On stage at the Zenith International Global Dairy Congress in Istanbul last month, Barnes claimed that around 65% of US consumers take sustainability into account when making purchase decisions.
Speaking with DairyReporter.com off stage, she said that while consumers are interested in making sustainable choices they don't always have the necessary information to do so.
"The message is very, very clear. They want more information from brand owners about what is that's sustainable about their packaging," she said.
Social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook are the best tools to educate the public, she added.
"There is so much one can do - practical concrete things that we know will reduce the carbon footprint."
"And then, having done that, you have an amazing story to tell your consumers. So go out and tell them because they won't know that you as a brand owner have a very special HDPE jug out there unless you tell them. So be proud," she said.