Environmentally Responsible Purchase Intention in Pacific Alliance Countries: Geographic and Gender Evidence in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The objectives of this research were: (1) to examine the influence of environmental awareness (EA), sustainable consumption (SC) and social responsibility (SR) on the environmentally responsible purchase intention (ERPI) of consumers in the member countries of the Pacific Alliance, namely, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru; and (2) to analyze whether there is a moderating effect related to the country of residence and gender of the consumer. The study was conducted under a quantitative and cross-sectional approach. The sample consisted of 1646 consumers: 24.4% from Peru (n = 402), 25.4% from Mexico (n = 418), 26.1% from Colombia (n = 401) and 24.1% from Chile (n = 397). Data analysis and hypothesis testing were performed using a multigroup Structural Equation Model (SEM). The results show a positive influence among environmental awareness (EA), sustainable consumption (SC) and social responsibility (SR) on environmentally responsible purchase intention (ERPI). Gender and country of residence were also shown to be moderating variables in these relationships. In conclusion, it can be affirmed that the participants of this study recognize the importance of acquiring environmentally friendly products. Among them, the female population is more aware of this issue. It is recommended new business models be created to provide products and services oriented to this market according to consumers’ tastes, desires and purchasing preferences; the proposals they have should be friendly to the environment and to society.

Cosmetics and Detergents with Recycled CO2: A Cross-Country Study with a Modified by Risk Perception Values–Beliefs–Norms Model

“…As expected, the country, when utilized as a moderator, revealed statistically significant differences among the three populations with regards to the percentage of variance explained in intentions. This finding is in line with the moderating effect of country that García-Salirrosas et al [ 109 ] found among the Pacific Alliance countries.…”

Predicting willingness to consume healthy brand foods using the theory of planned behavior: the role of nutritional literacy

“…For instance, Roseman et al ( 101 ) highlight the importance of the connection between consumers’ attitudes toward food and their intention to buy it. Creating a positive perception among consumers is crucial, as it can significantly affect their buying and consumption behavior ( 102–104 ). Küster-Boluda and Vidal-Capilla ( 98 ) stated that consumers’ favorable attitudes toward functional foods significantly impact their likelihood of consuming them.…”

What determines green purchase behavior?

“…Environmental awareness encompasses understanding ecological issues and the fundamental relationships contributing to environmental impact (Milfont and Duckitt, 2004;García-Salirrosas et al, 2023;Guo and Xiao, 2023). This perspective emphasizes the importance of individual perception and knowledge concerning environmental problems, influencing subsequent behavioral choices García-Salirrosas et al, 2023). As a result, environmental awareness predicts pro-environmental behavior (Kaiser et al, 1999;Omarova and Jo, 2022).…”

“…Previous studies have reported that awareness of the environment influences pro-environmental behavior Valenzuela-Fernández et al, 2023). The first dimension of the theory of planned behavior is the attitude; there is evidence that indicates a positive relationship between environmental awareness and attitudes toward environmental behavior and the likelihood of individuals engaging in green purchasing (Arundati et al, 2020;García-Salirrosas et al, 2023;Gómez-Bayona et al, 2023;Hlaváček et al, 2023). For instance, Arundati et al (2020) point out that individuals with a more environmentally solid awareness are more likely to acquire goods with a reduced environmental impact.…”