Search Results (220)

Studying consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for sustainable certification labels and preferences in consumption is a relevant issue for policymakers. Several studies have revealed a positive WTP a premium price for many certified products. The aim of this paper is to assess an overview of Italian consumers’ WTP for eight different sustainable certification labels and to collect information about their consumption preferences and perceptions in consumption. Participants were selected by stratified simple random sampling, using regional distribution, gender, and age as stratification criteria, to obtain a representative sample of n = 3600. Eight ordered logit models were estimated to understand how consumer sociodemographic characteristics influence the price premium. The results show important differences in WTP among different certification labels; a higher WTP emerged for ethical certifications than for environmentally focused labels. Younger individuals; women; and those with higher education, income and life satisfaction, as well as consumers in southern regions, were significantly more willing to pay premiums for certified products. However, a key finding for policymakers is that the stated price premium consumers are willing to pay falls significantly short of the actual higher costs of these products in supermarkets. Furthermore, insights into consumer perceptions and preferences revealed that quality and origin are perceived as key price drivers, while method of production holds less importance. It also emerged that consumers primarily seek a balance between quality and price, with only a small segment prioritizing certified products. Full article

Packaging waste is a major environmental issue, making the transition to sustainable solutions imperative. This article proposes the concept of Shared Producer Responsibility (SPR) as a key approach to advancing sustainable packaging in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. The study explores how the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting, and stakeholder engagement converge to support this transition. The research identifies current trends, challenges, and gaps in sustainable packaging practices through a systematic literature review (SLR) and analysis of sustainability and ESG reports from leading FMCG and packaging companies. The findings highlight the need for standardised reporting frameworks and improved stakeholder cooperation to enhance transparency and accountability in sustainability efforts. This study proposes a conceptual framework for accelerating sustainable packaging adoption through combining strategies like consumer education, regulatory incentives, and clear product labelling. The proposal to implement the concept of Shared Producer Responsibility emphasises the shared accountability of FMCG companies and packaging manufacturers in managing the full environmental lifecycle of packaging materials. This approach is crucial for achieving SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production) and SDG 13 (climate action) and driving more effective and sustainable packaging practices across the FMCG industry. Full article

Due to the intermittent and uncertain nature of emerging renewable energy sources in the modern power grid, the level of dispatchable power sources has been reduced. The contemporary power system is attempting to address this by investing in energy storage within the context of standalone microgrids (SMGs), which can operate in an island mode and off-grid. While renewable-rich SMGs can facilitate a higher level of renewable energy penetration, they also have more reliability issues compared to conventional power systems due to the intermittency of renewables. When an SMG system needs to be upgraded for reliability improvement, the cost of that reliability improvement should be divided among diverse customer sectors. In this research, we present four distinct approaches along with comprehensive simulation outcomes to address the problem of allocating reliability costs. The central issue in this study revolves around determining whether all consumers should bear an equal share of the reliability improvement costs or if these expenses should be distributed among them differently. When an SMG system requires an upgrade to enhance its reliability, it becomes imperative to allocate the associated costs among various customer sectors as equitably as possible. In our investigation, we model an SMG through a simulation experiment, involving nine distinct customer sectors, and utilize their hourly demand profiles for an entire year. We explore how to distribute the total investment cost of reliability improvement to each customer sector using four distinct methods. The first two methods consider the annual and seasonal peak demands in each industry. The third approach involves an analysis of Loss of Load (LOL) events and determining the hourly load requirements for each sector during these events. In the fourth approach, we employ the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) technique. The annual peak demand approach resulted in the educational sector bearing the highest proportion of the reliability improvement cost, accounting for 21.90% of the total burden. Similarly, the seasonal peak demand approach identified the educational sector as the most significant contributor, though with a reduced share of 15.44%. The normalized average demand during Loss of Load (LOL) events also indicated the same sector as the highest contributor, with 12.34% of the total cost. Lastly, the TOPSIS-based approach assigned a 15.24% reliability cost burden to the educational sector. Although all four approaches consistently identify the educational sector as the most critical in terms of its impact on system reliability, they yield different cost allocations due to variations in the methodology and weighting of demand characteristics. The underlying reasons for these differences, along with the practical implications and applicability of each method, are comprehensively discussed in this research paper. Based on our case study findings, we conclude that the education sector, which contributes more to LOL events, should bear the highest amount of the Cost of Reliability Improvement (CRI), while the hotel and catering sector’s share should be the lowest percentage. This highlights the necessity for varying reliability improvement costs for different consumer sectors. Full article

The fashion industry is facing increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices given its significant impact on the environment. This research aims to analyze the implications of marketing strategies in the fashion industry’s transition towards a sustainable and responsible business model. The study starts from the premise that marketing can influence consumer behavior and turn sustainability into a competitive advantage. To investigate this aspect, SmartPLS software was used and hypotheses were tested on the relationship between marketing strategies to educate and sensitize consumers on sustainability issues in the fashion industry and the creation of a sustainably engaged community. Moreover, it becomes essential to collaborate with non-governmental organizations and other brands that share their sustainability values. The research was based on a sample of 227 respondents, and the data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results indicate that marketing strategies that promote transparency in supply chain and production processes, enhance brand reputation and credibility and, promote innovation in sustainable materials and production processes through marketing strategies contributing to creating an engaged community, as well as through brand commitment to sustainability through concrete actions and access to new markets and growth opportunities. Marketing strategies to educate and sensitize consumers on sustainability issues in the fashion industry contribute to increasing consumer interest in sustainable products. The implications of the study highlight the need for coherent marketing approaches to support the sustainable transformation of the fashion industry. Full article

Excessive sugar consumption has been reported to be associated with various health issues such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and dental problems. In the UK, effective strategies have been implemented to reduce sugar intake, including the Change4Life Sugar Smart campaign, product reformulation, traffic light labelling, portion control, and the Soft Drinks Industry Levy (SDIL). This review of empirical studies (n = 11) shows that product reformulation, especially in beverages and packaged foods, is effective, as consumers can prefer reduced-sugar alternatives when clearly labelled. The UK traffic light labelling scheme and portion control were also reported to help consumers make informed, healthier food choices. The SDIL, introduced in 2018, was also found to significantly lower sugary beverage consumption. While progress is evident, further nutrition education, public awareness, particularly for people with low socioeconomic status, and more comprehensive policies for long-term positive dietary behavioural shift are essential to limit diseases and conditions associated with high sugar consumption. Future research must evaluate the combined effects of these interventions and examine their long-term effectiveness across diverse population groups. Full article

Virtual reality (VR) has existed in the realm of education for over half a century; however, it has never achieved widespread adoption. This was traditionally attributed to costs and usability problems associated with these technologies, but a new generation of consumer VR headsets has helped mitigate these issues to a large degree. Arguably, the greater barrier is now the overhead involved in creating educational VR content, the process of which has remained largely unchanged. In this paper, we investigate the use of ${360}^{\circ }$ video as an alternative way of producing educational VR content with a much lower barrier to entry. We report on the differences in user experience between ${360}^{\circ }$ and standard desktop video. We also compare the short- and long-term learning retention of tertiary students who viewed the same video recordings but watched them in either ${360}^{\circ }$ or standard video formats. Our results indicate that students retain an equal amount of information from either video format but perceive ${360}^{\circ }$ video to be more enjoyable and engaging, and would prefer to use it as additional learning resources in their coursework. Full article

The main aim of the article was to examine the relationship between food waste and variables describing the socio-demographic characteristics of households in Poland, including reference to the prosumer behaviour of households. Do we respect food more if we produce it ourselves? That is the research question the authors have asked themselves. Consumer behaviour related to running a household, including the production of food for own needs and food waste by end consumers, is an interesting research area, especially in this combination. Food prosumption, alongside the issue of food waste, is part of new consumer trends that are an element of sustainable development. In order to explore the issue, our study was conducted using the diagnostic survey method with the CAWI (Computer-Assisted Web Interview) survey technique. The survey was conducted in July 2022 among 1112 respondents. This is a representative population of households in Poland (in terms of gender, age, size of place of residence, and education), with non-random quota sampling. The answers to the questions received were analysed with a chi-square correlation, supported by the Yule effect (φ) and Cramer’s coefficient (V). The correlations, significant though weak, showed a link between food waste and the variables of age, number of children, and number of people in the household. In addition, the majority of respondents believe that food prosumption contributes to reducing food waste within the household where food is produced for own needs. Full article

Hereditary tumor predisposition syndromes (HTPSs) significantly increase the risk of developing various cancers, often at earlier ages than seen in the general population. The development and application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) has revolutionized the identification of individuals with HTPS, facilitating early diagnosis, personalized risk assessment, and tailored preventive strategies. However, the widespread implementation of genetic testing for HTPS presents complex ethical and psychosocial issues. This paper examines key ethical considerations surrounding genetic testing for HTPS, including the following: the distinct nature of genetic information and its implications for families; the challenges of informed consent amidst evolving genetic knowledge and direct-to-consumer testing; the complexities of predictive and presymptomatic testing, particularly in minors; and the implications of incidental findings. It further explores the critical issue of genetic discrimination, particularly concerning insurance, employment, and social stigmatization. This paper highlights the importance of balancing individual rights, such as autonomy and privacy, with familial responsibilities and the potential benefits of early detection and intervention. It also underscores the need for robust legal frameworks, comprehensive genetic counseling, and ongoing public education to address the ethical and psychosocial challenges associated with genetic testing for HTPS, with the ultimate goal of maximizing the benefits of genomic medicine while minimizing potential harms. Full article

Environmental degradation and climate change are of paramount concern and require urgent action. Physical education holds an important role in addressing environmental issues and contributing to environmental sustainability. The present study assesses the effectiveness of an intervention program to cultivate environmental awareness in fifth-grade children through physical activities and games in physical education. The participants were 74 children (39 girls and 35 boys) divided into two groups, the experimental and control group. Participants completed a scale assessing their knowledge of environmental issues, which had been shown by previous research to be valid and reliable for this population. The experimental procedure of the study included three stages: completing the questionnaire before the implementation of the intervention and at the end, as well as a retention measurement after four months. The results indicated that the students of the experimental group maintained a significantly higher level of knowledge of fundamental environmental concepts at the end of the program compared to their counterparts in the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, children of the experimental group seemed to retain their knowledge as a result of the intervention program (p > 0.05). The findings suggest that interventions using physical education can serve as a meaningful strategy for promoting environmental care and sustainability and turn young tourists into tomorrow’s responsible consumers and travelers who respect and protect nature. Finally, such a process could potentially aim to increase environmental awareness as a learning experience through the provision of physical activity and recreation. Full article

As awareness of environmental issues deepens and the demand for sustainability grows among societies, businesses, and consumers, minimizing the environmental impact of food packaging has become increasingly important. Bioplastics offer a promising solution due to their use of renewable resources (such as plants), their biodegradability, and their ability to retain the protective properties of traditional plastics. This review discusses recent advancements and trends in sustainable food packaging, emphasizing the role of bioplastics. Several typical types of bioplastics are introduced, along with an analysis of their advantages and limitations. Furthermore, this study investigates consumers’ attitudes toward bioplastic food packaging, emphasizing their perceptions of its sustainability and practical use. The findings reveal that consumers generally hold a positive attitude toward bioplastics, particularly appreciating their biodegradable and compostable properties. However, their expectations are often overly high, as they believe bioplastics must meet two key criteria: being made from renewable raw materials and being fully biodegradable or compostable. Additionally, most consumers lack the knowledge or ability to dispose of bioplastic waste properly. This issue highlights two critical areas for policymakers: aligning consumer expectations with realistic sustainability goals and educating the public on correct waste sorting and disposal practices. Full article

Background/Objectives: Poor nutrition in early life represents a relevant public health issue globally. The current study aimed to characterize eating habits among preschoolers and investigate the relationship with parents’ nutritional status. Methods: A secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study carried out at the Child Dentistry Clinics of the Istituto Stomatologico Italiano, Milan, Italy, including 171 patients aged 12–71 months and their parents, was conducted. Demographic data, anthropometric measurements, and information on children’s eating habits were collected. Results: The duration of exclusive breastfeeding was 5.9 (±6.8) months in 65% of children, and complementary feeding began at a mean (±SD) of 6.2 (±1.7) months in accordance with present recommendations. In contrast, the consumption of fruit juice 3.2 (±2.9) times/week, a protein intake of 3.0 (±0.6) g/kg, and a sugar intake of 20 (±8)% were over guideline limits. Overweight/obese children were introduced to cow’s milk earlier (p = 0.033) and consumed a higher percentage of total fats (p = 0.026) whilst consuming a lower percentage of carbohydrates (p = 0.050). In terms of children with both parents being obese or overweight, they consumed more carbohydrates (p = 0.048). Finally, we found that birth weight correlated positively with maternal BMI (ρ = 0.159; p < 0.05). The number of offspring correlated positively with the weekly frequency of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption before 24 months (ρ = 0.282; p < 0.001) whilst correlating negatively with the age of cow’s milk introduction (ρ = −0.226; p < 0.01). Conclusions: Our findings, according to recommendations, suggest that the prevention of obesity needs to begin in infancy. As parents play a pivotal role in establishing children’s food choices, nutritional education aimed at families is needed. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adequate hydration is fundamental for maintaining physical and mental health, yet dehydration remains a common issue, with significant health consequences such as fatigue, impaired cognitive function, and increased risk of chronic diseases. This study aimed to assess the water balance status of healthy employees in Greece and explore the influence of sociodemographic, anthropometric, occupational, and other lifestyle factors. Methods: After completing a validated questionnaire, demographic, dietary, and occupational factors were first analyzed by gender and then examined for their association with water balance, defined as the net difference between water intake and losses, using univariate and multivariable analyses. Results: Daily water consumption had a median value of 3063.77 mL (Q1: 2181.62, Q3: 4070.04), with men consuming significantly more than women. Multivariable analysis identified several factors associated with water balance, including years of education (β: −21.88, SE: 8.55), hours of work per week (β: 30.17, SE: 15.38), use of glasses during the day (Yes vs. No: β: 423.13, SE: 216.41), use of a bottle during the day (Yes vs. No: β: 873.50, SE: 278.82), and consuming water for pleasure (Yes vs. No: β: 478.63, SE: 200.16). Additionally, exposure to weather conditions at work (Yes vs. No) was suggested to have a positive influence on water balance. Conclusions: This study underscores the complex interplay between sociodemographic and occupational factors and hydration practices, providing evidence for targeted hydration strategies, as wellness programs and public health initiatives aimed at improving hydration among working populations in Greece. Full article

Background/Objectives: The escalating global demand for meat, as a sequela of population growth, has led to unsustainable livestock production, resulting in a host of environmental and food security concerns. Various strategies have been explored to mitigate these issues, including the introduction of a novel food product, cultured meat. Cultured meat is not yet commercially available, yet public perceptions are already taking shape. To better understand the factors influencing its adoption by consumers, a cross-sectional, web-based study was conducted to examine consumer attitudes toward conventional meat and cultured meat among adults in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: The survey was conducted between December 2023 and March 2024 and used a convenience snowball sampling method. The questionnaire focused on current meat consumption patterns, meat attachment, and willingness to consume cultured meat. Sociodemographic data, including age, sex, education, and self-reported weight and height, were also collected. Results: Results showed that the vast majority (86%) of participants consumed all types of meats, while more than half (59.3%) were unfamiliar with the term “cultured meat”. Despite this unfamiliarity, about one-third (35%) were somewhat willing to try cultured meat, though more than two-thirds (69%) were reluctant to replace conventional meat with cultured meat in their diet. Male participants and those with higher BMIs showed a significantly stronger attachment to conventional meat. Willingness to consume cultured meat was notably higher among participants aged less than 30 years, those having less formal education, and those who are Arabic. Conclusions: These findings suggest that while interest in cultured meat exists, significant barriers remain, particularly regarding consumer education and cultural acceptance. Full article

This study evaluates financial inclusion in Peru through self-organizing maps. Financial inclusion is a multidimensional issue of great importance on the global agenda and continues to concern various actors internationally. In this context, the objective is to assess the financial inclusion situation in the country and determine how self-organizing maps can complement standard models for this purpose. The empirical aim is to demonstrate how this technique can help identify priority areas and vulnerable groups, thus facilitating decision-making and policy design to improve the access to and use of financial services among Peruvian consumers by finding clearly defined profiles that allow the identification of potential problems within each category. This makes it possible to create customized strategies for each group, such as addressing the financial inclusion barriers faced by rural residents, compounded by low income and educational levels. Full article

Following Vision 2040, Oman seeks to achieve economic diversification and environmental sustainability. In this context, the world’s quest of going electric brings along opportunities as well as challenges. This study aims at determining the key barriers and facilitators of EV adoption in the country. This study examines factors such as consumer acceptance, engagement, and safe driving in relation to EVs, with a specific focus on Oman. To establish what Omani clients prefer, what worries them most, and whether they would consider making the switch to electric vehicles, empirical data on a sufficiently representative number of Omani clients were collected through a survey. According to the responses, 55% of the participants reported that they would be willing to think about purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) for their next car, which suggests a somewhat moderate level of consumer acceptance. Adoption is hindered primarily by concerns about the reliability of batteries in extreme weather conditions, high purchase prices, fear of running out of charge, and lack of sufficient charging stations. Most of the EV drivers appreciate the calm and ease of driving an electric vehicle. As the report states, certain actions must be taken, including creating public awareness through educational programs and campaigns, providing government subsidies or financial incentives, and creating the necessary infrastructure for charging equipment. To address these issues and quicken the pace of Oman’s transition to electric vehicles, this calls for collaboration among policymakers, car manufacturers, and transport planners. Aside from offering actionable recommendations regarding eco-friendly means of transport in Oman, which is relevant to the acceptance of electric vehicles in the country, this research also enhances the understanding of the issues related to the acceptance of electric vehicles in the country. Full article