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No clue about bioplastics

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  • Erik Ansink

    (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)

  • Louise Wijk

    (Amsterdam University College)

  • Frederiek Zuidmeer

    (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)

Abstract

We analyze recycling decisions for bioplastics using a natural field experiment. The potential environmental benefits of these new plastics may not materialize if they are recycled incorrectly. The field experiment that we set up to test this recycling behavior exploits the setting of a lemonade tasting. In our experimental treatments, subjects are exposed to different types of bioplastics logos on their cups as well as varying amounts of recycling information. We use two types of bioplastics and compare these to conventional plastics in terms of whether subjects recycle the cups correctly. Our results show that over 90% of subjects dispose of their cup with plastic waste and that none of our treatments can snap subjects out of this default behavior. We interpret this finding as subjects having no clue how to recycle bioplastics. More generelly, these results point to skepticism regarding new products or varieties whose environmental benefits depend on proper use or disposal.

Suggested Citation

  • Erik Ansink & Louise Wijk & Frederiek Zuidmeer, 2019. "No clue about bioplastics," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 19-084/VIII, Tinbergen Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:tin:wpaper:20190084
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    Cited by:

    1. Sandra Notaro & Elisabetta Lovera & Alessandro Paletto, 2022. "Behaviours and attitudes of consumers towards bioplastics: An exploratory study in Italy," Journal of Forest Science, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 68(4), pages 121-135.
    2. Léa Barbaut & Olivier Brette & Nathalie Lazaric & Valérie Massardier & Valérie Revest, 2023. "Bio-based Plastics: a ‘Sustainable’ Alternative for the Plastic Industry?," Post-Print halshs-04188889, HAL.
    3. M. Lahandi Baskoro & Benny Tjahjono & Macarena Beltran & Anna Bogush & Yichuan Wang, 2024. "The imperative of communication signals in boosting business strategies of the bioplastic packaging industry," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(2), pages 307-334, February.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Recycling; field experiment; bioplastics;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling
    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments

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