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Consumer Attitude of Environmental Challenges in Online Food Delivery Services: a Study in Chennai
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A study of 133 food delivery app users in Chennai, India found that most people know their online orders (from apps like Swiggy and Zomato) create real environmental problems—plastic waste, food waste, and pollution—and they're actually willing to pay a bit extra for eco-friendly packaging. This matters because that plastic packaging waste doesn't just vanish; it breaks down into microplastics that can contaminate soil, water, and eventually our food, so consumer demand for greener packaging could push delivery companies to reduce a source of plastic pollution that may end up back in our bodies.
Online delivery services have become an important part of the digital economy due to factors like smartphone penetration, urbanisation and changing consumer lifestyle. The major food delivery platforms like Swiggy and Zomato provide convenience and a wide variety of food choices from the consumers’ favourite restaurants by enhancing their experience and reshaping the food service landscape. The rapid growth of online food delivery services has intensified environmental challenges like plastic waste, high carbon emissions and food waste. Yet consumer awareness of these issues remains underexplored. This study addresses a critical gap by examining how informed consumers are about these impacts by assessing their attitude and willingness, which is essential for promoting sustainable practices in an industry projected to expand significantly. Primary data was collected from 133 respondents and analysed using percentage and weighted mean. In conclusion, the results showed that Swiggy is the most preferred OFD app. The respondents are aware of the environmental challenges and have a positive attitude towards reducing pollution. They are also willing to pay extra for the eco-friendly packaging. This gives OFD platforms and restaurants a solid base on which to invest in environmentally friendly packaging options without appreciably reducing consumer demand.
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Urban Waste Composition Associated to Online Food Delivery in Bangkok, Thailand, with Emphasis on Plastic Waste Management
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A Bangkok survey of 385 online food delivery customers found that single-use plastic waste increased substantially with food delivery growth, and consumers rarely opted for greener packaging alternatives on digital platforms. Managing the surge in delivery-related plastic waste requires coordinated policy involving producers, platforms, consumers, and government — including extended producer responsibility and potential bans on single-use plastics.
Consumers' intention in avoiding plastic packaging from online food take-out : a case study of Beijing and Shanghai, China
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This study examined Chinese consumers' intentions to avoid plastic packaging from online food delivery services in Beijing and Shanghai. Researchers found that awareness of plastic's environmental impact, combined with the availability of biodegradable alternatives, were key factors driving willingness to reduce single-use plastic use.
Urban Waste Composition Associated with Online Food Delivery in Bangkok, Thailand, with Emphasis on Plastic Waste Management
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A survey of 385 food delivery customers in Bangkok found that 76.6% increased their online food ordering, driving higher proportions of single-use plastic waste in municipal solid waste streams, with non-essential plastic items like cutlery and films rarely opted out of. The study highlights how the rapid growth of platform-based food delivery is a significant and underappreciated driver of urban plastic pollution, requiring targeted policy interventions including extended producer responsibility.
From perception to purchase intention: Driving sustainable food packaging adoption to combat environmental pollution
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This study of Indian consumers found that people are more likely to choose eco-friendly food packaging when they're worried about the environment, see others doing it, and understand clear product labels—but confusing "greenwashing" claims and higher prices still hold many back. This matters because sustainable packaging isn't just about the planet: less plastic packaging waste can mean less plastic breaking down into microplastics that end up in our food, water, and eventually our bodies. Clearer labeling and honest marketing could help more people make packaging choices that benefit both their health and the environment.
Investigating sustainable consumption practices: a case of single-use plastics in online food delivery market, Thailand
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Researchers surveyed Thai online food delivery users and found that COVID-19 increased single-use plastic waste dramatically, with consumers torn between health safety and environmental concerns. Online food delivery platforms are one of the fastest-growing sources of single-use plastic packaging that contributes to microplastic pollution.
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