Enhancing Recycling Behavior Through Plastic Take-Out Container Design: The Moderating Role of Attitudes and Past Behaviors

In an era defined by the intersection of convenience, health consciousness, and environmental awareness, the proliferation of takeout and delivery services has reached unprecedented heights in the food industry. This surge, driven by the allure of fresh, healthy meals and the omnipresence of third-party delivery platforms, presents a double-edged sword: while offering lucrative opportunities for plastic take-out container manufacturers, it exacerbates the environmental burden of single-use plastics. Recycling emerges as a potential solution, promising to mitigate environmental impact by repurposing plastic containers. However, the pervasive issue of food residue contamination undermines the marketability of recycled plastic. This study explores how product design influences recycling behavior, moderated by consumer-related characteristics. Employing a mixed-method approach, we found that certain container attributes, such as single compartments and octagonal shapes, foster better recycling behavior. Consumer attitudes and past behaviors significantly moderate these effects, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions. Addressing challenges of contamination and recyclability uncertainty calls for collaborative efforts across the food supply chain. By offering actionable insights, this research seeks to catalyze a sustainable shift in the food industry towards harmonizing convenience with environmental consciousness.