June 10 -- Throughout the world, more consumers are seeking out greener products, according to the annual ImagePower Global Green Brands Study.

The survey, which polled 9,000 people in eight countries, shows that consumers across the globe intend to purchase more environmental products in the auto, energy and technology sectors compared to the prior year.

More than 60% of consumers globally want to buy from environmentally responsible companies, which is consistent with last year’s study. In all eight countries, those surveyed said they are willing to spend more on green products. In developed countries, such as the U.S. and the United Kingdom, roughly 20% of those surveyed said they would spend more than 10% extra on a green product.

"We´re seeing a shift in the ´In Me, On Me, Around Me´ mentality when it comes to purchasing green products," said Russ Meyer, Chief Strategy Officer of San Francisco-based marketing firm Landor Associates, in a statement. "Consumers have a good understanding of how green choices in personal care, food and household products directly affect their families, and they are now seeing benefits like costs savings that attract them to higher cost items like cars and technology."

The way products are packaged is also important to consumers, according to the study. In America, 71% believe companies use too much material in product packaging. But only 34% of U.S. consumers said they consciously purchase products that use less packaging. Almost half of American consumers felt that packaging that can be recycled is more important than packaging made from recycled or biodegradable materials.

Contact Waste & Recycling News reporter Shawn Wright at 313-446-0346 or swright@crain.com