• September 14, 2011

A new survey finds that consumers want to have a universal "green" ratings system that would summarize the environmental impact of various products by showing the product's scores on its packaging.

The survey, conducted by marketing firms Mambo Sprouts and Ryan Partnership Chicago, found that 80% of shoppers want to see a sustainability score on products, reports Supermarket News.

Three quarters said that they would prefer a numerical score, while just 25% would like to see symbols or text. The survey also found that people wouldn't mind multiple scores, given the complexity of calculating sustainability.

As SN notes,  some supermarket chains have adopted nutritional packaging ratings systems like NuVal and Guiding Stars, and some, including the U.K.'s Tesco, have rolled out carbon footprint labeling systems on products.