Exploring Consumers’ Purchase Intention of rPET Bottle-Based Apparel in an Emerging Economy

Abstract

This study investigated the applicability (generalizability) of utilizing a partial least squares (PLS) model previously posed to predict consumer purchase intention (PI) of recycled plastics-sourced apparel in a developed economy to predict PI in an emerging economy. To explore the original model’s generalizability, 495 Vietnam residents were surveyed via social media platforms (SMPs). Using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) path analysis, it was found that three factors significantly affect PI (quality, sustainability, safety), albeit not the same organization of factors found to be significant in the original model. Thus, it is argued that consumer PI in emerging economies may not be entirely congruent with that of developing economies. As prior research of consumer PI of apparel made from recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (rPET) bottle fibers in emerging economies is limited, the results of this study, in support of open innovation, provide practical suggestions for marketers and a starting point for future investigations and discussions. The paper also discusses the findings’ relevancy to other contexts and poses suggestions for further study.

Circular Economy Business Model and Purchase Intention for Recycled PET Products by Brazilian Consumers

“…Figure 2 details the analysis for each hypothesis, which highlights: H1: the quality of recycled products negatively influences the intention to purchase; The consumers' perception about the quality of the recycled products has negatively influenced the intention to purchase intention (path coefficient = -0.165). Different from the results found in Spain [4], but corroborating with the result from the research in Vietnam [12]. Therefore, the perception of low quality on the recycled products reduces consumers' purchase intentions, requiring strategies to diminish or eliminate the prejudice about the low quality associated with products made of discarded materials, and, thus, to increase the production of recycled goods.…”

“…Unlike the results achieved in samples from Spain and Vietnam [4,12], the model validated here with Brazilian consumers (considering all regions of the country, mostly women, with an average age of 38 years, high education complete, and income of approximately R$ 15,000.00) confirmed the four research hypotheses: H1 -the quality of recycled products negatively influences the intention to purchase; H2 -the image of recycled products positively influences the intention to purchase; H3 -the sustainability of recycled products positively influences the intention to purchase; H4 -the safety perception of recycled products negatively influences the intention to purchase.…”

“…The model was initially employed in Spain, and the results indicated that the positive image and safety of recycled products comprised the essential factors for consumers' acceptance. This model was adapted and applied in Vietnam to identify the contribution of variables to determine the purchase intention of clothing products from waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles [12]. The authors determined three factors significantly affecting product acceptance: quality, sustainability, and safety.…”

“…This paper aims to understand the purchase intention for recycled PET products by Brazilian consumers. The study is based on green consumption and waste reduction, considering the model from [4,12]. This aim partakes of a projective scenario to the current ecological objectives in Brazil to reduce environmental pollution.…”

Purchase Intentions for Brazilian Recycled PET Products—Circular Economy Opportunities

“…The lack of empirical studies on the topic and its implications is also evident, especially in developing countries, whose economies are most intensive in the extraction of natural resources [1,[11][12][13]. Regardless of the scientific characterization of CE, it has already been configured in micro, meso, and macro-level environments, involving governments, global organizations (such as the UN), the entire private sector, researchers, consumers, and individuals [8].…”