Appraising the Buyers Approach Towards Sustainable Development with
Special Reference to Buying Habits and Knowledge Source of Green
Packaging: A Cross-Sectional Study
MOHAMMAD ZULFEEQUAR ALAM1*, SALAH ABUNAR2
1Department of Marketing,
University of Business and Technology,
Jeddah,
SAUDI ARABIA
2Department of Supply Chain Management,
University of Business and Technology,
Jeddah,
SAUDI ARABIA
*Corresponding Author
Abstract: - Sustainable development is a global agenda that addresses the societal challenge of climate action, the
environment, resource efficiency, and the use of proper raw materials. In this intellect, an important strategy and a
focal point for the organization is to understand the consumer's behaviour towards the green product and their
packaging aspects to sustain the business. Moreover, from the literature, it is found that more studies need to be
done in this area. Hence, the study aims to understand the consumer's behaviour towards the green product and
packaging to discuss the importance of green packaging, particularly concerning the shopper buying habits and
sources of information on sustainable packaging of goods from the end user's points of view that will help in
sustainable development for the green environment as consumers have the pivotal role and are the ultimate
stakeholders for the success of any business organization. The current study is descriptive, using convenience
sampling methods for primary data collection. For this study, 232 participants' responses were taken for analysis.
The gathered information was analyzed using SPSS software. The chi-square values and phi and Cramer's V and
contingency test were also explored to test the relationship wherever needed. Hence, the result has been interpreted.
Finally, the buyer's approach to buying habits and knowledge sources of green packaging has been understood in
the direction of a sustainable environment.
Keywords: - Sustainable Environment, Green Packaging, Knowledge Sources, Consumer Behavior
Received: November 12, 2022. Revised: March 12, 2023. Accepted: April 8, 2023. Published: May 2, 2023.
1 Introduction
There has been a growing attraction for environmental
protection worldwide in recent years. In this sense,
green packaging is important to reduce the impact of
waste and pollution and promote sustainable
development, [1]. Green packaging - also known as
"eco-packaging", "green packaging", "sustainable
packaging", or "recyclable packaging" - uses
environmentally friendly materials for packaging
purposes, always keeping in mind that products must
be efficient and not harmful to human health and the
environment, [2]. Green packaging or sustainable
packaging has become a broader concept in recent
years as it can contribute significantly to creating a
sustainable environment. The use of materials and
technologies in manufacturing vary in this context as
they can reduce the dangerous impact of harmful
chemicals. [3], believe green packaging is a powerful
solution to reduce the harmful effects of plastics on
the environment. It is a major issue that must be
WSEAS TRANSACTIONS on ENVIRONMENT and DEVELOPMENT
DOI: 10.37394/232015.2023.19.37
Mohammad Zulfeequar Alam, Salah Abunar
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Volume 19, 2023
considered to achieve sustainable development goals
(SDGs) with social and economic implications as well
as marketing and consumer behaviour, [4], [5].
Indeed, the role of consumers is very important in
green packaging, as modern lifestyles often demand
longer product shelf life—packaging should also
develop through appropriate development policies.
The study of green packaging from consumers'
perspective includes the analysis of consumers'
opinions on the green product and their packaging and
purchasing decisions.
Many research studies have analyzed green
packaging issues from a business perspective. But
they cover a wide range of dimensions, including how
technological, organizational, and human capabilities
contribute to implementing eco-design innovation in
packaging and its benefits in terms of brand
innovation and environmental protection, [6]. These
days companies are working on new product lines for
ethical, renewable, and sustainable packaging, which
requires investing in new packaging lines to
accommodate eco-friendly, reusable, recyclable, and
sustainable packaging or establishing joint ventures
with packaging suppliers, [7]. As a result, the need for
green packaging is spreading rapidly among
consumers and manufacturers. However, the success
of implementing an eco-packaging strategy will
depend on consumers' acceptance of the green product
concept and sustainable packaging, as well as their
purchasing habits, awareness, and knowledge source,
[8]. However, according to our knowledge and review
of the literature on green product packaging, different
commercial and consumer dimensions have been
covered, but focusing specifically on specific points
regarding consumer behaviour through sustainable
products packaging has been the subject of very few
studies, particularly it is applied in the Saudi context
and has proven essential part of the study. Therefore,
this study aims to fill the current gap by answering the
following research questions that will lead to
sustainable development goals.
1.1 Research Questions of the Study
1. What are the buying frequencies of green
packaging products
2. What are the sources of information for the green
packaging products
3. Whether consumer attitude varies
demographically towards green packaging
products?
1.2 Research Aims and Objectives
The aim of the study is essential to be analyzed in the
specific direction mentioned above. Therefore, the
following objectives have been taken for the study:
1. RO1: To evaluate the buying frequencies of green
packaging of products
2. RO2: To analyze the information sources for the
products' green packaging.
3. RO3: To evaluate whether there is any association
and variation in consumer's attitudes
demographically regarding green packaging
products
2 Literature Review
2.1 Importance of Product Packaging
Packaging plays a vital role in today's market. The
European Union defines packaging as all products
made from all materials of any kind intended to be
used to contain, protect, deliver, and present goods,
from raw materials to manufactured products.
Traditionally, packaging has been designed to protect,
preserve, handle, transport, and store goods, [9]. From
the consumer's point of view, packaging plays a
magician's role when purchasing products. The
packaging is essential because it is the public's first
choice before making a final purchase decision, [10].
The packaging has been called the "silent seller"
because it tells us about the qualities and benefits, we
will get if we consume a particular product, [10].
Currently, manufacturers are using plastic as their
main packaging material without caring about the
impact of plastic packaging on the global ecosystem.
This situation has become the cause of many
environmental problems. Therefore, a new direction
appears as a solution to the above problem: the “green
packaging concept”, [8].
2.2 Packaging and Consumer Trends
Packaging can influence the consumer's mind toward
the product through its exposure. The scholarly
studies indicate that packaging helps attention to the
customer to buy the product, and it is a powerful
transmission of specific product information, as well
as the product's placement in the consumer's mind that
boosts the consumer to buy, [11]. Few studies have
found that where the environmental packaging of a
product applied at the purchase stage is a determinant
of product choice by consumers has been noticed,
[12]. [13], suggests that reasoned labeling is not likely
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Mohammad Zulfeequar Alam, Salah Abunar
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in the choice of product packaging when
environmental effects are considered important and no
other significant feature (e.g., a high price) is
presented in the packaging in a specific purchase
situation. Most factors influence consumer attitudes
toward green packaging, [8].
2.3 Buying Frequency for the Green
Packaging Products
The other important factors influencing shopper
purchase intent reported by participants include
personal choice, habit, time available for shopping,
and available or unavailable alternatives, [14]. As
indicated in one study, sometimes consumers try to
find products in more durable packaging, but they are
not in stock, and because they need it all emergency,
they buy everything they found. Moreover, it depends
on how much time the buyer has; have enough time,
the consumer will look for sustainably packaged
products, but if they do not find useful things, they
will put things in the basket without thinking about
how they are packaged, [15], [14].
2.4 Knowledge Source Green Packaging
Product
[16], examined the progression of consumers'
attitudes, intentions, and behaviour towards green
products and their knowledge source. Proper
knowledge of organic packaging is predominant as it
can save the world from further changes in its climate,
as stated by [17], [18], [19]. Organic packaging comes
with an additional cost for buyers, but providing the
knowledge to the consumers can be decreased the
costliness of green product thinking, and having
potential knowledge of the materials used will provide
value to consumers. The media has increased
awareness of environmentally friendly packaging, and
social media platforms have also influenced people
toward green packaging usage, [20]. [21], suggest that
a country's government should promote using a green
package that is effective in banning non-
biodegradable packaging. An important issue in green
packaging is how to print information on containers,
labels, and innovations to avoid using paper labels.
Consumers also need information on the carbon
footprint of packaging materials. Another study has
also studied consumer awareness of the environmental
impact of food packaging, [22], [23], [24]. A study in
South Africa revealed that labels, images, and logos
were the most important features in helping
consumers identify environmentally friendly
packaging.
In contrast, packaging material and colour were other
features used to judge packaging sustainability.
Consumers must be better informed and educated on
the packaging production process to make informed
decisions. Poor communication of disposal labels is a
major theme, with many people finding it difficult to
understand and not disposing of the packages
correctly. [25], [26], highlighted the importance of
communication in increasing consumer awareness and
knowledge of the environmental aspects of a product
and their influence on the consumer purchase
decision. Additionally, better communication of the
added benefit of a product may influence consumer
expectations and future purchase intent positively.
2.5 Demographic Factors and Green Package
Demographic factors, age, gender, and income
influence consumers' ecologically friendly buying
behaviour. Moreover, green purchase intention
correlates positively with every age and income
except education, [27]. The studies have shown
significant differences between men and women in
environmental attitudes, [28], [29]. It revealed that
men have more negative attitudes toward the
environment than women, [29]. Women were more
likely to buy a product with environmentally friendly
packaging because they believed it was better for the
atmosphere, [30]. In addition, a study shows that
gender opinion varies with consumption; women and
men do not have the same purchasing behaviour, [31].
Previous research has shown that consumption is
more closely associated with women than men.
Indeed, women represent the major group of
consumers worldwide, according to [32].
2.6 Hypothesis
The following hypothesis has been revealed from the
above literature, and finally, it will be tested to know
the current opinion variation in the selected region.
1. (Ha): The buying frequencies of green packaging
products varied among the consumer as well as
varied gender wise
2. (Ho): There is no association in buying
frequencies of green packaging products among
the consumer with age
WSEAS TRANSACTIONS on ENVIRONMENT and DEVELOPMENT
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Mohammad Zulfeequar Alam, Salah Abunar
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Volume 19, 2023
3. (Ho): There is no association in buying
frequencies of green packaging products among
the consumer with education wise
4. (Ho): There is no association in buying
frequencies of green packaging products among
the consumer with income wise
5. (Ha): There is a difference in opinion among the
respondents regarding sources of information for
green packaging products.
3 Methodology of Study
The selected study is based on a secondary and a
primary approach. The researcher applies a qualitative
and quantitative method using a descriptive research
design in this study. Firstly, the researcher reviewed
the related literature, and a questionnaire was created
with close-ended questions because it can save
respondents time and effort. The pilot test was taken
among ten respondents; a few minor changes were
involved in the questionnaire before the final survey.
The information for this study was collected at a
single point in time. The study is cross-sectional in
time horizon as primary data collection is important
for the betterment of the authenticity of results, [33].
Moreover, this is also considered a reliable data
collection method, as all the information comes from
direct sources and is faster, more flexible, and simple.
Hence, the primary data collection was performed
using convenience and snowball sampling. Finally,
from the received responses, 232 responses were
taken for the study because convenience sampling
methods have proven to be time- and cost-saving,
[33]. The sample size has also been justified as it has
gathered a more comprehensive range of data with a
variation, [8], [34], [35], [36]. The questionnaire was
sent virtually to respondents; after receiving the
questionnaire, the data were tabulated and analyzed
using SPSS.
The formulated hypothesis mentioned in the literature
review section has been analyzed and reported in the
result section. The descriptive statistical tools were
used for hypothesis testing; Pearson Chi-Square, Phi
value, Cramer's V, and Contingency Coefficient value
have also been explored, and the test was applied at
Alpha significance <0.05 with 95% of confidence
level to test the relationship wherever needed and
finally the results were interpreted according to the
outcome.
4 Results Analysis
4.1 Demographic Information
Most respondents were men (67.67%), while women
were 32.33%. It should be noted that the respondents
mainly belonged to the age groups 26-35 (59.3%),
followed by the age group 36-45 (24.138%) and 46-55
(11.2%), and 56 and above years of age were (6.9%)
respectively. Hence it supports the good number of
representations as the maximum number of
participants in this study were young. These young
people tend to care more about the green environment
and influence their individual decision. Most
respondents were high school graduates or less
educated (82.6%). From the responses received
majority were more than 21000 SR monthly family
income (41.8%), followed by less than 10000 SAR
(39.6%) and between the 11000- 20000 SR monthly
income category (18.5%).
4.2 Buying Frequency of Green Packaging
Products
Table 1. Buying frequency green packaging
products * Gender
Crosstab
Gender
Male
Female
What
is the
purch
ase
freque
ncy of
green
packa
ging
produ
cts?
Daily
Count
8
4
% within
raw
3.4%
1.7%
2–3
times a
month
Count
24
21
% within
raw
10.3
%
9.1%
Weekly
Count
28
14
% within
raw
12.1
%
6.0%
Occasio
nal
Count
88
28
% within
raw
37.9
%
12.1%
Never
Count
9
8
% within
raw
3.9%
3.4%
Total
Count
157
75
% within
raw
67.7
%
32.3%
% within
Column
100.
0%
100.0%
Source: By the Authors
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Table 1 depicts the frequency of purchasing green
packaging as per the gender of the selected
participants. It is revealed that the majority of the
shopper buy the green packaging product occasionally
(50.0%) weekly and in a month two to three times,
almost the similar 18.1 and 19.4 percent of the
respondents. Among the respondents, most (37.9%)
male members stated that they purchase the green
packaging product occasionally, followed by 12.1% of
the male respondents who said they prefer to purchase
organic packaging weekly and two or three times a
month (10.3%) of them respectively. Moreover, the
female respondent’s percentage (12.1%) is the highest
who buy the green packaging product occasionally,
followed by those buying two or three times a month,
9.1%, most similar to the male member pattern. The
pattern shows that male consumers are more prone to
buy green packaging products than their counterparts.
Table 2 presents data and information regarding the
purchasing frequency based on the participants' age. It
has come to be known that 23.30% of the respondents
(aged 26–35 years) agreed to buy such packaged
products occasionally, followed by 36-45 years of age
(13.80%) were more prone to buy occasionally of
such types of packaging products. Furthermore, for
those in the 18-25 age group, 11.20% agreed they
accept that they purchase green packaged products
two to three times a month. Hence it can be concluded
that Occasional buying from the 26 to 45 age group
members are in the majority, and the one who does
not buy more could be targeted to motivate them to
purchase such products.
Table 3 represents data regarding green package
purchasing in terms of the education level of the
respondents who participated in the study majority
40.1% were graduate and above degree holders who
claimed that they occasionally buy, followed by
15.9%, 2-3 times in a month, 13. 8 % said they buy
weekly and 4.3% daily. 8.2% of undergraduates also
claimed that they usually buy occasionally such
packaging products. It is interesting to note that the
higher educated persons are the most frequent and
highest number of buyers than high school and
unschooled respondents.
Table 2. Buying frequency of purchase of green packaging products * Age (in Years) “Crosstab”
Age (in Years)
Total
18–25
26–35
36–45
46-55
56-65
>66
What is the
purchase
frequency
of green
packaging
products?
Daily
Count
0
4
2
2
2
2
12
% raw
0.00
%
1.70%
0.90%
0.90%
0.90%
0.90%
5.20%
2–3
times a
month
Count
5
26
8
6
0
0
45
% raw
2.20
%
11.20%
3.40%
2.60%
0.00%
0.00%
19.40%
Weekly
Count
2
18
12
4
2
4
42
% raw
0.90
%
7.80%
5.20%
1.70%
0.90%
1.70%
18.10%
Occasio
nal
Count
12
54
32
12
4
2
116
% raw
5.20
%
23.30%
13.80%
5.20%
1.70%
0.90%
50.00%
Never
Count
1
12
2
2
0
0
17
% raw
0.40
%
5.20%
0.90%
0.90%
0.00%
0.00%
7.30%
Total
Count
20
114
56
26
8
8
232
% within raw
8.60%
49.10%
24.10%
11.20%
3.40%
3.40%
100%
% Column
100.%
100%
100.00%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Source: By the Authors
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Table 3. Buying frequency of purchase of green packaging products * Education ‘Crosstab’
Education
Total
Unschooled
High
school
Undergraduate
>Graduate
What is
the
purchase
frequency
of green
packaging
products?
Daily
Count
2
0
0
10
12
% within
raw
0.9%
0.0%
0.0%
4.3%
5.2%
2–3 times
a month
Count
0
2
6
37
45
% within
raw
0.0%
0.9%
2.6%
15.9%
19.4%
Weekly
Count
2
0
8
32
42
% within
raw
0.9%
0.0%
3.4%
13.8%
18.1%
Occasional
Count
0
4
19
93
116
% within
raw
0.0%
1.7%
8.2%
40.1%
50.0%
Never
Count
0
0
1
16
17
% of Total
0.0%
0.0%
0.4%
6.9%
7.3%
Total
Count
4
6
34
188
232
% within
raw
1.7%
2.6%
14.7%
81.0%
100.0%
% Column
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
Source: By the Authors
Table: 4. Frequency of purchase of green packaging product * Monthly income (In Riyal)
Monthly income (in
1Riyal)
Total
What is the purchase frequency
of green packaging products?
<
5000
5000-
10000
11000-
15000
16000-
20000
21000-
25000
>26000
Daily
Count
0
4
2
0
2
4
12
% within
raw
0.00%
1.70%
0.90%
0.00%
0.90%
1.70%
5.20%
2–3 times a
month
Count
10
16
8
10
0
1
45
% within
raw
4.30%
6.90%
3.40%
4.30%
0.00%
0.40%
19.40%
Weekly
Count
4
12
10
4
6
6
42
% within
raw
1.70%
5.20%
4.30%
1.70%
2.60%
2.60%
18.10%
Occasional
Count
11
34
25
22
8
16
116
% within
raw
4.70%
14.70%
10.80%
9.50%
3.40%
6.90%
50.00%
Never
Count
2
4
4
7
0
0
17
% within
raw
0.90%
1.70%
1.70%
3.00%
0.00%
0.00%
7.30%
Total
Count
27
70
49
43
16
27
232
% within
raw
11.6%
30.20%
21.10%
18.50%
6.90%
11.60%
100.00%
% Column
100.%
100%
100.%
100.%
100.%
100.%
100.%
Source: By the Authors
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Table 4 indicates that the majority 14.70% of the
green product buyers were from the income group of
5000 to 10000 SR, followed by 10.80% of the
income group of 11000-15000SR who buy
occasionally and 9.50% from the 16000-20000SR
monthly income group. The table also revealed that a
very small percentage of people buy green package
products daily. More than 50% of the respondents
who bought the green packaging product were
between 5000-2000SR monthly income of the
consumers.
Hypothesis Testing (No.1 to No.4)
Hypothesis 1. (Ha): The buying frequencies of
green packaging products varied among the
consumer as well as varied gender wise.
Table 5 shows that the significance of Chi-
Square is 0.05, and for the significance of
symmetric measures such as Phi value,
Cramer's V, and Contingency Coefficient value
are 0.05, these all-tested significance values are
less than < 0.05, which means that there is the
difference in buying frequencies of green
packaging products varied among the consumer
as well as it varied gender-wise. Hence the
current alternative hypothesis will be accepted,
and it can be inferred that there is variation
among the opinion in consumers towards green
packaging products buying frequencies with the
gender of consumers. The result is consistent
with [37], while, [38], presented a weak
relationship between gender and green
consumer behaviour. In addition, the result
does not support the opinion stated by [30].
Hypothesis 2. (Ho): There is no association in
buying frequencies of green packaging products
among the consumer with age.
Table 5 shows that the significance of Chi-
Square is 0.045, and the significance of
symmetric measures such as Phi value,
Cramer's V, and Contingency Coefficient value
is 0.045, these all-tested significance values are
less than < 0.05, which means that there is
difference in buying frequencies of green
packaging products varied among the consumer
as well as it varied age-wise. Hence the current
null hypothesis will be rejected, and it can be
inferred that there is variation among the
opinion consumers towards green packaging
products buying frequencies with the age of
consumers.
Hypothesis 3. (Ho): There is no association in
buying frequencies of green packaging products
among the consumer with education wise
Table 5 shows that the significance of Chi-
Square is 0.006, and the significance of
symmetric measures such as Phi value,
Cramer's V, and Contingency Coefficient value
is 0.006, these all-tested significance values are
less than < 0.05, which means that there is
difference in buying frequencies of green
packaging products and varied among the
consumer education wise. Hence the current
null hypothesis will be rejected, and it can be
inferred that there is variation among
consumers' opinions towards green packaging
product buying frequencies with the education
of consumers.
Hypothesis 4. (Ho): There is no association in
buying frequencies of green packaging products
among the consumer with income wise
Table 5 shows that the significance of Chi-
Square is 0.012, and the significance of
symmetric measures such as Phi value,
Cramer's V, and Contingency Coefficient value
are 0.012, these all-tested significance values
are less than < 0.05, which means that there is
the difference in buying frequencies of green
packaging products varied among the consumer
as well as it varied income wise, hence the
current null hypothesis will be rejected, and it
can be concluded that there is variation among
the opinion in consumer’s towards green
packaging products buying frequencies with the
income of consumers.
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Volume 19, 2023
Table 5. Result of hypothesis testing (H5 to H8)
Cross analysis
Chi-Square Tests
Symmetric Measures
Hypothesis
Pearson
Chi-
Square
DF
Phi
value
Cramer's
V
Contingency
Coefficient
N of Valid
Cases
1. Ha: Buying
frequency
*gender
Value
9.497
4
0.202
0.202
0.202
232
Approx. Sig.
0.05
0.05
0.05
0.05
2. Ho: Buying
frequency
*Age
Value
31.867
20
0.371
0.185
0.348
232
Approx. Sig.
0.045
0.045
0.045
0.045
3. Ha: Buying
frequency *
Education
Value
27.628
12
0.345
0.199
0.326
232
Approx. Sig.
0.006
0.006
0.006
0.006
4. Ho: Buying
frequency *
Income
Value
37.035
20
0.4
0.2
0.371
232
Approx. Sig.
0.012
0.012
0.012
0.012
Source: By the Authors
4.3 Source of Information about the Green
Packaging
Table 6. Sources of Information
Freq.
%
Directly from the
product label
118
39.464
From the
information
campaigns of
producers and
merchants
65
21.74
From the internet
110
36.789
Other:
6
2.007
Total
299
Table 7. Sources of Information - Chi-Square
Tests
Value
df
Asymp.
Sig. (2-
sided)
Pearson Chi-
Square
11.396
4
.022
N of Valid
Cases
232
Symmetric Measures
Value
Approx.
Sig.
Nominal by
Nominal
Phi
.222
.022
Cramer's
V
.222
.022
N of Valid Cases
232
Table 6 indicates that the information sources
towards the green packaging product received
directly from the product labels (39.46%); the result
is consistent with [21], followed by the internet
(36.79%) it has consistency with the study, [20].
Third, information sources are the campaign of
producers and merchandisers (21.74%) and other
sources (2%), respectively. The chi-square and phi
values have been predicted through Table 7, along
with observing the Cramer's V value. In this context,
Pearson's chi value has come out to be 11.396, and it
WSEAS TRANSACTIONS on ENVIRONMENT and DEVELOPMENT
DOI: 10.37394/232015.2023.19.37
Mohammad Zulfeequar Alam, Salah Abunar
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is significantly high to create a firm reliance between
the chosen components. Cross-tabulation has been
used in this case as it makes the analytical result
valid and easier to perform through preliminary
study, [39].
Hypothesis 5. (Ha): There is a difference in opinion
among the respondents in receiving the sources of
information for the ecological/ green packaging
products.
Table 7 shows that the significance of Chi-Square is
.022, and the significance of symmetric measures
such as Phi value, Cramer's V, and Contingency
Coefficient value is .022; these all-tested
significance values are less than < 0.05.
Additionally, the test value has been mentioned to be
0.22 and shows a lower to moderate connection
between these two elements. Hence, it is proved that
there are variations in the sources of information the
consumer receives regarding green packaging, and
an alternative hypothesis has been accepted.
Consumers' information regarding green packaging
must come from a valuable source, [40]. The
stakeholders must take care of the sources of
information for the sustainable information “directly
from the product label” followed by “internet
source” and “from the information campaigns of
producers and merchants” were the most acceptable
sources, respectively, and it has a greater impact on
the consumer regarding sustainable packaging
information. As a result, the idea of generating a
sustainable atmosphere can be promoted with better
activities among residents using such an approach.
5 Discussion
The study has depicted an analytical dimension
through descriptive statistics and data representation.
The analysis has been conducted to observe the
environmentally supported green packaging product
buying habits and knowledge sources of customers.
According to [3], green packaging has become a
better option for having a sustainable development
process regarding the environment of several
different countries. Moreover, using natural resources
has advantages and disadvantages, which must be
discovered during the study. Education about
consumer green packaging has also been evaluated to
encourage more utilization, [41]. The statistical tests
have proven the propositions in the study and
measured the relatedness of the variables. The result
indicates that sustainability management in
packaging helps protect the environment. According
to [1], the customer prefers better packaging that
shows better presentation and maintains the
environmental assets. Contrastingly, [42], has argued
that sustainability is important enough for
maintaining customers buying behaviour along with
a competitive position in the market. The occasional
buying of green packaging products was a priority,
followed by two to three times a month of a buying
frequency were second place. It has come to be
known that most respondents (aged 26–35 years)
appealed that they buy such packages occasionally,
followed by 36-45 years of age. It is good to note that
green packaging product buying is associated with
educational qualifications. More than 50% of the
respondents who bought the green packaging product
were between 5000-2000SR monthly income of the
consumers. In the study, it is revealed that there is
variation among the opinion in consumers towards
green packaging products buying frequencies with
the income of consumers. In addition, the result
indicates that the information sources towards the
green packaging product received directly from the
product labels; the result is consistent with the study
done by [21], the second highest reported
information sources were through the internet, and
third, the following information sources are the
campaign of producers and merchandisers. The
hypothesis test found variations in the sources of
information and knowledge received regarding green
packaging that is consistent with the previous study,
[20].
6 Conclusion
The study has demonstrated the relationship between
green packaging by analyzing the green packaging
product buying habits and knowledge sources toward
green packaging of consumers. A cross-sectional
study has been performed using primary data by
performing descriptive statistics based on the
demographic profile of the respondents. In addition,
the information and knowledge sources about the
green packaging product; consumers received
directly from the product labels has the first rank of
the sources; the result shows consistency with the
study done by [21]. The second highest knowledge
and information source were through the internet,
[20], and the third position was the campaign of
WSEAS TRANSACTIONS on ENVIRONMENT and DEVELOPMENT
DOI: 10.37394/232015.2023.19.37
Mohammad Zulfeequar Alam, Salah Abunar
E-ISSN: 2224-3496
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Volume 19, 2023
producers and merchandisers as green information
sources. Regarding the hypothesis selected in the
study, Pearson Chi-Square, phi value, Cramer's V,
and Contingency Coefficient value have also been
used to know the association cross-sectionally, which
has generated additional knowledge regarding the
factors corresponding with the study's findings. It is
found that there is significant variation in the buying
frequency of green packaging products among the
consumer at cross-sectional levels demographically,
such as with genders, ages, education, and income
levels of consumers.
Moreover, it has been noticed that the low-income
group is always price sensitive; in green packaging
products buying due to their price sensitiveness, they
have very low-frequency purchases among the
respondent surveyed. Therefore, it is advised that to
achieve sustainable goals; marketers must provide
green packaging products that are approachable to all
consumers. The government should monitor it and
make sure to be available within the buying tactic to
consumers. The test also indicates variations in the
sources of information and knowledge received
regarding green packaging that is consistent with the
previous study, [20]. Therefore, all the stakeholders
should consider priorities to take steps to achieve
sustainable development goals. In addition, the
consumer should be motivated through an awareness
program and informing the benefit of using the green
packaging product. To keep our environment
sustainable by providing accurate information on
product labels, using web technology such as social
media and websites will keep consumers updated,
driving green packaging product use in their normal
life need. It is also suggested, especially for
policymakers, that they should take a certain step to
use green packaging for the product wherever it is
applicable as this is one of the major attributes of the
product that will help manage environment friendly
and achieve the SDGs goals speedier.
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Contribution of Individual Authors to the
Creation of a Scientific Article (Ghostwriting
Policy)
The authors equally contributed in the present
research, at all stages from the formulation of the
problem to the final findings and solution.
Sources of Funding for Research Presented in a
Scientific Article or Scientific Article Itself
No funding was received for conducting this study.
Conflict of Interest
The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.
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