Impacts of consumers’ perceived risks in eco-design packaging on food wastage behaviors

Abstract

Purpose Packaging links products to consumers by delivering messages to promote healthy food consumption and reduce wastage. However, studies point to a knowledge gap and skepticism among consumers regarding the impact of eco-design packaging on food wastage reduction. To demystify this skepticism and fill the knowledge gap, this study aims to examine consumers’ perceived risks in eco-design packaging and their impact on consumer food wastage. Design/methodology/approach A survey was conducted to identify consumer-perceived risks in eco-design packaging and explain whether, and why, some dimensions of perceived risk are more influential on consumer food wastage decisions. Findings Consumers are prevented by financial, physical, functional, temporal and social factors from adopting eco-design packaging. Through structural equation modeling, we find consumer perceived risks in eco-design packaging influence their food wastage decisions through health consciousness and environmental awareness. Practical implications This study provides practical suggestions for packaging manufacturers, the food industry and policymakers. Originality/value Drawing on the perceived risk theory, this research highlights that the impacts of consumer-perceived risks differ, depending on the dimensions considered in their food wastage decision.

How to increase sustainable production in the food sector? Mapping industrial and business strategies and providing future research agenda

“…The brown stream encloses the human and food industry. According to Zeng (2021), consumers are hindered from using renewable packaging by financial, physical, functional, temporal and social factors in adopting eco‐design packaging. The argument extends the theme towards CE in terms of actual consumption (use) of food and the use of reusable packaging (recovery).…”

“…In this context, consumer sentiment appears crucial in driving towards CE, as consumers can be critical actors in the disposal of organic waste from food consumption (Borrello et al, 2017). Consumer status appears contradictory as consumers may be hindered from using renewable packaging due to financial, physical, functional, temporal and social factors in adopting eco‐design packaging (Zeng, 2021). Therefore, for effective fitting with the CE paradigm, it appears necessary to encourage a change in culture and value perception (Jensen et al, 2013).…”

“…Consumer status appears contradictory as consumers may be hindered from using renewable packaging due to financial, physical, functional, temporal and social factors in adopting eco-design packaging (Zeng, 2021). Therefore, for effective fitting with the CE paradigm, it appears necessary to encourage a change in culture and value perception (Jensen et al, 2013).…”

Towards Sustainable Color Cosmetics Packaging

“…There is a lack of consensus in the literature as to whether the environmental attributes of packaging impact consumer purchase decisions [222]. While there may be both positive and negative attributes for sustainable packaging [102], consumers, when purchasing ecodesign packages, may do so for personal benefit considerations rather than social factors, such as protecting the environment [249]. Frequent users of color cosmetics, which could represent more valuable customers, tend to care less about sustainable packaging [35].…”

Mapping organic packaging research: Environmental concern and health safety

“…In addition, eco-friendly packaging can decrease food waste. Zeng (2021) ship between eco-design, packaging, and food waste from a consumer perspective. It was found that the health consciousness and environmental awareness of consumers with perceived risks regarding eco-design packaging affect food waste decisions.…”