2019 RIA Investor Opinion Survey

Canadian Investors are Concerned About Plastic in Their Portfolios

The 2019 RIA Investor Opinion Survey, which is based on an Ipsos poll of 1,004 individual investors in Canada, found that 82% of respondents believe it is important for companies in their investment portfolio to reduce plastic waste. 

The survey also found most investors view single-use plastic as financially material: 70% believe companies that reduce plastic waste from their products and packaging will be better long-term investments and 58% believe companies continuing to rely on single-use plastics in their products or packaging will suffer a reputational decline.

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The report also shows 79% of respondents would like their financial services provider to inform them about responsible investment (RI) options. However, only 23% of respondents have been asked by their provider if they are interested in RI.

Highlights

Interest in RI has grown since last year’s survey, while the desire for RI information holds steady.

• 72% of 2019 respondents expressed interest in RI, up from 60% in 2018. Knowledge continues to lag interest. However, 72% of respondents know little or nothing about RI, an improvement from 81% in 2018.
• 79% of respondents would like their financial services provider to inform them about RI options. However, only 23% of respondents have been asked by their provider if they are interested in RI.
• Overall, 26% of respondents said they currently own responsible investments. Young people are at the forefront of RI ownership, with 36% of respondents aged 18-34 owning RI, compared to 18% among those 55+.
• 82% of respondents believe it is important for companies in their investment portfolio to reduce plastic waste. 75% of respondents would like to invest in solutions to reduce plastic waste.
• 58% believe companies continuing to rely on single-use plastics in their products or packaging will incur a reputational decline.
• 70% believe companies that reduce plastic waste from their products and packaging will be better long-term investments.