Green-Marketing Revolution Defies Economic Downturn†

Sustainable-Product Sales Rise as Eco-Friendliness Goes Mainstream and Value Players Join the Trend

Advertising Age, April 20, 2009 — Green marketing is turning out to be surprisingly recession-proof. Datamonitor shows 458 launches so far in 2009 of package-goods products that claim to be sustainable, environmentally friendly or "eco-friendly." If that pace holds all year, it will triple the number of green launches last year, which in turn was more than double the number in 2007. Seventh Generation CEO Jeffrey Hollender said his company's sales were up 50% last year and 20% in March year over year despite Clorox, Church & Dwight and now SC Johnson entering the space. "The good news is that in general these products are faring better than most categories," he said. "A lot of people would be desperate to have 5% growth."