Consumer Survey on the Environmental Impact of Food Packaging and How It Influences Purchasing Decisions

This study investigated the environmental consciousness of 270 consumers, their behavior towards the purchase of packaged food, their willingness to pay more for products in environmentally friendly containers, and their attitude and knowledge towards recycling and pollution. The data collected were statistically analyzed using Chi-square, <i>t</i>-tests, and multinominal and logistic regression analyses. Results showed that consumers preferred glass when compared to other packaging material types. Females were more willing to pay more for products in environmentally friendly packaging. As the respondents' education level increased, the respondents were more knowledgeable about recycling symbols and believed that recycling helped reduce environmental pollution. The income level of the respondents was not conclusive on its effect on the attitude on environmental packaging. Younger respondents were more conscious of recycling symbols and preferred plastic more than the other age groups. Environmental consciousness thus effected the buying decision of the respondents.