A Systems Thinking Approach towards Single-Use Plastics Reduction in Food Delivery Business in Thailand

Boonchanit Wongprapinkul and Sujitra Vassanadumrongdee
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Boonchanit Wongprapinkul: Environment, Development and Sustainability Program, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Sujitra Vassanadumrongdee: Environmental Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 15, 1-19

Abstract: Sustainable consumption and production (SCP) is largely influenced by dynamics in the market system. Hence, this study adopts the systems thinking approach as a tool to understand the non-linearity and complexity of sustainable practices. The food delivery business has accelerated the plastic waste problem, especially during COVID-19 where restaurant dine-in was limited. This study aims to identify high leverage points, which contribute to system intervention strategies to improve Thailand’s single-use plastics (SUP) waste situation caused by the food delivery sector. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with relevant stakeholders ( n = 14). A qualitative system dynamics model analysis and thematic analysis suggest that the key leverage points include (1) benefit alignment among all stakeholders, (2) cost minimization and profit maximization, (3) laws and regulations, (4) postconsumption waste management systems, and (5) research and development. In addition, to stimulate policy initiatives, this study suggests that system intervention strategies should include behavioral instruments (setting default and eco-labelling), market-based instruments (green-packaging procurement and subsidies), and system and infrastructure provision (waste management systems and deposit return models). Partnerships, research and development, and laws and regulations are proposed as supporting measures.

Keywords: systems thinking; system dynamics; leverage points; food delivery; sustainable practices; single-use plastic; COVID-19 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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