Ibrahim, I.; Haj-Salem, N.; Ashour, A. G. and Alotaibi, E. B. (2026) Assessment of consumer behaviour towards recycled plastic products: Insights from the UAE. Construction Economics and Building, 26(2), ISSN 2204-9029
Abstract
This study examines consumer behaviour in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) towards purchasing household items made from recycled plastics, a critical component of environmental sustainability. Using a survey-based methodology combined with structural equation modelling (SEM), the research investigates the effects of perceived risks, anticipated emotions, and perceived economic, environmental, and social benefits on purchase intentions. Key findings reveal a higher purchase propensity among women (75.3%) and young adults aged 18–30 (86.8%), with educated individuals demonstrating stronger preferences for eco-friendly products. The research identifies environmental concern, attitude, perceived behavioural control, anticipated pride, and environmental benefits as the most significant predictors of purchase intentions across genders. A strong positive correlation between environmental concern and economic benefits highlights their interdependence, while moderate correlations with perceived social responsibility suggest additional underlying complexities. Notably, the study is among the first to explore gender-specific consumer behaviour towards recycled plastic products in the UAE, addressing a critical gap in the behavioural literature of developing economies. The findings contribute to the theoretical understanding of sustainable consumer behaviour by integrating constructions from the theory of planned behaviour and social learning theory. Practically, the research provides actionable recommendations for businesses and policymakers, emphasising the importance of gender-sensitive strategies, educational campaigns, and product availability to enhance the adoption of recycled plastic products. These insights align with the UAE's sustainability goals and broader global efforts to reduce plastic waste and promote a circular economy.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | consumer behaviour; environmental sustainability; purchase intentions; recycled plastic products |
| Index terms: | plastic, women, purchasing, structural equation modelling, planned behaviour, consumer behaviour, social responsibility, United Arab Emirates, social learning, circular economy, strategy, interdependence, environmental sustainability, survey, developing economy, preference, household, methodology, complexity, environmental concern, social benefit |
| Subjects: | behavioral psychology, materials science, data collection methods, consumer economics, Geography, sociology, theoretical framing, demography, environmental issues, decision-making and reasoning, organizational analysis, sustainable design, economic development, health safety and environment, statistical analysis, procurement strategy, systems engineering, research methods, management |
| Topics: | Health and Safety, Stakeholder Management, Business Strategy, Geographical Context, Urban Studies, International Construction, Sustainability, Organizational Design, Procurement, Research Practice, Engineering Principles |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here