Single-use plastic packaging in the Canadian food industry: consumer behavior and perceptions

The global environmental crisis caused by single-use plastic pollution, particularly from food packaging, necessitates a multifaceted approach involving government regulation, industry innovation, and behavioral change. The production and mismanagement of plastics, particularly single-use plastics, has led to devastating impacts on ecosystems globally. While Canada's recycling rates are comparable to global averages, a significant portion of plastics still ends up in landfills or the environment. Reactive measures like bans, taxes, and industry phase-outs are emerging, alongside a push towards a circular economy. However, consumer awareness of sustainable packaging solutions lags behind their awareness of the environmental problems. This study aims to identify the driving factors behind consumer perceptions and behaviors concerning single-use plastics in the Canadian food industry to inform policy decisions by corporations and the government.

Existing literature highlights the global scale of plastic pollution, the dominance of single-use plastics in packaging, and the economic losses associated with the lack of effective recycling. Studies show a growing public awareness of the problem, leading to increased pressure on governments and corporations to take action. However, consumer understanding of sustainable alternatives and the complexities of the circular economy remains limited. Previous research emphasizes the importance of consumer behavior in market adoption of sustainable alternatives. The Canadian context is marked by efforts to move towards a circular economy and the implementation of extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives is challenged by a lack of infrastructure and a complex supply chain.

A Canada-wide online survey (Qualtrics) was conducted among 1014 randomly selected adult Canadians (response rate: 96%). The survey, available in both English and French for seven days, collected socio-economic data (age, gender, income, education, region, marital status) and assessed consumer perceptions and behaviors regarding single-use plastic food packaging. The survey used a 5-point Likert scale to measure agreement and uncertainty. Data analysis involved weighting based on Statistics Canada Census Profile 2016 to correct sampling bias. Non-parametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis H tests and Mann-Whitney U-tests) were used for analysis because the data was not normally distributed. Two-way ANOVAs were used to examine the interaction effects of age and region and education and region on perceptions of responsibility and incentives. The study acknowledges potential limitations of self-reported survey data, including aspirational perceptions of self-behaviors.

The study found that 93.7% of respondents were personally motivated to reduce single-use plastic food packaging consumption, primarily driven by environmental concerns. However, willingness to pay a premium for sustainable alternatives was significantly lower. While a majority supported government regulations and outright bans on certain single-use plastics, willingness to pay higher prices for biodegradable alternatives was only 41.9%, particularly lower among older respondents. Support for a government tax to disincentivize single-use plastic use was 33.3%, higher amongst highly educated respondents. There were regional variations in consumer motivations and support for bans and regulations. A significant number of respondents (44.1%) reported confusion regarding the branding and marketing of eco-friendly packaging. The need for improved education on recycling and environmental impacts of single-use plastics was widely supported (90.6%). Media pressure on the food industry was also viewed positively (76.1%).

The findings highlight the attitude-behavior gap, where strong positive attitudes toward reducing single-use plastics do not always translate into actual behavioral changes like paying more for sustainable alternatives. This points to the importance of considering non-economic factors like convenience, product safety, and access to sustainable alternatives. The regional variations in opinions suggest that targeted strategies may be necessary. The significant level of confusion regarding eco-friendly packaging underscores the importance of clear and consistent communication from industry. The high level of support for stronger regulations and bans suggests a desire for top-down interventions to supplement individual-level behavior change.

Canadian consumers strongly desire a reduction in single-use plastic food packaging but are reluctant to bear the associated costs. A comprehensive strategy is required encompassing legislation, industry innovation, improved consumer education and waste management infrastructure. Future research should explore the effectiveness of various policy instruments, the economic feasibility of sustainable alternatives, and the development of effective communication strategies to bridge the attitude-behavior gap. Collaborations between government, industry and consumers are vital to achieving a zero-plastic waste future.

The study relies on self-reported survey data, which may be subject to biases like social desirability. The findings may not be generalizable to all segments of the Canadian population or other countries. The cross-sectional nature of the data limits the ability to draw causal inferences about the relationship between consumer attitudes and behaviors. The study focuses primarily on food packaging, thus its findings may not be directly applicable to other sectors.