Seafood consumers engagement in reducing environmental impacts from packaging

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Environmental Science
• Consumer Behavior

Background:

• Packaging is crucial for food protection and waste reduction but contributes to environmental impact.
• While recycling offers benefits, prevention and reuse are prioritized for sustainable packaging.
• Assessing consumer willingness to reduce the environmental impact of seafood packaging is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate consumer willingness to reduce the environmental impact of seafood packaging.
• To explore consumer attitudes towards sustainable seafood packaging alternatives.
• To understand the influence of packaging on seafood purchasing decisions.

Main Methods:

• An online questionnaire was administered in Portugal, Spain, and Ireland.
• The survey covered seafood consumption, waste separation, willingness to purchase sustainable packaging, and sociodemographics.
• Data analysis focused on cross-country comparisons of recycling habits and packaging preferences.

Main Results:

• Respondents in Spain and Portugal showed higher recycling frequency than in Ireland.
• Consumers expressed willingness to pay more for sustainable seafood packaging (62-70%).
• Half of respondents avoided seafood products due to excessive packaging; reusable and compostable options were favored.

Conclusions:

• Consumer awareness and engagement are vital for improving seafood packaging sustainability.
• Providing clear information on waste management can enhance consumer participation.
• There is a significant market opportunity for seafood products with reduced environmental packaging footprints.