A Comprehensive Study of Customer Awareness and Perception towards Bamboo-Based Packaging
Dr. Shachi Mishra
Project Manager, I-DAPT Hub Foundation, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh-221005
E-mail ID: shachi27mishra@gmail.com
Abstract:
Sustainable packaging refers to the use of materials and design methods that minimize negative environmental impact and maximize long-term economic and social benefits. Now the world has started paying attention towards the use of green packaging material which have the characteristics of being reusable, recyclable, biodegradable, renewable, and easily waste management and low energy consumption.
Since ages, Bamboo has proved to be an efficient and effective sustainable raw material offering multiple applications for the rural communities. As per the Guinness book of record, certain species of Bamboo are the fastest growing plant in the world which makes it an excellent tool in mitigating climate change by absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere, thereby reducing greenhouse gas levels. It can sequester around 12 tons of CO2 per hectare per year and releases about 20% more oxygen than an equivalent hardwood trees. This is because bamboo requires minimal water supply, almost no pesticides, grows very fast and regenerates rapidly after being harvested.
For conducting this research, Primary data has been collected through the use of structured questionnaire through the google form. In the research study, five-point Likert-type scale is used, anchored by “Not at All Aware” to “Extremely Aware” for studying the customer awareness and another Likert-type scale anchored by “Strongly Disagree” to “Strongly Agree” for understanding their perception towards the bamboo-based packaging. For Secondary data collection various literature sources have been referred.
As per the data analysis, it was found that most of the respondents are not aware of the inherent potential characteristics of Bamboo plant. As the customers are being made aware of characteristics of bamboo, most of them showed their interest towards the use of bamboo as a raw material for packaging which will be a good replacement for the non-biodegradable materials like plastic.
Hence, as a researcher I would say that further studies about the properties of this plant leads to more opportunities unwrapping further ecofriendly innovations in various fields, including packaging.
Keywords: Bamboo, Packaging, Ecofriendly, Customer Perception,
