IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/spr/circec/v5y2025i1d10.1007_s43615-024-00429-8.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Predicting the Determinants of Generation Z’s Readiness to Adopt Circular Economy for Plastics in Vietnam

Author

Listed:
  • Hong Thi Thu Nguyen

    (The University of Danang–University of Science and Education)

Abstract

To address the crisis of plastic waste (PW) pollution, the shift from a linear economy to a circular economy is emerging as a promising alternative. However, applying the circular economy for plastics (CEP) is challenging, especially in developing countries like Vietnam. It requires the effort and consensus of all stakeholders, with consumers playing a crucial role in the success of CEP. Therefore, this research seeks to delve into the three main predictors introduced in the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behaviour model that influence the readiness to adopt CEP practices through PW reuse and recycling among Generation Z (Gen Z), a future generation essential in driving the transition towards CEP. Applying multiple logistic regression to analyze data collected from 632 respondents in Vietnam aged between 18 and 26 years old, the findings reveal that all three components, including capability, opportunity, and motivation, significantly positively influence Gen Z consumers’ readiness to reuse and recycle PW. Among these components, opportunity (legislation and economic benefits) emerges as the most influential factor in individuals’ preparedness for CEP engagement, surpassing both capability (task knowledge and skills) and motivation (attitude and moral norms). Additionally, the impact of respondents’ age was significant, with those aged between 21 and 26 being 90% more ready to engage in CEP practices compared to those aged between 18 and 20. The findings of this research offer guidance for the development of suitable policies, programs, and activities aimed at educating young people to mitigate PW in Vietnam and other countries as well.

Suggested Citation

  • Hong Thi Thu Nguyen, 2025. "Predicting the Determinants of Generation Z’s Readiness to Adopt Circular Economy for Plastics in Vietnam," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 5(1), pages 505-527, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:circec:v:5:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s43615-024-00429-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s43615-024-00429-8
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s43615-024-00429-8
    File Function: Abstract
    Download Restriction: Access to the full text of the articles in this series is restricted.
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1007/s43615-024-00429-8?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Loveth Daisy Aikowe & Jana Mazancová, 2021. "Plastic Waste Sorting Intentions among University Students," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-14, July.
    2. Shahida Anusha Siddiqui & Adriano Profeta & Thomas Decker & Sergiy Smetana & Klaus Menrad, 2023. "Influencing Factors for Consumers’ Intention to Reduce Plastic Packaging in Different Groups of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods in Germany," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-21, May.
    3. Tash Perros & Ayʂe Lisa Allison & Julia Tomei & Priti Parikh, 2022. "Behavioural factors that drive stacking with traditional cooking fuels using the COM-B model," Nature Energy, Nature, vol. 7(9), pages 886-898, September.
    4. Bas Verplanken, 2018. "Promoting Sustainability: Towards a Segmentation Model of Individual and Household Behaviour and Behaviour Change," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 26(3), pages 193-205, May.
    5. Agnieszka D. Hunka & Marcus Linder & Shiva Habibi, 2021. "Determinants of consumer demand for circular economy products. A case for reuse and remanufacturing for sustainable development," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(1), pages 535-550, January.
    6. 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.
    7. Dhokhikah, Yeny & Trihadiningrum, Yulinah & Sunaryo, Sony, 2015. "Community participation in household solid waste reduction in Surabaya, Indonesia," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 102(C), pages 153-162.
    8. Yasir Ali Soomro & Irfan Hameed & Muhammad Yaseen Bhutto & Idrees Waris & Yasser Baeshen & Bader Al Batati, 2022. "What Influences Consumers to Recycle Solid Waste? An Application of the Extended Theory of Planned Behavior in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-20, January.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Noorita Mohammad & Basri Badyalina & Shahira Ariffin & Nani Ilyana Syafie & Intan Syafinas Mat Shafie & Khamisah Abd Manaf, 2024. "Young People's Involvement in Reused Cooking Oil," Information Management and Business Review, AMH International, vol. 16(2), pages 19-27.
    2. Patricia van Loon & Luk N. Van Wassenhove & Ales Mihelic, 2022. "Designing a circular business strategy: 7 years of evolution at a large washing machine manufacturer," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(3), pages 1030-1041, March.
    3. Ayşe Lisa Allison & Abbie Curtis O’Reilly & Alicia Abicht & Danielle Purkiss & Mark Miodownik & Susan Michie & Fabiana Lorencatto, 2024. "Reducing Disposable Diaper Waste: Protocol for a Behavioural Science Workstream," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-17, September.
    4. Nik Masdek Nik Rozana & Wong Kelly Kai Seng & Mohd Nawi Nolila & Sharifuddin Juwaidah & Wong Wang Li, 2023. "Antecedents of sustainable food waste management behaviour: Empirical evidence from urban households in Malaysia," Management & Marketing, Sciendo, vol. 18(1), pages 53-77, March.
    5. Vittoria Pilone & Naomi di Santo & Roberta Sisto, 2023. "Factors affecting food waste: A bibliometric review on the household behaviors," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 18(7), pages 1-21, July.
    6. Muhammad Rifqi Ismiraj & Asri Wulansari & Yadi Setiadi & Aditia Pratama & Novi Mayasari, 2023. "Perceptions of Community-Based Waste Bank Operators and Customers on Its Establishment and Operationalization: Cases in Pangandaran, Indonesia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-14, July.
    7. Christina Marouli, 2024. "Food waste interventions: Barriers on the way to sustainable food systems," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 32(1), pages 367-380, February.
    8. Farheen Naz & Rohit Agrawal & Anil Kumar & Angappa Gunasekaran & Abhijit Majumdar & Sunil Luthra, 2022. "Reviewing the applications of artificial intelligence in sustainable supply chains: Exploring research propositions for future directions," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(5), pages 2400-2423, July.
    9. Juncheng Wu & Lei Zhang & Xuan Shen, 2024. "Outsourcing or Authorizing? Optimal Options for Third-Party Remanufacturing Modes with Green Consumerism," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-14, February.
    10. Indranil De & Rooba Hasan & Mubashshir Iqbal, 2022. "Natural Treatment Systems and Importance of Social Cost Benefit Analysis in Developing Countries: A Critical Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-15, March.
    11. Faheem Gul Gilal & Kanwal Chandani & Rukhsana Gul Gilal & Naeem Gul Gilal & Waseem Gul Gilal & Nisar Ahmed Channa, 2020. "Towards a new model for green consumer behaviour: A self‐determination theory perspective," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 28(4), pages 711-722, July.
    12. Graţiela Dana Boca & Arzum Ișitan & Evren Çağlarer & Sinan Saraçli, 2023. "A Cross-Cultural Analysis for Plastic Waste Perception of Students from Romania and Turkey," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(24), pages 1-24, December.
    13. Jens Horbach & Christian Rammer, 2020. "Circular economy innovations, growth and employment at the firm level: Empirical evidence from Germany," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 24(3), pages 615-625, June.
    14. Albérico Travassos Rosário & Paula Lopes & Filipe Sales Rosário, 2024. "Sustainability and the Circular Economy Business Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-24, July.
    15. Yousif Mohammed Elmosaad & Ahmed M. Al Rajeh & Maria Blesilda B. Llaguno & Sami Saad Alqaimi & Ali Mohammed Alsalman & Ali Yousif Alkishi & Hassan Hussain & Mohammed Ahmed Alhoudaib & Othman Saad Alna, 2023. "Self-Reported Household Waste Recycling and Segregation Practices among Families in Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-16, January.
    16. Motasem Y. D. Alazaiza & Tharaa Mahmoud Alzghoul & Tahra Al Maskari & Salem Abu Amr & Dia Eddin Nassani, 2024. "Analyzing the Evolution of Research on Student Awareness of Solid Waste Management in Higher Education Institutions: A Bibliometric Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-22, June.
    17. Erik Christopher Simmons & Matthew Sanders, 2022. "Building sustainable communities for sustainable development: An evidence‐based behavior change intervention to reduce plastic waste and destructive fishing in Southeast Asia," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 30(5), pages 1018-1029, October.
    18. Babak Khavari & Camilo Ramirez & Marc Jeuland & Francesco Fuso Nerini, 2023. "A geospatial approach to understanding clean cooking challenges in sub-Saharan Africa," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 6(4), pages 447-457, April.
    19. Wenyan Wu & Lu Li & Hanxin Chen & Minyue Xu & Yalin Yuan, 2022. "Farmers’ Preference for Participating in Rural Solid Waste Management: A Case Study from Shaanxi Province, China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-14, November.
    20. Zhang Hao & Qi Chenyue, 2021. "Impact of environmental and health consciousness on ecological consumption intention: The moderating effects of haze and self‐competence," Journal of Consumer Affairs, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 55(4), pages 1292-1305, December.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:spr:circec:v:5:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s43615-024-00429-8. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Sonal Shukla or Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.springer.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.