An assessment of attitudes towards plastics and bioplastics in Europe

Filho, Walter Leal; Salvia, Amanda Lange; Bonoli, Alessandra; Saari, Ulla A.; Voronova, Viktoria; Klõga, Marija; Kumbhar, Sonali Suraj; Olszewski, Katharina; Quevedo, Daniela Müller de; Barbir, Jelena

doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142732

Cited by 123 publications

(66 citation statements)

References 43 publications

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“…These results are in line with the outcome of other research studies regarding the association between the social status and the environmental awareness [46,47]. In addition, in their study on the attitudes towards plastics and bioplastics in Europe, Leal Filho et al [48] found that the level of education is strongly associated with the awareness on the concept of bioplastics. Thus, an increase in education level and information is one of the main policy axes to increase more the environmental awareness of the citizens of the two countries.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 84%

Awareness of Citizens for the Single-Use Plastics: Comparison between a High-Income and an Upper-Middle-Income Economy of the Easter Mediterranean Region, Greece and Lebanon

et al. 2022

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Plastics have become an integral part of daily human life for the last 50 years because, due to their durability, low cost and ease of construction, they have replaced many other materials. However, the same characteristics that make plastics particularly desirable are also what make them ubiquitous in the environment, especially as much of the plastic is designed to be discarded almost immediately after use. This study investigates the opinion and behavior concerning the current use of plastics, their end-of-life (recycling) scenario, and the potential for their replacement with more sustainable and biodegradable materials in Greece and Lebanon. The survey was conducted during April and May 2021 in the main cities of the two countries. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaires were analyzed, using simple descriptive statistics, chi-square test and PCA analysis. The results show that even if the respondents of both countries stated significant awareness of environmental issues, they often use single-use plastics. Furthermore, the respondents (in both Greece and Lebanon) say that it would be fair to pay more for products in a package made of biodegradable materials. Finally, the statistical analysis of the results shows that in both Greece and Lebanon, there is a small increase in the use of reusable products during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before the pandemic.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 84%

Awareness of Citizens for the Single-Use Plastics: Comparison between a High-Income and an Upper-Middle-Income Economy of the Easter Mediterranean Region, Greece and Lebanon

et al. 2022

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“…Students and respondents with education in environmental disciplines showed significantly higher odds with regards to use of reusable plastic bags. These findings corroborate with that of Filho et al (2021). Afroz et al (2017) reported that people have positive attitude towards recycling but less motivated for recycling (Afroz et al 2017).…”

Section: Attitude Practices and Associated Socio-demographic Factorssupporting

confidence: 89%

“…Respondents with higher level of education also showed higher odds towards stopping single use plastics. Filho et al (2021) reported that factors like educational background, and age seem to play a significant role in the level of engagement to reduce plastic usage and the actions undertaken.…”

Section: Attitude Practices and Associated Socio-demographic Factorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices towards Plastic Pollution among Malaysians

Chin¹,

Mahanta²,

Nath³

2022

Preprint

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Excessive production, consumption and indiscriminate disposal of plastic waste cause an increasing plastic pollution with detrimental impacts on environment and human health. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) towards plastic pollution among Malaysians and evaluate the variation of plastic pollution related KAP among various socio-demographics. An online survey was conducted, and 294 valid responses was obtained. Descriptive statistics, KAP scoring and cross tabulation of responses were estimated. One-way analysis of variance, paired t-test and binary logistic regressions were carried out. Results showed that respondents had poor knowledge (mean 7.41 ± 1.80) and practice score (3.81 ± 1.39) across all socio-demographics. Compared to younger (18-30 years) respondents, older ones (>46 years) had higher knowledge (odds ratio, OR 4.304; p<0.01). However, middle aged (31-45 years) respondents reported significantly (p<0.01) higher attitude (OR 4.019) and practice (OR 4.056; p <0.05). Respondents with environmental related university education had showed higher odds about plastic pollution related knowledge (OR 10.343; p<0.01). Suggestions are made to undertake interventions such as environmental awareness creation, incorporating plastic pollution topics in formal and informal education, and providing recycling facilities nearby the localities for encouraging good practices towards minimizing plastic uses and pollution.

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“…Fossil resource depletion and increased environmental awareness are driving the industry, scientific community, and general population to engage in developing and adopting more sustainable alternatives to conventional oil-based polymers [1]. Tough bioplastics currently represent only about 1% of the plastics produced annually, the market is forecasted to continuously grow to 2.87 million tons in 2025 [2].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Extrusion and Injection Molding of Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate-co-3-Hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx): Influence of Processing Conditions on Mechanical Properties and Microstructure

et al. 2021

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Biobased and biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) have great potential as sustainable packaging materials. However, improvements in their processing and mechanical properties are necessary. In this work, the influence of melt processing conditions on the mechanical properties and microstructure of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx) is examined using a full factorial design of experiments (DoE) approach. We have found that strict control over processing temperature, mold temperature, screw speed, and cooling time leads to highly increased elongation at break values, mainly under influence of higher mold temperatures at 80 °C. Increased elongation of the moldings is attributed to relaxation and decreased orientation of the polymer chains together with a homogeneous microstructure at slower cooling rates. Based on the statistically substantiated models to determine the optimal processing conditions and their effects on microstructure variation and mechanical properties of PHBHHx samples, we conclude that optimizing the processing of this biopolymer can improve the applicability of the material and extend its scope in the realm of flexible packaging applications.

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An assessment of attitudes towards plastics and bioplastics in Europe

Cited by 123 publications

References 43 publications

Awareness of Citizens for the Single-Use Plastics: Comparison between a High-Income and an Upper-Middle-Income Economy of the Easter Mediterranean Region, Greece and Lebanon

Awareness of Citizens for the Single-Use Plastics: Comparison between a High-Income and an Upper-Middle-Income Economy of the Easter Mediterranean Region, Greece and Lebanon

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices towards Plastic Pollution among Malaysians

Extrusion and Injection Molding of Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate-co-3-Hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx): Influence of Processing Conditions on Mechanical Properties and Microstructure

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