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Open AccessEditorial

Challenges for Marketers in Sustainable Production and Consumption

by Caroline Oates, Panayiota Alevizou and Seonaidh McDonald

Sustainability 2016, 8(1), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/su8010075 - 13 Jan 2016

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 6610

Abstract

As one of the biggest issues facing today’s global society, sustainability cuts across all areas of production and consumption and presents challenges for marketers who attempt to understand and incorporate sustainability in their everyday practices [1–3]. [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges for Marketers in Sustainable Production and Consumption)

Research

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126 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Well(s) of Knowledge: The Decoding of Sustainability Claims in the UK and in Greece

by Panayiota J. Alevizou, Caroline J. Oates and Seonaidh McDonald

Sustainability 2015, 7(7), 8729-8747; https://doi.org/10.3390/su7078729 - 3 Jul 2015

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 6658

Abstract

Sustainability claims have existed on fast moving consumer goods (FMCGs) for over four decades and there is evidence that they are increasing. Research suggests that consumers have a low level of knowledge and understanding of such labels. It has been found that environmental [...] Read more.

Sustainability claims have existed on fast moving consumer goods (FMCGs) for over four decades and there is evidence that they are increasing. Research suggests that consumers have a low level of knowledge and understanding of such labels. It has been found that environmental and labelling knowledge may influence consumption behaviour but the findings so far have been inconsistent. Furthermore, the issue of knowledge and particularly sense making of the variety of claims found on FMCGs today is somewhat under researched. In this paper we investigate the types of knowledge consumers draw upon in order to decode and make sense of different types of labels across two countries. We carried out a qualitative study in the UK and Greece with 12 focus groups and utilised concepts of knowledge to investigate consumer decoding of labelling. We found that overall consumers have limited labelling knowledge and understanding even though their environmental knowledge may vary. This limited labelling knowledge makes consumers feel unsettled and unsure about their shopping decisions. Finally, we identified areas where consumers demonstrated limited knowledge and requested further information and education. This has important implications for companies, marketers, and policy makers if sustainability claims are to promote and support sustainable consumption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges for Marketers in Sustainable Production and Consumption)

277 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Communicating Sustainable Shoes to Mainstream Consumers: The Impact of Advertisement Design on Buying Intention

by Mirjam Visser, Valentin Gattol and Rosan Van der Helm

Sustainability 2015, 7(7), 8420-8436; https://doi.org/10.3390/su7078420 - 30 Jun 2015

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 15508

Abstract

Traditionally, marketing of sustainable products addresses green buyers, thus missing out on the mainstream consumers and volume necessary to cover the potentially higher cost of more sustainable materials. However, how to effectively communicate more sustainable products to mainstream consumers and to increase their [...] Read more.

Traditionally, marketing of sustainable products addresses green buyers, thus missing out on the mainstream consumers and volume necessary to cover the potentially higher cost of more sustainable materials. However, how to effectively communicate more sustainable products to mainstream consumers and to increase their buying intention is still underexplored. Combining personal and environmental benefits, called double benefit theory, is promoted as an effective green marketing strategy but so far not supported by quantitative research as being effective to reach mainstream consumers. We studied the effect of advertisement elements (layout color, benefit type, and heritage) on the products’ perceived sustainability, quality and fashion image, and buying intentions of mainstream consumers. Two hundred adults participated in a study that was based on a 2 (red vs. green layout) × 2 (personal vs. environmental benefit) × 2 (local vs. global heritage) between-subjects factorial design of a sustainable shoe advertisement. The impact of these independent variables on product image as well as on buying intention was analyzed by means of three-way ANOVAs. In line with the double benefit theory, combining a personal benefit with a green layout led to the highest buying intention. Moreover, a mediation analysis revealed the effect of emphasizing a personal benefit on buying intention was mediated by fashion image but not by sustainability. Sustainability, however, did have a positive effect on buying intentions independent of benefit type. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges for Marketers in Sustainable Production and Consumption)

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330 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Neutralisation and Mental Accounting in Ethical Consumption: The Case of Sustainable Holidays

by Larissa Schütte and Diana Gregory-Smith

Sustainability 2015, 7(6), 7959-7972; https://doi.org/10.3390/su7067959 - 19 Jun 2015

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 8217

Abstract

The present research aimed to investigate the decision-making process for sustainable holidays, as a type of ethical consumption related to environmental welfare. Using semi-structured in-depth interviews with 20 German holidaymakers of different ages, it was found that individuals use cognitive processes such as [...] Read more.

The present research aimed to investigate the decision-making process for sustainable holidays, as a type of ethical consumption related to environmental welfare. Using semi-structured in-depth interviews with 20 German holidaymakers of different ages, it was found that individuals use cognitive processes such as neutralisation and mental accounting to justify their unethical/unsustainable choices and to manage negative emotions. The findings also indicated a lack of spillovers between sustainable behaviours at home and holiday-related behaviours. This could be explained by the identification of “ethical” and “unethical” mental accounts, which the interviewees have disclosed. When the compensation between the two types of mental accounts takes place, neutralisation is not used. It was also found that positive and negative emotions could motivate the choice of sustainable holidays. These findings have implications in relation to marketing communications aimed at creating awareness and encouraging the purchase of sustainable holidays. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges for Marketers in Sustainable Production and Consumption)

359 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How National Culture and Parental Style Affect the Process of Adolescents’ Ecological Resocialization

by Elodie Gentina and Pallavi Singh

Sustainability 2015, 7(6), 7581-7603; https://doi.org/10.3390/su7067581 - 12 Jun 2015

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 8824

Abstract

The role of adolescents as influencers on their families’ environmental behavior is potentially a catalyst for change towards increasing eco-friendly actions. In this paper, the authors report on a cross-cultural study of ecological resocialization in France and India. Using in-depth dyadic interviews, they [...] Read more.

The role of adolescents as influencers on their families’ environmental behavior is potentially a catalyst for change towards increasing eco-friendly actions. In this paper, the authors report on a cross-cultural study of ecological resocialization in France and India. Using in-depth dyadic interviews, they investigated parental styles, cultural attributes and extent of adolescents’ influence over parental eco-behavior. The study reveals that ecological resocialization across countries differs substantially, according to a combination of national cultural values, parental style and influence strategy. French teens exhibit a greater impact than Indian teens on their parents’ eco-behavior and use bilateral influence strategies. In India, not all mothers engage in ecological resocialization, but those who do are susceptible to unilateral strategies. The role of environmental knowledge, and the context and effectiveness of each kind of strategy is discussed. The findings have implications for how public policy officials and agencies can encourage adolescents as key resocialization agents to influence their parents’ pro-environmental consumption by using the most adapted influence strategy across cultures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges for Marketers in Sustainable Production and Consumption)

497 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Workplace Waste Recycling Behaviour: A Meta-Analytical Review

by Adekunle Oke

Sustainability 2015, 7(6), 7175-7194; https://doi.org/10.3390/su7067175 - 2 Jun 2015

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 12209

Abstract

In order to increase waste recycling, many studies have been conducted to understand factors that may influence waste recycling behaviour. However, these studies have focused on household contexts rather than other waste generation contexts. As a result, this paper seeks to provide a [...] Read more.

In order to increase waste recycling, many studies have been conducted to understand factors that may influence waste recycling behaviour. However, these studies have focused on household contexts rather than other waste generation contexts. As a result, this paper seeks to provide a detailed analysis of previous studies on workplace waste recycling behaviour. Drawing from different databases, 51 relevant studies on workplace waste recycling attitudes and behaviour were meta-analysed. Findings showed that the highest percentage of the existing studies were conducted in the USA, focused on a single waste stream, were often conducted within academic contexts, adopted (or modified) an existing theoretical framework and were based on questionnaires which elicited self-reported behaviour. Some of the factors identified include demographics, situational variables, past behaviour, incentives, prompts and/or information, attitudes and identity. The findings highlighted the scale of challenges confronting waste management practitioners in understanding the factors that may affect waste recycling behaviour due to the complexity and heterogeneity of human behaviours. However, the results from the reviewed studies in this research suggest that a combination of different factors may be required to influence workplace waste recycling behaviour. This may provide effective incentives to develop a framework that may assist waste management stakeholders when addressing workplace waste management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges for Marketers in Sustainable Production and Consumption)

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776 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Albanian and UK Consumers’ Perceptions of Farmers’ Markets and Supermarkets as Outlets for Organic Food: An Exploratory Study

by Athina-Evera Qendro

Sustainability 2015, 7(6), 6626-6651; https://doi.org/10.3390/su7066626 - 26 May 2015

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 8004

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to elicit UK and Albanian consumers’ perceptions of food outlets in order to understand their views on supermarkets and farmers’ markets as outlets for organic food. A qualitative research methodology was chosen as the best way to [...] Read more.

The purpose of this paper is to elicit UK and Albanian consumers’ perceptions of food outlets in order to understand their views on supermarkets and farmers’ markets as outlets for organic food. A qualitative research methodology was chosen as the best way to get an in-depth understanding of how consumers of these two different countries understand and evaluate buying organic food from two different food outlets. This exploratory research is a first step to find out how and why organic food is being bought in supermarkets and farmers’ markets. The results show that respondents associated organic with vegetables and fruit, that taste good, are healthy, and are free of pesticides and hormones. The importance of motives varies between the outlets they prefer for buying organic food. An interesting finding is the fact that Albanian respondents refer to the farmers’ markets as the villagers’ market. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges for Marketers in Sustainable Production and Consumption)

906 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Extended Decomposed Theory of Planned Behaviour to Predict the Usage Intention of the Electric Car: A Multi-Group Comparison

by Ingrid Moons and Patrick De Pelsmacker

Sustainability 2015, 7(5), 6212-6245; https://doi.org/10.3390/su7056212 - 20 May 2015

Cited by 128 | Viewed by 16685

Abstract

An Extended Decomposed Theory of Planned Behaviour (DTPB) is developed that integrates emotions towards car driving and electric cars as well as car driving habits of the DTPB, and is empirically validated in a Belgian sample (n = 1023). Multi-group comparisons explore [...] Read more.

An Extended Decomposed Theory of Planned Behaviour (DTPB) is developed that integrates emotions towards car driving and electric cars as well as car driving habits of the DTPB, and is empirically validated in a Belgian sample (n = 1023). Multi-group comparisons explore how the determinants of usage intention are different between groups of consumers differing in environmentally-friendly behaviour, environmental concern, innovativeness and personal values. Besides attitudes, media, perceived complexity, compatibility and relative advantage, emotions towards the electric car and reflective emotions towards car driving have a strong effect on usage intention. Car driving habits and perceived behavioural control (facilitators and constraints) do not substantially affect usage intention. Only people differing in personal values show a different motivational structure for a number of important drivers of usage intention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges for Marketers in Sustainable Production and Consumption)

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2275 KiB

Open AccessArticle

First Catch Your Fish: Designing a “Low Energy Fish” Label

by Andy Grinnall and Simon Burnett

Sustainability 2015, 7(5), 6086-6101; https://doi.org/10.3390/su7056086 - 18 May 2015

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 6296

Abstract

This paper explores the application of information design principles to label design for fish packaging, identifying energy implications for the product. This stage of the project has consisted of: A review and distillation of the relevant literature on information and label design; environmental [...] Read more.

This paper explores the application of information design principles to label design for fish packaging, identifying energy implications for the product. This stage of the project has consisted of: A review and distillation of the relevant literature on information and label design; environmental and labelling standards; and literature on consumer reaction to the design and information content of the label. Considering the design of a label requires the analysis and integration of a variety of factors while attempting to satisfy the demands of consumers and retailers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges for Marketers in Sustainable Production and Consumption)

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1081 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Traceability the New Eco-Label in the Slow-Fashion Industry?—Consumer Perceptions and Micro-Organisations Responses

by Claudia E. Henninger

Sustainability 2015, 7(5), 6011-6032; https://doi.org/10.3390/su7056011 - 15 May 2015

Cited by 60 | Viewed by 18291

Abstract

This article focuses on eco-labels from the point of view of consumers and experts/owner-managers of micro-organisations. The analysis maps the 15 most common standardisations within the UK’s fashion industry and elaborates on their commonalities and differences, before exploring the perceptions held by both [...] Read more.

This article focuses on eco-labels from the point of view of consumers and experts/owner-managers of micro-organisations. The analysis maps the 15 most common standardisations within the UK’s fashion industry and elaborates on their commonalities and differences, before exploring the perceptions held by both consumers and micro-companies. This paper presents preliminary findings of a wider research project with emphasis on the potential for future research and marketing implications. The study is interpretative in nature and provides detailed results that contribute to an understudied area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges for Marketers in Sustainable Production and Consumption)

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1065 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of In-Home Displays—Revisiting the Context

by Hege Westskog, Tanja Winther and Hanne Sæle

Sustainability 2015, 7(5), 5431-5451; https://doi.org/10.3390/su7055431 - 5 May 2015

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 8409

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate the extent to which the use of in-home displays affects daily practices and electricity consumption. Through two pilot projects, in-home displays were installed in 33 Norwegian homes, and we provide a qualitative analysis of the effects. The results [...] Read more.

In this paper, we investigate the extent to which the use of in-home displays affects daily practices and electricity consumption. Through two pilot projects, in-home displays were installed in 33 Norwegian homes, and we provide a qualitative analysis of the effects. The results point to the potential differences in the ways households interact with the in-home displays. The effects differed among various groups according to people’s previous experiences with monitoring and their level of affluence. In the sample, affluent respondents living in detached houses tended to be accustomed to monitoring consumption before the display was introduced. These families used the display for controlling that “nothing was wrong”, but they did not use the information provided by the display to initiate new energy saving measures. In contrast, among less affluent flat owners the notion of “control” was specifically linked to the family’s management of finances, and in this sense the displays empowered them. In addition, the results indicate that the in-home display for this group resulted in electricity savings. The study adds to earlier research on the effects of in-home displays by showing the importance of previous experience with monitoring electricity for the effects of feedback and by highlighting not only energy savings but also social effects of displays. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges for Marketers in Sustainable Production and Consumption)

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954 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Green Viral Communications on Green Purchase Intentions: The Mediating Role of Consumers’ Susceptibility to Interpersonal Influences

by Sheng-Hsiung Chang

Sustainability 2015, 7(5), 4829-4849; https://doi.org/10.3390/su7054829 - 23 Apr 2015

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 11589

Abstract

This paper aims to incorporate the diffusion of innovation theory and conformity theory to explain consumers’ green purchase intentions. To this end, a conceptual model has been proposed and subjected to empirical verification with the use of a survey method. Using a sample [...] Read more.

This paper aims to incorporate the diffusion of innovation theory and conformity theory to explain consumers’ green purchase intentions. To this end, a conceptual model has been proposed and subjected to empirical verification with the use of a survey method. Using a sample of Taiwanese consumers who had the actual purchase experience of green detergents, this study employed structural equation modeling to verify the hypothesis proposed. The empirical results suggested that green viral communication was positively related to normative interpersonal influence, informational interpersonal influence and green purchase intention. Informational interpersonal influence also had a positive impact on green purchase intention. However, the relationship between consumer’s normative interpersonal influence and green purchase intention was not supported. Thus, this study concludes that green marketers must strengthen their green viral communications skills to enhance consumers’ purchase intentions. In addition, this study also contributes to the literature by stating that consumers’ susceptibility to informational interpersonal relationships is an important mediator in the green viral communication and green purchase intentions relationship. This study discusses implications of the findings and research limitations at the end of the paper. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges for Marketers in Sustainable Production and Consumption)

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736 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Distinguishing Technical Inefficiency from Desirable and Undesirable Congestion with an Application to Regional Industries in China

by Jun Wang and Yong Zha

Sustainability 2014, 6(12), 8808-8826; https://doi.org/10.3390/su6128808 - 2 Dec 2014

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5316

Abstract

Congestion is an important issue that requires the efficiency of decision-making units (DMUs). We first classify conventional congestion into congestion (newly defined) and technical inefficiency, based on prior research and real applications. Modified definitions and mathematical expression of congestion, managerial inefficiency, and technical [...] Read more.

Congestion is an important issue that requires the efficiency of decision-making units (DMUs). We first classify conventional congestion into congestion (newly defined) and technical inefficiency, based on prior research and real applications. Modified definitions and mathematical expression of congestion, managerial inefficiency, and technical inefficiency are proposed to better illustrate the differences between them. Several modified models are provided to identify and recognize those types of inefficiencies and congestion. We then extend the model by considering the desirable and undesirable types of congestion simultaneously. The proposed approach is applied and verified by identifying resource congestion and environmental inefficiencies in China’s economic development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges for Marketers in Sustainable Production and Consumption)

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1124 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Market-Based Instruments for the Conservation of Underutilized Crops: In-Store Experimental Auction of Native Chili Products in Bolivia

by Jaqueline Garcia-Yi

Sustainability 2014, 6(11), 7768-7786; https://doi.org/10.3390/su6117768 - 5 Nov 2014

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 6374

Abstract

Native chilies (Capsicum spp.) are currently underutilized in Bolivia, one of this crop’s centers of diversity. Fewer local farmers cultivate native chilies annually due to low market demand. Increasing its private use value can lead to the in-situ conservation of this [...] Read more.

Native chilies (Capsicum spp.) are currently underutilized in Bolivia, one of this crop’s centers of diversity. Fewer local farmers cultivate native chilies annually due to low market demand. Increasing its private use value can lead to the in-situ conservation of this crop. The objective of the paper is to evaluate the market acceptability of three native chili products: (a) chili marmalade; (b) chili cooking paste; and (c) pickled chilies. Multi-product Becker-DeGroot-Marschak experimental auctions and hedonic tests were conducted with 337 participants in La Paz and Santa Cruz. Data were analyzed using seemingly unrelated regressions. Results suggest that consumers are willing to pay price premiums of about 25–50 percent. Biodiversity conservation and improvements in farmers’ quality of life statements would not have influence on first purchase decisions but rather on repurchase decisions and therefore on consumers’ product loyalty. This in turn could lead to sustainable agro-biodiversity conservation, centered on consumers’ purchase of these products over time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges for Marketers in Sustainable Production and Consumption)

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Review

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687 KiB

Open AccessReview

Social Business, Business as if People Mattered: Variations on a Theme by Schumacher (1973)

by Michael Baker

Sustainability 2015, 7(6), 6478-6496; https://doi.org/10.3390/su7066478 - 26 May 2015

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5405

Abstract

Economic growth is promoted as the solution to enhance the standard of living of the third of the world’s population living below the poverty line. Such growth, as measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP), is unsustainable and predicated on increased production/consumption without sufficient [...] Read more.

Economic growth is promoted as the solution to enhance the standard of living of the third of the world’s population living below the poverty line. Such growth, as measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP), is unsustainable and predicated on increased production/consumption without sufficient consideration of what is consumed by whom. In essence this is because GDP is a mechanistic measure of quantity that ignores individual human welfare or quality-of-life. To rectify this, affluent consumers need to learn that materialism and selfish self-interest are unsustainable, whereas enlightened self-interest, as assumed by Adam Smith when promoting capitalism and free markets, will benefit everyone. “Social Business” and marketing are proposed as practices that will facilitate this transformation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges for Marketers in Sustainable Production and Consumption)

770 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Conceptual Framework of the Adoption and Practice of Environmental Actions in Households

by Anna Scott, Caroline Oates and William Young

Sustainability 2015, 7(5), 5793-5818; https://doi.org/10.3390/su7055793 - 12 May 2015

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 10172

Abstract

Securing public participation in environmental actions such as recycling, energy conservation measures and green consumerism is a means of progressing towards sustainable consumption. Participation in environmental actions (EAs) has typically been studied from the individual perspective, thus largely ignoring the social context of [...] Read more.

Securing public participation in environmental actions such as recycling, energy conservation measures and green consumerism is a means of progressing towards sustainable consumption. Participation in environmental actions (EAs) has typically been studied from the individual perspective, thus largely ignoring the social context of the household which may undermine effective behaviour change and green marketing strategies. This paper advances understanding of the adoption and practice of EAs from the household perspective by drawing together the limited and fragmented work which has examined EA participation from the household perspective, and integrating it with two relevant literatures—the household decision making literature and the literature which has examined EA participation from the individual perspective. The literatures are drawn together into a framework covering household member involvement in EA adoption and practice, the decision making process leading to EA adoption, decision making strategies and communication within the household, the maintenance of repetitive EAs, the factors influencing household member involvement including activity types and situational, household and individual characteristics, and how the individual characteristic of relative interest is shaped. We make a theoretical contribution by presenting a holistic understanding of the adoption and practice of EAs in households, which was previously lacking from the EA participation literature. By highlighting the elements of the conceptual framework that require further investigation, the authors also set out an agenda for research into EA participation from the household perspective. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges for Marketers in Sustainable Production and Consumption)

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