| Title |
Consumer Perceptions Of Packaging Sustainability: The Size Of The Problem For Businesses |
| ID_Doc |
73859 |
| Authors |
Mitchell, B |
| Title |
Consumer Perceptions Of Packaging Sustainability: The Size Of The Problem For Businesses |
| Year |
2021 |
| Published |
|
| DOI |
10.1108/S2043-905920210000015006 |
| Abstract |
Purpose: Ocean plastic pollution has increased scrutiny towards businesses that produce plastic packaging. The article presents the perspective of businesses alongside those of consumers concerning packaging sustainability, as these two areas are fundamentally related. Method: A mixed-methods approach consisted of an interview with a plastic packaging design manager, an action research group of packaging industry professionals and a survey (of 1000 UK consumers) and focus groups to investigate similar issues from a consumer perspective. Findings: The business research showed that they feel frustrated by emotional arguments against plastic that push towards alternative packaging formats that have greater negative environmental impacts. They also highlighted problems of inconsistent recycling infrastructure and the need to communicate the benefits of packaging more effectively to consumers. The consumer research identified high levels of awareness of ocean plastic pollution but a lower understanding of the properties of different packaging materials. Many do not yet look for the most sustainable packaging when shopping and feel that retailers must take more responsibility for reducing environmental degradation from the packaging. Originality/Value: The study provides a new perspective on packaging sustainability issues by combining the views of industry and consumers. In doing so, it acknowledges the different human influences on environmental outcomes. A realist conceptual model highlights the potential mechanisms triggered within different contexts. While the research is just a snapshot of views on selected topics, it conceptualises various components of the relationship between businesses and consumers to identify different aspects of the problem for further research. |
| Author Keywords |
Packaging; plastic pollution; sustainability; business; consumers; realism |
| Index Keywords |
Index Keywords |
| Document Type |
Other |
| Open Access |
Open Access |
| Source |
Book Citation Index – Social Sciences & Humanities (BKCI-SSH) |
| EID |
WOS:000871662100006 |
| WoS Category |
Environmental Studies; Management; Women's Studies |
| Research Area |
Environmental Sciences & Ecology; Business & Economics; Women's Studies |
| PDF |
|