60 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions , 80 percent of water usage (mostly due to agriculture), and two-thirds of tropical forest loss globally . A sustainable world requires sustainable production and consumption. Incentivizing and supporting brands, manufacturers and their suppliers to adopt new methods and design more sustainable products is one of our biggest levers for driving sustainability globally.
60%
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Consumer goods account for more than 60 percent of global emissions.
80%
Water Withdrawals
More than 80 percent of water withdrawals linked to consumer goods.
2/3
Deforestation
Nearly two-thirds of tropical forest loss is due to agriculture.
Learn more in our latest Impact Report
Creating more sustainable consumer goods is at the core of what we do and our theory of change. It’s also why our staff and our members have devoted their careers and their lives to sustainability action. Explore some of the ways we tackle sustainability issues.
Case Studies
Learn more about TSC and our members’ impact through projects big and small.
Projects
We are involved in multiple projects that are leading innovations in the sustainability industry.
Partnerships
We align with key global initiatives dedicated to developing metrics, implementing tools, and working to improve product supply chains.
ProductFinder
TSC covers 90% of sustainability impacts in consumer goods.
To explore impacts, please use our ProductFinder to find the consumer product you are most interested in.
