Financial pressures continue to shape household care purchasing, with many consumers still feeling the effects of the cost‑of‑living crisis. Many are concerned about their financial situation in the year ahead,…
UK
Household
Sustainability
simple
UK Sustainability in Household Care Report 2025
"Understanding what drives purchase behaviours is crucial to appeal to different consumers, from Eco Warriors to Sustainable Sceptics."
Financial pressures continue to shape household care purchasing, with many consumers still feeling the effects of the cost‑of‑living crisis. Many are concerned about their financial situation in the year ahead, and 68% say high prices would discourage them from choosing eco‑friendly household care products. Competitive pricing or clear justification of value is therefore essential for brands aiming to drive sustainable product uptake.
Format and formulation innovation will be key to appealing to convenience‑driven consumers. Eco‑conscious formats, such as sheets and tablets, can streamline routines while reducing water use in production, delivering both ease and environmental benefits. Emerging technologies, including probiotic‑based cleaning solutions, also show potential by enabling more resource‑efficient manufacturing.
To encourage the adoption of these newer formats, brands need to lower the perceived risk of trying unfamiliar products. Samples or low‑commitment trial packs in mainstream retail channels give consumers a simple way to experiment without large spend. Evidence from adjacent categories shows that accessible, low‑cost trial formats can effectively introduce innovation. Together, these innovations can help brands meet consumer expectations, while supporting meaningful environmental progress.
This report looks at the following areas:
The impact of legislation on launch activity and product innovation
Types of eco-friendly household care products purchased
Eco-friendly household care purchase behaviours
Barriers to purchasing eco-friendly household care products
Mintel’s 2025 Household Care Personas – The Eco Warrior, The Savvy Saver, The Sustainable Sceptic and the Green Aspirer (including how each persona engages with the category, shops for household care products, and how brands/retailers can target them effectively)
Market Definitions
This Report explores sustainability in the UK household care industry. It examines how environmental considerations influence the usage and purchase of household care products, which includes:
Laundry detergents, fabric care and fabric conditioners
Toilet and hard surface cleaners
Air care
Dishwashing products
Household paper products
Cleaning equipment
Throughout the Report the terms ‘green’, ‘environmentally friendly’ and ‘eco-friendly’ are used interchangeably to denote products that are designed to be less harmful to the environment. The Report also refers to ‘regular products’ or ‘non-eco-friendly’, which are defined as those that do not claim to be eco-friendly.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
What you need to know
Opportunities
Improve communication surrounding eco claims to bring consumers clarity
Use convenience as a catalyst for eco adoption
Dedicated eco ranges hold potential for private label
THE MARKET
Financial wellbeing impacts spending habits
Graph 1: the financial wellbeing index, 2017-25
Sustainability claims frameworks aim to provide clarity
Greenwashing concerns drive demand for transparency
Most consumers perceive their lifestyles to be environmentally friendly
Graph 2: consumer perception of own environmentally friendly lifestyle, 2025
Responsible household care habits are well established
THE CONSUMER
Mintel’s 2025 Household Care Personas
Graph 3: Mintel’s Sustainable Household Care Personas, 2025
Eco Warriors
The demographic profile of Eco Warriors
Eco Warriors: committed to sustainability
Improve eco offerings in automatic dish and air care
Graph 4: purchase of eco-friendly household care products, by sustainability persona, 2025
Subscription models appeal to Eco Warriors
Improve the penetration of eco certifications with more on-pack information
Graph 5: purchase of eco-friendly care products with an eco-friendly label/certification, by sustainability persona, 2025
Savvy Savers
The demographic profile of Savvy Savers
Savvy Savers: marry affordability with eco-friendly
Streamlined shopping behaviours provide eco benefits
Graph 6: purchase of eco-friendly household care products, by sustainability persona, 2025
Improve consumer understanding of cost savings provided by eco cycles
Product performance is pivotal for price sensitive consumers
Reduce the risks associated with eco-friendly product experimentation
Sustainable Sceptics
The demographic profile of Sustainable Sceptics
Sustainable Sceptics: appeal on other fronts
Competitive pricing is essential to overcome scepticism
Provide evidence to prevent greenwashing frustration
Convenience matters
Ensure the switch to eco‑friendly products feels effortless
Laundry care brands have won over Sustainable Sceptics
Graph 7: purchase of eco-friendly household care products, by sustainability persona, 2025
Green Aspirers
The demographic profile of Green Aspirers
Green Aspirers: support their sustainable desires
Paper products are an accessible sustainable choice for Green Aspirers
Graph 8: purchase of eco-friendly household care products, by sustainability persona, 2025
Leverage subscription models to attract Green Aspirers
Eliminate confusion with guidance
Make eco offerings more visible and widely available
PRODUCT, INNOVATION AND MARKETING
Decline in eco-friendly claims highlights Green Claims Code impact
Graph 9: share of household care launches carrying ethical and environmental claims, 2020-25
Opportunities for responsible air care innovation
Graph 10: share of household care launches carrying ethical and environmental claims, by sub-category, 2024-25
Rekindle Earth helps consumers repurpose what would be considered waste
Remove the convenience barrier among eco-friendly options
Tallow + Ash launches first refillable on-the-go stain remover
Sustainability on a budget
Offer green alternatives at a lower price point
Invest in probiotic innovation
APPENDIX
Market definition
Mintel’s 2025 UK Sustainable Household Care Personas
The consumer
Consumer research questions
Consumer research methodology
Abbreviations
Abbreviations and terms
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Market Definitions
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