In 2018, the U.S. retail health market continued to adapt and change. While much of the recent news cycle has been dominated by talk of the mega-merger between CVS (operator of the MinuteClinic) and Aetna, another key industry player – Walgreens Boots Alliance – has been quietly growing its already expansive network of partnerships with regional health systems and other entities.

Environmental protection has an increasingly noticeable impact on consumer products. One major change has been both the makeup of available products in the marketplace and the composition of chemicals used, with producers gradually shifting to more environmentally friendly options. While this transformation is due in large part to regulations and environmental laws, consumer preference is undoubtedly shaping the industry from the front end.

Consumers prefer green products because they are seen as safer and cleaner than traditionally manufactured alternatives. From organic shampoos and lotions to bio-based cleaning products to natural paints and coatings, green products are becoming increasingly prevalent in the modern marketplace.