We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics in seafood: Consumer preferences and valuation for mitigation technologies
AI summary Read the abstract
A consumer study in Chile found that people were willing to pay significantly more for mussels certified to have reduced microplastic contamination, with information about health risks increasing willingness to pay by 56%. However, combined health and environmental information also made some consumers less likely to buy mussels at all, suggesting that microplastic awareness could reduce seafood consumption. These findings highlight the economic importance of developing microplastic mitigation technologies for the seafood industry.
Microplastics, an emerging pollutant, have garnered widespread attention due to potential repercussions on human health and the environment. Given the critical role of seafood in food security, growing concerns about microplastics might be detrimental to meeting future global food demand. This study employed a discrete choice experiment to investigate Chilean consumers' preferences for technology aimed at mitigating microplastic levels in mussels. Using a between-subjects design with information treatments, we examined the impact of informing consumers about potential human health and environmental effects linked to microplastics pollution on their valuation for the technology. We found that the information treatments increased consumers' willingness to pay for mussels. Specifically, consumers were willing to pay a premium of around US$ 4 for 250 g of mussel meat with a 90 % depuration efficiency certification. The provision of health impact information increased the price premium by 56 %, while the provision of environmental information increased it by 21 %. Furthermore, combined health and environmental information significantly increased the probability of non-purchasing behavior by 22.8 % and the risk perception of microplastics for human health by 5.8 %. These results emphasized the critical role of information in shaping consumer preferences and provided evidence for validating investment in research and development related to microplastic pollution mitigation measures.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in seafood: Consumer preferences and valuation for mitigation technologies
AI summary Read the abstract
A consumer survey in Chile found that people were willing to pay about US$4 extra for mussels certified to have 90% lower microplastic content, and informing consumers about health risks increased that price premium by 56%. This signals a market opening for microplastic mitigation technologies in seafood and highlights how public awareness of health risks can drive demand for cleaner food products.
Nudging consumers about the issue of microplastics: an experimental auction study on valuation for sustainable food packaging
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used an experimental auction to study whether informing consumers about microplastic pollution changes how much they are willing to pay for sustainable food packaging. They found that consumers offered significantly more for pasta products packaged in biodegradable materials with environmental footprint labels, especially after learning about microplastic risks. The study suggests that transparent labeling combined with consumer education could be an effective way to shift purchasing behavior toward more sustainable options.
Can we shop ourselves to a clean sea? An experimental panel approach to assess the persuasiveness of private labels as a private governance approach to microplastic pollution
AI summary Read the abstract
An experimental consumer survey in Norway, Germany, and Portugal found that people are willing to pay a premium for products certified as microplastic-free, suggesting that private certification schemes could be an effective market-based tool for reducing microplastic pollution. However, willingness to pay was influenced by country, trust in certifiers, and how the certification was framed.
Preferences for microplastic marine pollution management strategies: An analysis of barriers and enablers for more sustainable choices
AI summary Read the abstract
This survey-based study examined Australian consumers' preferences for microplastic marine pollution management strategies, finding that cost and product trust are key barriers to adopting lower-microplastic products, and that willingness to pay for marine protection has limits.
Consumers’ perceptions and willingness to pay for a hypothetical microplastics-free labelled bottled water: an empirical study in Italy
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed 344 Italian consumers and found that awareness of microplastics in bottled water, pro-environmental attitudes, and health concerns all increased people's willingness to pay a premium for water labeled "microplastic-free." However, price sensitivity remained a strong barrier, suggesting that microplastic-free products must be priced carefully to reach mainstream markets.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.