Behavior Strategy Analysis Based on the Multi-Stakeholder Game under the Plastic Straw Ban in China

Area of Science:

• Environmental Economics
• Behavioral Game Theory
• Sustainable Business Practices

Background:

• China implemented a ban on non-degradable disposable straws in the catering industry starting January 1, 2021.
• The ban aims to balance economic development with environmental protection.
• Understanding the dynamics between government, businesses, and consumers is crucial for effective policy enforcement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the evolutionary game strategies between government, suppliers, and consumers regarding the plastic straw ban.
• To identify key factors influencing the adoption of sustainable alternatives.
• To provide insights for policy optimization and industry innovation.

Main Methods:

• Construction of an evolutionary game model from both supply and demand perspectives.
• Utilizing dynamic equations to determine stable system evolution strategies.
• Conducting simulations to assess the impact of key parameters on strategy evolution.

Main Results:

• Government strategy is primarily influenced by regulation costs and revenue.
• Enterprise production strategies are shaped by government policies and consumer behavior.
• Government subsidies effectively encourage innovation in plastic straw substitutes, while penalties are less impactful.
• Collaboration between enterprises and consumers facilitates technological innovation.
• Consumer acceptance and online sentiment significantly drive enterprise R&D decisions for alternatives.

Conclusions:

• Effective policy enforcement requires considering the economic incentives for government and businesses.
• Subsidies and consumer engagement are more effective drivers of innovation than penalties.
• Technological innovation in sustainable alternatives is contingent on market acceptance and collaborative efforts.