Consumer acceptance of packaging made from post-consumer recycled polyolefin plastics (PCR-PO) in the food and cosmetics sector

Influencing factors and convincing environmental arguments

Bibliographic Data

ID23312436
AuthorsNikolas Neumann (0009-0000-4340-9154, Technische Universität Dresden, corresponding author), Ulrike Janssen (0009-0006-0431-9133), Jens Krzywinski (0000-0003-2862-9196, Technische Universität Dresden)
Year2026
Volume12
Pages102042
Publication date2026-12-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSustainable Futures (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2666-1888
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.sftr.2026.102042
OpenAlexW7171619140
LanguageEN
References cited47

Despite the potential of packaging made from polyolefin-based post-consumer recycled plastic (PCR-PO) for a circular economy, it is often not used in the food and cosmetics sector. with regard to the role consumers play in this, three questions arise: What are the decisive factors for the acceptance of PCR-PO packaging? How are they justified? Can corresponding acceptance barriers be broken down using environmental arguments? A guideline interview and a card ranking with physical stimulus material made of PCR-PO plastic were carried out in this study. The results of the study suggest that the use of PCR-PO plastic is rather accepted in the cosmetics sector than in the food context. In the food sector, PCR-PO packaging that is too dark and too rough could lead to acceptance problems. With regard to the persuasive power of environmental arguments on PCR-PO packaging, emphasizing ecological benefits in terms of resources and circularity – detailed and quantified - seems to be advantageous over other ecological arguments.

Consumer behaviour · Cosmetics · Food packaging · Food products · Plastic packaging · Polyolefin · Effects and risks of endocrine disrupting chemicals · Microplastics and Plastic Pollution · Sustainable Supply Chain Management

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