Plastic Straw Bans, the Consumer Perspective: Business Impact
Plastic straws have been in the news with celebrities, political leaders, and municipalities debating their use. Considering this, some businesses are discontinuing the use of plastic straws and other plastic products.
Starbucks announced that it will eliminate all plastic straws from its stores by 2020. Hyatt, Marriott UK, and Hilton all announced aggressive plans to remove plastic straws from their properties. Whole Foods announced plans to ban plastic straws in 500 stores in the U.S.A., U.K., and Canada. Alaska Airlines dropped the use of plastic straws in 2018. SeaWorld Entertainment said it would eliminate single-use plastic straws from all 12 of its theme parks. Royal Caribbean said it will eliminate plastic straws from all 50 ships.
We thought it would be interesting to see how consumers feel about businesses that discontinue offering or using plastic straws and what impact it might have on their behavior.
What we learned
Minimal downside risk
Well over one-half of consumers said it would have no impact on how often they visit a business that no longer offers plastic straws. More than one-fourth said they 'might' or 'definitely would' go to that business more often. Less than twenty percent said they might visit a business less often.
Gender differences
Women are more likely than men to say it would have no impact on how often they visit a business.
Generational differences
Millennials are more likely than Baby Boomers to say they 'definitely would' visit a business more often. Baby Boomers are more likely than Millennials to say it would have 'no impact' on how often they visit.
Income and education
Those with annual household income of $75,000 or more are more likely to say they would 'definitely go more often' to a business that discontinues plastic straws. Those with post-graduate education are more likely than others to say they 'definitely would go more often.'
What this means
It suggests the downside risk associated with discontinuing the use of plastic straws should be minimal. While this research did not ask the question, it also suggests it could enhance consumer perception of the brand.