Keywords
responsible consumption, sustainable consumption, responsible consumer, conscious consumer, ethical consumer
Abstract
The modern consumer society is criticised for its harmful impact on individual well-being and the environment, prompting a call for a transition to responsible consumption. This article explores emerging trends in consumer behaviour towards responsible consumption. Drawing from existing literature and empirical findings, it examines the multifaceted dimensions of responsible consumption, encompassing environmental, ethical, and social considerations. Conscious consumers prioritise basic needs over excessive consumption, opting for high-quality, reliable, and environmentally friendly products, especially those derived from biomaterials called bio-based products. Furthermore, responsible consumers recognise the social and environmental consequences of their consumption behaviour, advocating for sustainable practices and supporting initiatives for societal improvement. The article discusses conscious consumption aiming to mitigate consumerism’s environmental impact, focusing on bio-based products. Insights from focus group discussions conducted in Poland, Finland, the Netherlands, and Spain, as part of the 3-CO project, shed light on consumer perceptions and concerns regarding bio-based products, providing valuable input for decision-makers, businesses, and environmental organisations seeking to promote responsible consumer behaviour and support the transition towards more sustainable consumption patterns.
Acknowledgments
The focus group discussions was conducted as part of the 3-CO project titled “Concise Consumer Communication through Robust Labels for Biobased Systems,” funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme for research and innovation under grant agreement No. 101086086. The project is classified as a Coordination and Support Action (CSA) under HORIZON-CL6-2022-GOVERNANCE-01-04, explicitly addressing the work programme topic “Consumer-focused labelling options for bio-based products.”
Declaration of Conflicting Interests
The author declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and publication of the article.
Declaration about the scope of AI utilization
The authors did not use an AI tool in the preparation of the article.
Recommended Citation
Klimczuk-Kochańska, M., & Marczewska, M. (2024). Navigating Responsible Consumption: Unveiling Consumer Perceptions and the Role of Bio-Based Products in Sustainable Decision-Making. Journal of Marketing and Consumer Behaviour in Emerging Markets, 2024(2), 37-52. https://doi.org/10.7172/2449-6634.jmcbem.2024.2.4
First Page
37
Last Page
52
Page Count
16
Received Date
21.08.2024
Revised Date
26.11.2024
Accepted Date
28.11.2024
Online Available Date
02.12.2024
DOI
10.7172/2449-6634.jmcbem.2024.2.4
JEL Code
M10, M14, M31, O52
Publisher
University of Warsaw
Included in
Advertising and Promotion Management Commons, E-Commerce Commons, Marketing Commons, Public Relations and Advertising Commons, Sales and Merchandising Commons, Social Media Commons