ANNOUNCEMENTS
This study examines the sustainability of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic and glass as materials for refillable home care liquid containers through a dual lens: consumer perceptions and life cycle assessment (LCA). The research aims to evaluate the environmental impact of these two materials while also understanding how consumers perceive and intend to use them. We developed a consumer perception survey based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to assess attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control related to the use and reuse of HDPE plastic and glass containers. Concurrently, an LCA based on ISO 14044 standards was conducted to objectively evaluate the environmental impacts of these materials over their entire life cycle. Preliminary findings suggest that while consumers perceive glass as a more eco-friendly option, the LCA reveals HDPE plastic to be the more sustainable choice when reused, given its lower energy consumption in production and transportation. This research contributes to the discourse on sustainable packaging, bridging the gap between perceptions and realities of materials used for home care products. Our findings could be instrumental in helping manufacturers, marketers, policymakers, and consumers make informed decisions promoting sustainable practices. Further work is needed to explore strategies that align consumer perceptions with environmental realities.
