Sep 17, 2024
FMF explores sustainable floral design practices

A new study, “Perceptions of Environmentalism and the Use of Sustainable Floral Design Practices within the Floral Industry,” reveals insights into sustainable practices in the floral sector. The research, conducted by the Floral Marketing Fund (FMF) in partnership with Mississippi State University (MSU) and Texas State University (TSU), surveyed over 450 floral professionals with a majority representing retail floral shops.

The FMF study is in cooperation with the American Floral Endowment (AFE) and co-sponsored by leading floral industry companies, BloomNet, an international floral and gift industry service provider, and Syndicate Sales, a floral hardgoods supplier.

The study highlights that 71.3% of respondents implement at least one sustainable practice such as buying fair-trade flowers, using energy-efficient equipment or reducing plastic usage. However, only 22.1% of businesses advertise these efforts to consumers.

FMF new research findings — Table 17 (left) and Figure 17 (right) show frequency statistics for the questions “Does the floral business you own/work for currently promote their sustainable practices to the public through advertising in any format?” All courtesy of Floral Marketing Fund.

“Sustainability presents both challenges and opportunities for the floral industry and this research helps us understand where improvements can be made,” said Coleman L. Etheredge of MSU, the lead researcher.

The study also explores potential certification programs for sustainable practices and identifies key barriers faced by retailers such as cost and access to resources. The findings suggest opportunities for businesses to adjust their models for increased sustainability and profitability.

The full report is available online and Etheredge will present the study’s findings in a webinar on October 2. Learn more and register for the webinar here.