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The role of local retailers in promoting reuse of plastic bags in Finland
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This thesis examines how Finnish retailers — K-Group, S-Group, and Lidl Finland — use pricing strategies, awareness campaigns, and NGO partnerships to reduce single-use plastic bag consumption, finding that these approaches align with EU plastics reduction targets while identifying behavioral and resource barriers to broader consumer adoption.
This thesis explores how Finnish local retailers facilitate the reusing of plastic bags and meet the sustainability commitment of the EU based on qualitative secondary data from government reports, NGOs, and retailer sustainability publications, and it also observes initiatives from K-Group, S-Group, and Lidl Finland. It emerges that awareness campaigns, pricing strategies, sustainable packaging, and NGO partnerships are some of the ways single-use plastic bag consumption is reduced. Aside from certain behavioural and resource challenges, local retailers have great potential to influence consumer behaviours effectively. The study concludes that such business practices align with Finland's commitment to the EU's plastics reduction target and to promoting a more circular and sustainable economy.
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The effectiveness of EU policies on increasing recycling of plastic packaging waste
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This Finnish thesis reviewed how EU plastic packaging waste policies have evolved and surveyed European consumers about their recycling behaviors, finding that satisfaction with local recycling facilities significantly affects how often people separate plastic packaging. The results support the conclusion that improving access to convenient recycling infrastructure is key to increasing participation.
Plastic bags – the main culprit in plastic pollution?
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This Finnish thesis examines the role of plastic bags in plastic pollution, reviewing evidence on their environmental contribution and assessing consumer perceptions of plastic bag use. The researcher found that while plastic bags are often demonized, the evidence for their relative contribution to total plastic pollution is more nuanced than public perception suggests. The study provides a balanced review of the plastic bag ban debate.
The analysis of Japanese consumers’ purchasing behaviour towards single-use plastic packaging
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Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in the surface water and shoreline sediments of a remote island in the South Pacific, finding particle concentrations comparable to heavily populated coastal regions. The remote location and polymer types found—including many used in fishing gear—pointed to fisheries-related debris as the dominant contamination source rather than land-based inputs.
Determinants of Finnish consumers’ purchase intention for eco-friendly jute bags as an alternative to plastic
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Researchers examined the determinants of Finnish consumers' purchase intention for eco-friendly jute bags as an alternative to single-use plastics, applying the Theory of Planned Behavior and finding that environmental concern, perceived consumer effectiveness, and subjective norms significantly influence purchasing decisions.
Some Countries Can Say “No!” to Single-Use Plastics, Others Cannot: Why Do Seemingly Similar Policies Have Different Outcomes?
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This paper analyzed plastic bag ban and levy outcomes across 12 countries, finding that retail sector engagement—rather than the specific policy instrument—was the strongest predictor of success. Countries that failed to involve major retailers, provide affordable alternatives, or implement deposit-return systems often saw limited reductions in single-use plastic consumption.
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.