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Barriers and Enablers to Buying Biodegradable and Compostable Plastic Packaging

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  • Ayşe Lisa Allison

    (UCL Plastic Waste Innovation Hub, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
    UCL Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK)

  • Fabiana Lorencatto

    (UCL Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK)

  • Susan Michie

    (UCL Plastic Waste Innovation Hub, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
    UCL Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK)

  • Mark Miodownik

    (UCL Plastic Waste Innovation Hub, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK)

Abstract

Biodegradable and compostable plastic packaging (BCPP) has the potential to reduce a global plastic waste problem. We aimed to identify influences on buying BCPP as a basis for designing strategies that enable BCPP’s environmental benefits. Using a UK-focused citizen science dataset, we thematically analysed 610 survey responses to a question exploring reasons for BCPP purchase. Themes are categorised as barriers and enablers and according to the components of the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behaviour (COM-B) model of behaviour. Key barriers concerned: psychological capability (not understanding terminology used to label packaging, not taking notice of packaging, and preferring other types of packaging and product qualities); reflective motivation (negative beliefs about BCPP’s environmental impacts and skepticism over decomposition claims), and physical opportunity (no access to appropriate waste management). Key enablers concern: reflective motivation (positive beliefs about BCPP’s environmental impact and resolve to behave pro-environmentally) and physical opportunity (access to appropriate waste management). Reducing ambiguity concerning the labels of biodegradable and compostable may reduce skepticism over environmental claims of packaging. Interventions should improve information about the source of the packaging material, how the packaging waste is processed, and how to dispose of the packaging. This will not be sufficient unless facilities for local BCPP waste collection and processing are increased.

Suggested Citation

  • Ayşe Lisa Allison & Fabiana Lorencatto & Susan Michie & Mark Miodownik, 2021. "Barriers and Enablers to Buying Biodegradable and Compostable Plastic Packaging," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-15, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:3:p:1463-:d:490169
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Deniz Turkcu & Nina Tura & Ville Ojanen, 2022. "A Conceptual Framework of the Sustainability Challenges Experienced during the Life Cycle of Biobased Packaging Products," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-17, August.
    2. Ayşe Lisa Allison & Fabiana Lorencatto & Susan Michie & Mark Miodownik, 2022. "Barriers and Enablers to Food Waste Recycling: A Mixed Methods Study amongst UK Citizens," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-26, February.
    3. Marta Raźniewska, 2022. "Compostable Packaging Waste Management—Main Barriers, Reasons, and the Potential Directions for Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-10, March.
    4. Lais R. Lima & Rafaela F. Gutierrez & Sandra A. Cruz, 2022. "A Perspective of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Plastic Waste Management and Cooperatives of Waste Pickers in Brazil," Circular Economy and Sustainability,, Springer.
    5. Meghann Matthews & Thomas L. Webb, 2023. "Understanding Consumer’s Willingness to Engage with Digital Reuse Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-26, October.
    6. Zoe Gareiou & Christina Chroni & Karolos Kontoleon & Makram El Bachawati & Marianne Saba & Ruth Herrero Martin & Efthimios Zervas, 2022. "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," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-35, February.

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