Sustainable food packaging in focus: how environmental literacy and attitudes shape consumer preferences and perceptions

Abstract

This study explores how environmental literacy and attitudes shape consumer preferences and perceptions of sustainable food packaging, focusing on recycled and biodegradable options. Using a structured survey and experimental design, the findings reveal that consumers with higher environmental literacy and stronger attitudes are significantly more likely to choose sustainable packaging over conventional alternatives. Additionally, highly literate consumers perceive biodegradable packaging as having greater environmental benefits than recycled packaging. These insights contribute to understanding the cognitive and affective drivers of sustainable decision-making, offering valuable guidance for businesses and policymakers aiming to align packaging strategies with consumer expectations.