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Plastic Food Packaging: Perceptions and Attitudes of Portuguese Consumers about Environmental Impact and Recycling

Author

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  • Morgana Weber Macena

    (School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal)

  • Rita Carvalho

    (Agrarian School, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, 3500-606 Viseu, Portugal)

  • Luísa Paula Cruz-Lopes

    (School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
    CERNAS Research Centre, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal)

  • Raquel P. F. Guiné

    (Agrarian School, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, 3500-606 Viseu, Portugal
    CERNAS Research Centre, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal)

Abstract

The use of plastics for packaging has some advantages, since they are flexible and inexpensive. However, most plastics are of single use, which, combined with low recycling or reuse ratios, contributes substantially to environmental pollution. This work is part of a project studying the habits of Portuguese citizens concerning plastic food packaging and focuses on aspects related to sustainability. The survey was carried out via an online questionnaire about sustainability, recycling, and knowledge of the effects of plastic materials or their residues on the environment. The results were obtained based on a statistical analysis of the data. The participants tend to think about the negative impact of plastic packages on the environment; 39% sometimes do not buy plastic; and 30% try to look for alternatives. A substantial fraction, 81%, support the avoidance of plastic utensils and reduction in the use of plastic bags. Most participants have a good knowledge of recycling and strongly agree with the use of recycled materials, and 87% of respondents practice separation of different types of waste for recycling. Changing plastic consumption habits has not been an easy task. Nevertheless, it is expected that society will increasingly move toward sustainable habits, questioning its actions and considering their impact on the environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Morgana Weber Macena & Rita Carvalho & Luísa Paula Cruz-Lopes & Raquel P. F. Guiné, 2021. "Plastic Food Packaging: Perceptions and Attitudes of Portuguese Consumers about Environmental Impact and Recycling," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-20, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:17:p:9953-:d:629271
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Raquel P. F. Guiné & Elena Bartkiene & Sofia G. Florença & Ilija Djekić & Maša Černelič Bizjak & Monica Tarcea & Marcela Leal & Vanessa Ferreira & Ivana Rumbak & Panagiotis Orfanos & Viktória Szűcs & , 2021. "Environmental Issues as Drivers for Food Choice: Study from a Multinational Framework," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-18, March.
    2. Md. Abdul Jalil & Md. Nannu Mian & Muhammad Khalilur Rahman, 2013. "Using Plastic Bags and Its Damaging Impact on Environment and Agriculture: An Alternative Proposal," International Journal of Learning and Development, Macrothink Institute, vol. 3(4), pages 1-14, August.
    3. Tony R. Walker & Eamonn McGuinty & Sylvain Charlebois & Janet Music, 2021. "Single-use plastic packaging in the Canadian food industry: consumer behavior and perceptions," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 8(1), pages 1-11, December.
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    1. Nathana L. Cristofoli & Alexandre R. Lima & Rose D. N. Tchonkouang & Andreia C. Quintino & Margarida C. Vieira, 2023. "Advances in the Food Packaging Production from Agri-Food Waste and By-Products: Market Trends for a Sustainable Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-33, April.
    2. 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.
    3. Anna Kremel, 2024. "Consumer Behaviour in a Circular System – How Values Promote and Hinder the Participation of Young Adults in the Swedish Deposit-Refund System for Beverage Packaging," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 4(2), pages 1427-1446, June.
    4. Dimitris Skalkos, 2022. "Innovative Agrifood Supply Chain in the Post-COVID 19 Era," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-4, April.
    5. Raquel P. F. Guiné & Sofia G. Florença & Ofélia Anjos & Nada M. Boustani & Cristina Chuck-Hernández & Marijana Matek Sarić & Manuela Ferreira & Cristina A. Costa & Elena Bartkiene & Ana P. Cardoso & M, 2022. "Are Consumers Aware of Sustainability Aspects Related to Edible Insects? Results from a Study Involving 14 Countries," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-18, October.
    6. Elena C. Prenovitz & Peter K. Hazlett & Chandler S. Reilly, 2023. "Can Markets Improve Recycling Performance? A Cross-Country Regression Analysis and Case Studies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-18, March.
    7. Cherry C. I. Lau & Christina W. Y. Wong, 2024. "Achieving sustainable development with sustainable packaging: A natural‐resource‐based view perspective," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(5), pages 4766-4787, July.

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