Investigating factors that influence the purchase behaviour of green cosmetic products

Abstract

The escalating global concerns regarding sustainable development issues have transformed the landscape of consumer behaviour, urging businesses to incorporate green practices and raise awareness among consumers. There is an ongoing debate concerning attitude-intention and product category gap. The study aims to bridge this gap by investigating the green cosmetic purchase behaviour of female consumers in South Africa by exploring factors such as awareness, product information, product availability, environmental concern, perceived barriers, perceived price, and attitude. The study employs the alphabet theory, previously utilised in qualitative research, to quantitatively examine the relationship between various factors and green cosmetic purchase intention. By applying this theory, the study contributes to its expansion and offers a unique framework for understanding consumer behaviour in the green cosmetic industry.

This study collected data by conducting an online and face-to-face survey with 295 South African consumers. The results revealed that perceived price and attitude significantly influence the purchase intention of green cosmetic products amongst females in South Africa. While awareness, product information, product availability, environmental concern and perceived barriers needed a mediating variable (attitude) to influence the purchasing intention of green cosmetic products of female consumers in South Africa. The study highlights the practical implications for marketers by providing insights into designing effective green marketing strategies. The study's findings can aid marketers in tailoring their communication and developing a targeted green marketing mix that resonates with female consumers in South Africa.