Research America Releases the 2026 State of Sustainability in America Report

Newtown Square, PA, November 13, 2025. Research America Inc., together with its company the Natural Marketing Institute (NMI), is pleased to introduce the 2026 State of Sustainability in America Report. Now in its 24th year, this annual study provides an in-depth view of how U.S. consumers are responding to mounting environmental concerns and how these attitudes are influencing the marketplace.

Report: 2026 State of Sustainability in America Report (24th annual edition)
Released by: Research America Inc. and the Natural Marketing Institute (NMI), a Research America company
Released: November 13, 2025
Coverage: U.S. consumers
Headline finding: 41% of U.S. adults believe the planet is at or past a tipping point

This year’s findings reveal a significant shift in consumer awareness and urgency. Many Americans believe the planet is nearing a critical threshold, and this perception is reshaping expectations for stronger action from companies, governments, and communities. Consumers are placing increased value on environmental transparency, responsible product development, and initiatives that balance personal and planetary well-being.

Key Highlights from the 2026 Report

Heightened Environmental Awareness: Forty-one percent of U.S. adults believe the planet is at or past a tipping point, reinforcing the need for visible leadership and clear sustainability communication.
Evolving Consumer Values: Shifts toward eco-centric thinking show that consumers are recognizing the importance of biodiversity, resource conservation, and environmental protection beyond human benefit alone.
Growing Demand for Accountability: Consumers want to understand which sustainability initiatives companies support, including renewable energy use, circular economy adoption, and toxin reduction efforts.
Behavioral Engagement: Participation in recycling, reduced waste habits, and environmentally conscious living continues to hold strong, with many willing to make lifestyle changes for environmental improvement.
Sustainability Segmentation Advances: NMI’s updated segmentation model provides deeper insight into how different consumer groups engage with sustainability, highlighting opportunities for brands to tailor messaging and product strategies.

As environmental issues grow more complex and consumer expectations rise, the 2026 State of Sustainability in America Report offers essential guidance for organizations committed to meaningful sustainability progress.

Who Uses the Sustainability Report?

The report helps brands, retailers, and energy providers understand what sustainability means to their customers, including organizations in food and beverage, retail, utilities, and alternative energy. Research America can extend the findings with custom work such as consumer segmentation, sustainability message testing, and brand positioning research. It is part of our syndicated data offering, alongside the 2025 Health and Wellness Consumer Trends in America Report and the 2026 Supplements, OTC & Rx Consumer Trends Report.

Get the Report

View details and order the 2026 State of Sustainability in America Report on the NMI website.

Front cover of the 2026 State of Sustainability in America consumer insights report by Research America and NMI

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 2026 State of Sustainability in America Report?

It is an annual consumer research study, now in its 24th year, that shows how U.S. consumers are responding to mounting environmental concerns and how those attitudes are shaping the marketplace. It covers environmental awareness, consumer values, expectations of companies, sustainable behaviors, and sustainability segmentation.

Who produces the State of Sustainability in America Report?

The report is produced by the Natural Marketing Institute (NMI) and its parent company, Research America Inc. The 2026 edition was released on November 13, 2025, and full report details are available on the NMI website.

What percentage of Americans believe the planet is at a tipping point?

According to the 2026 State of Sustainability in America Report, 41 percent of U.S. adults believe the planet is at or past a tipping point. This growing sense of urgency is raising expectations for visible leadership and clear sustainability communication from companies, governments, and communities.

What do consumers expect from companies on sustainability in 2026?

Consumers want to know which sustainability initiatives companies support, including renewable energy use, circular economy adoption, and toxin reduction. They also place more value on environmental transparency, responsible product development, and initiatives that balance personal and planetary well-being.

How can brands use sustainability segmentation?

The report includes an updated NMI sustainability segmentation model that shows how different consumer groups engage with sustainability. Brands can use these segments to tailor messaging, prioritize product strategies, and focus on the consumer groups most likely to respond to their sustainability initiatives.

For sustainability market research inquiries, contact us at info@researchamericainc.com or call Research America Inc. at (610) 356-1800. Explore more research reports and company news.