Is animal welfare a central issue for consumers of luxury goods?

Abstract

The compatibility between luxury and sustainable development has been increasingly examined in recent literature, but a number of ethical issues remain unexplored. One such concern is animal welfare, a recurrent question in the luxury goods sector. This is one of the first research articles to shed light on this subject, utilising two studies, one qualitative and the other quantitative with conjoint analysis, conducted among 12 and 253 French consumers, respectively. The results reveal that consumers are sensitive to the challenge of animal welfare in luxury, but fall into two different groups. Some have a preference for animal-based raw materials sourced from livestock farms that respect animal welfare, whilst others are more favourable to the use of synthetic raw materials. In particular, the results show that the use of synthetic raw materials is accepted by some consumers but can lead to a reduction in the perceived value of luxury products.

Predicting consumers' intentions to purchase eco-friendly athletic wear in a moderated model of individual green values and gender

“…Responding to the criticism, sports and athletic wear brands placed sustainability at the center of their strategic planning (Kim and Oh, 2020). Sportswear manufacturers (Adidas, Nike and Puma) have recently added products made up of sustainable materials such as organic cotton to their product line (Achabou, 2021; Achabou et al , 2020; Kozlowski et al , 2012). Kim and Oh (2020) stressed the need for further research to devise ways for reducing the environmental cost of production and consumption of sports goods.…”

Sustainable Luxury and Consumer Purchase Intention: A Systematic Literature Review

“…In this manuscript, the author’s first content analysis results aimed to point out which dimensions were presented in the research as the stimulus for sustainable luxury. We obtained the results based on four types: raw materials ( n = 5, 9.6%) (Achabou, 2021; Aliyev et al, 2019; Amatulli, De Angelis, Pino, & Guido, 2020; Keech et al, 2020; Rolling & Sadachar, 2018), recycling and reproduction ( n = 10, 19.2%) (Achabou & Dekhili, 2013; Adıgüzel & Donato, 2021; Amatulli, De Angelis, Pino, & Jain, 2020; Grazzini et al, 2021; Jain & Mishra, 2020; Kumagai, 2020; Kumagai & Nagasawa, 2020; Pantano & Stylos, 2020; Rolling & Sadachar, 2018; Tofighi et al, 2019), social media and AD strategies ( n = 5, 9.6%) (Balconi et al, 2020; Dekhili et al, 2019; Minton & Geiger-Oneto, 2020; Septianto et al, 2021; Talukdar & Yu, 2020), CSR and brand promise ( n = 15, 28.8%) (Amatulli et al, 2018; Balconi et al, 2019; Costa Pinto et al, 2019; Diallo et al, 2021; Dogan-Sudas et al, 2019; Gibson & Seibold, 2014; Hepner et al, 2020; Janssen et al, 2014; Jestratijevic et al, 2020; Kang & Sung, 2022; Noh & Johnson, 2019; Olšanová et al, 2022; Panigyrakis et al, 2020; Pencarelli et al, 2019; Sipilä et al, 2021). Other studies used a general concept of “sustainability” to conduct investigation ( n = 12, 23.1%), or theoretical research ( n = 5, 9.6%).…”

“…The first path is that sustainable luxury may have a negative impact on consumer PI ( n = 11, 21.6%): a decrease in perceived quality (Dekhili et al, 2019); a decrease in perceived functionality and perceived value (Achabou, 2021), reducing consumers’ willingness to premium price (WTPP) (Diallo et al, 2021); and inconsistency in brand attributes (Costa Pinto et al, 2019; Tofighi et al, 2019). For example, the adoption of animal fur, not consistent with the sustainable image promoted in the advertising strategy (Rolling et al, 2021), causes a negative impression of consumers and reduces PIs.…”

“…This moderating effect was discussed in 18 of the 52 manuscripts (34.6%). For example, moral standards (Olšanová et al, 2018) and social class affected the relationship (Amatulli et al, 2018); sustainability awareness was stronger in the developed countries than in developing countries (Achabou, 2021; Henninger et al, 2017). Dekhili et al (2019) asserted that although no significant effect was observed among the French respondents, if sustainability information is provided, Saudi consumers would lower their evaluation of luxury quality.…”

The Human Perspective in Consumer Ethics and Animal Welfare Issues: Envisioning a Future for Change

“…Frey and Pirscher [65] analyzed the impact of ethical attitudes on willingness to pay for the improvement of farm animal welfare in Germany. Achabou [66] highlighted the interactions between animal welfare, a component of sustainable development, and luxury. Results show that a group of consumers places a high perceived value on luxury food products that adopt Faw practices.…”