End users’ participation on reverse logistics performance for plastic packaged beverages in Moshi municipality, Tanzania

Abstract

Effective implementation of Reverse Logistics (RL) in developing countries faces challenges due to limited end user involvement. Manufacturers overlook products after leaving warehouses, leading to a one-way flow between producers and users (forward logistics), causing ecological harm, particularly with Plastic Packaged Beverages (PPBs) wastes. To mitigate this, involving end users in collecting and returning these wastes is crucial. This study investigates how end users' participation affects reverse logistics performance for PPBs in Moshi Municipality, with the specific objectives of determining the factors influencing end users' behavioural intention, investigating the role of financial incentives, and assessing end users' awareness of the reverse logistics performance of PPBs wastes. Using theories of planned behaviour and random utility, a survey was conducted with 400 randomly selected households. The collected data were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), descriptive statistics, and inferential analysis. The findings show that attitudes (ATT) and Perceived Behavioural Control (PBC) significantly impact reverse logistics for PPBs with ATT -> P is -0.175, P value of 0.004 < 0.05 and PBC -> P is =-0.098, P value of 0.000 < 0.05, respectively. Further, financial incentives play a significant role in accelerating end users' participation. The study also reveals that 92.3% of the respondents are familiar with PPBs wastes, 84.3% Understand the dangers of improper disposal of PPBs wastes and 77% of the respondents Willingness to participate if materials are provided. The study concluded that Attitude and Perceived Behavioural Control have a significant direct effect on the RL of PPBs, financial incentives are among the strongest drivers of participation in RL of PPBs wastes, while non-monetary incentives are also vital, Respondents are familiar with PPBs wastes and dangers associated with improper disposal and are willing to participate if provided with necessary materials. The study recommends collaboration between the government, companies, end users, waste management groups and recycling companies to establish efficient reverse logistics systems for PPBs wastes. This research contributes to the literature by providing insights into end users' perspectives and emphasizes the need for improved reverse logistics practices.