Articles
How do consumers perceive and use compostable pots? – A qualitative household study with fresh kitchen herbs
Article number
1458_62
Pages
471 – 478
Language
English
Abstract
The environmental impact of food packaging has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years.
Studies show that consumers are dissatisfied with plastic packaging.
As a result, new packaging solutions are being developed in the horticultural sector, including post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials and compostable pots.
However, the success of sustainable packaging depends to a large extent on consumer acceptance and (appropriate) use and disposal at home.
In this study, we focused on how consumers 1) perceive compostable pots, and 2) how they use them at home.
To answer these questions, we conducted a qualitative household study with 25 households.
Each household was given three different types of potted herbs in PCR and compostable pots.
Households were instructed to use the herbs as they normally would and to document their plant care in a written log, with photos and voice messages, for two weeks.
During this time, they were visited at home and interviewed using a guideline-based qualitative interview.
The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.
The results indicate that the very positive perception of compostable pots contrasts with the consumers’ use of them and the functional limitations of the pots due to the onset of degradation.
Most households kept the pots indoors, on the windowsill, and thus did not take advantage of compostable pots.
In addition, participants were skeptical and unsure about the pots’ functionality and handling, including whether planting in them and allowing them to decompose would really work, and how to dispose of them.
Not all households recognized the compostable pots as such.
More information, education, and clear labeling are needed to ensure consumers can make informed choices and handle compostable pots effectively at home.
Studies show that consumers are dissatisfied with plastic packaging.
As a result, new packaging solutions are being developed in the horticultural sector, including post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials and compostable pots.
However, the success of sustainable packaging depends to a large extent on consumer acceptance and (appropriate) use and disposal at home.
In this study, we focused on how consumers 1) perceive compostable pots, and 2) how they use them at home.
To answer these questions, we conducted a qualitative household study with 25 households.
Each household was given three different types of potted herbs in PCR and compostable pots.
Households were instructed to use the herbs as they normally would and to document their plant care in a written log, with photos and voice messages, for two weeks.
During this time, they were visited at home and interviewed using a guideline-based qualitative interview.
The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.
The results indicate that the very positive perception of compostable pots contrasts with the consumers’ use of them and the functional limitations of the pots due to the onset of degradation.
Most households kept the pots indoors, on the windowsill, and thus did not take advantage of compostable pots.
In addition, participants were skeptical and unsure about the pots’ functionality and handling, including whether planting in them and allowing them to decompose would really work, and how to dispose of them.
Not all households recognized the compostable pots as such.
More information, education, and clear labeling are needed to ensure consumers can make informed choices and handle compostable pots effectively at home.
Authors
A.-K. Kleih, C. Stallkamp, A. Ulbrich, K. Sparke
Keywords
sustainable packaging, fresh produce, waste, consumer behavior
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