Implications of consumer orientation towards environmental sustainability on the uptake of bio-based and biodegradable plastics

IF 3.7 Q2 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES Current Research in Environmental Sustainability Pub Date : 2024-01-01 DOI:10.1016/j.crsust.2024.100246
Carly A. Fletcher , Selena Aureli , Eleonora Foschi , Walter Leal Filho , Jelena Barbir , Freddys R. Beltrán , Liisa Lehtinen , Craig E. Banks
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Abstract

The overconsumption of conventional plastics has led to several environmental and social-economic issues related to plastic pollution, carbon emissions and resource depletion. Acknowledging these issues, the introduction of alternatives such as bioplastics has been promoted by national, supranational, and international organizations. However, the market for such materials is still niche, where businesses are uncertain about the benefits and costs associated with the use of these innovative materials. Successful (and sustainable) uptake of such alternatives will depend on public acceptance and changes in consumer behavior. Therefore, this study aims to explore how consumers' orientation towards environmental sustainability is related to consumer utilization of alternatives such as bio-based and biodegradable plastics. Consumer knowledge and performance expectations of these materials are also analyzed. This study employed a predominately quantitative research approach, where a self-administered online survey was used to collect the opinions of consumers across society using a snowball sampling technique. Results show continued consumer confusion, unrealistic expectations, and a value-action gap. These elements may have consequences for market uptake and broader implications across the value chain. A key implication is that both policy makers and businesses should address these barriers through enhanced communication of relevant information alongside improved consumer awareness and education.

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消费者环境可持续性取向对生物基塑料和生物降解塑料吸收的影响
传统塑料的过度消费导致了一些与塑料污染、碳排放和资源枯竭有关的环境和社会经济问题。认识到这些问题后,国家、超国家和国际组织开始推广生物塑料等替代品。然而,这类材料的市场仍然很小,企业对使用这些创新材料的相关效益和成本并不确定。能否成功(和可持续)采用这些替代品将取决于公众的接受程度和消费者行为的改变。因此,本研究旨在探讨消费者对环境可持续性的取向与消费者使用生物基塑料和生物降解塑料等替代品之间的关系。此外,还分析了消费者对这些材料的认知和性能期望。本研究主要采用定量研究方法,通过自设在线调查,采用滚雪球抽样技术收集全社会消费者的意见。调查结果显示,消费者仍然存在困惑、不切实际的期望以及价值与行动之间的差距。这些因素可能会影响市场吸收,并对整个价值链产生更广泛的影响。一个重要的影响是,政策制定者和企业都应通过加强相关信息的沟通,同时提高消费者的意识和教育,来解决这些障碍。
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来源期刊
Current Research in Environmental Sustainability
Current Research in Environmental Sustainability Environmental Science-General Environmental Science
CiteScore
7.50
自引率
9.10%
发文量
76
审稿时长
95 days
期刊最新文献
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