Student Perspectives on Packaging Waste and Sustainable Practices in Online Shopping

Proponent/s Name/s (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

• John Nathaniel Sicat Esmale, De La Salle UniversityFollow
• Nicolai Calvo Sabido, De La Salle UniversityFollow

Document Types

Paper Presentation

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Sustainability, Environment, and Energy (SEE)

School Name

De La Salle University – Laguna Campus

Track or Strand

Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM)

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Windie Odono

Start Date

23-6-2026 1:30 PM

End Date

23-6-2026 3:30 PM

Zoom Link/ Room Assignment

DLSU Manila Campus (In-person) - Don Enrique T. Yuchengco Hall - Y604

Abstract/Executive Summary

This study investigates the perspectives of senior high school and college students at De La Salle University, Laguna, regarding packaging waste and sustainable practices in online shopping. Using a descriptive-correlational quantitative design, the research analyzes data from 136 valid survey responses to explore the relationship between students' sustainability awareness and their online purchasing behavior.

The findings reveal that while respondents frequently observe excessive packaging—primarily characterized by oversized boxes and multiple layers of plastic—they generally maintain a neutral or frustrated attitude toward it. Although students recognize the importance of sustainable packaging, this awareness exerts only a moderate influence on their actual buying behavior. Specifically, 75.2% of respondents have not switched brands based on packaging sustainability, and most remain uncertain about paying extra for eco-friendly alternatives.

Correlational analysis confirms significant positive relationships between the perceived importance of sustainable packaging, concerns about excessive waste, and the influence of sustainability views on purchasing decisions. The study concludes that while a value-action gap exists, higher awareness consistently correlates with a greater inclination toward sustainable habits. To bridge this gap, the researchers recommend that e-commerce platforms implement eco-friendly packaging as a default setting to ensure broader environmental contributions regardless of individual consumer initiative

Keywords

packaging waste; sustainable practices; online shopping; student perception; e-commerce sustainability; Philippines

Business Presentation Type (for Business Presentation submissions only)

Business Research

Initial Consent for Publication

yes

Statement of Originality

yes