Meanwhile, the figure of 63,000 entrepreneurs and brands selling products with a positive impact was reached throughout Latin America, of which 30% of them are in Argentina. In addition, from 2020 -the year in which the study began- to 2022, the indicator showed a regional upturn in buyers of 37% in Latin America, while in the country it was higher than 12%.

What are positive impact products?

Products from companies and ventures with social and environmental impact. They are reusable, compostable, made with recycled materials or organic ingredients. They also promote the reduction of waste, emissions and energy consumption.

It should be noted that these are products that continue to consolidate in Latin America, since it is a growing trend. In addition to generating benefits for the planet and for people, and promoting a sustainable lifestyle, habits and behaviors.

Which were the products with a positive impact most consumed by Argentines

Home, Furniture and Garden positioned itself as the leading category in Argentina and the region (with products such as compost bins or led spotlights), along with energy-efficient Home Appliances and Air Conditioners; Sports and Fitness; Food and Beverages (organic or vegan), as well as Beauty and Personal Care.

For their part, LED lights, bicycles, water purifiers, reusable bottles and rechargeable capsules positioned themselves as the five best-selling positive impact products over the past year. And among the most searched words were: bicycle, thermal bottle, water purifier, solar water heater and hybrid cars.

Regarding the increase in the consumption of these products, de Carli assured that “the structural basis is the growth of e-commerce present in the pre-pandemic, during the pandemic and post-pandemic”.

He also emphasized citizen responsibility, which “is increasingly concerned and occupied by climate change. Not to mention that, during the pandemic, we had thousands of lessons learned and there was also a much more direct connection with what happens at home, the nature and the environment, and how we are all responsible for caring for them”.

Regarding the applied survey, 32% of the responses came from Argentine users, of which 9 out of 10 agreed that “the current environmental situation is very worrying” due to aspects such as global warming, pollution and scarcity of water.

“We are understanding that our consumption has an impact and, based on it, we make decisions. More and more people are becoming aware of the differences that their consumption can generate,” explained De Carli.

On the other hand, as in the previous year, the composition and quality of the products were among the most valued factors when choosing a product with a positive impact over a common one. Almost half of the findings focused on four factors: the durability of the product, its design and functionality, whether it is made with recycled materials, or whether organic or agroecological ingredients or materials are used in its preparation.

In this sense, De Carli said that “we can all bet on a more sustainable world. From a very homely and personal place, there are more than two million Argentines buying products that they consider to have a positive impact, and thus they are contributing”.

For her part, Guadalupe Marín, Director of Sustainability at Mercado Libre, specified that “we are aware that today’s decisions will define tomorrow, which is why from our Sustainable Products section we seek to further expand its variety and scope. We are convinced that a better future begins by working together with triple impact entrepreneurs and our users”.

Finally, de Carli concluded that “we are understanding that, from the degree of control we have, we can make decisions in one direction or another. Although the local and global context is challenging, we see personal changes in consumers that generate a greater impact” .