Customer Preference of Recycled Plastic Products

Abstract

The circular economy of recycled plastics is gradually emerging. Its objective is to reduce the production of new plastics, design products with recycled plastics according to the thermoplastic characteristics of plastics, classify, wash, dry, finely shred, and then melt and remanufacture waste plastics to reshape the appearance and function of products. In this study, consumers’ acceptance, cognition, and preference for recycled plastic products were explored based on the image these products carry. A total of 11 commercially available recycled plastic products were collected, which were respectively made of propylene (PP), high/low-density polyethylene (HDPE/LDPE), and poly (ethylene glycol-co-1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol terephthalate) (PETG), and shaped by the injection moulding machine, compressor, tablet press, and 3D printing. These adjectives were used for the survey of 100 subjects for their evaluation of recycled plastic products. The consumers’ preference for the material of the recycled plastic products is in the order of HDPE/LDPE > PETG > PP. In addition, the evaluation of those using moulds in the manufacturing process is high, which can achieve a better product image and win consumer preferences. In the sample products of this study, a recycled watch strap is made of LDPE material using the injection moulding machine.

Keywords: recycled plastics, thermoplasticity, PE, PP, PETG, product image

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1001770