TARU PUBLICATIONS
Journal of Information and Optimization Sciences cover

Journal of Information and Optimization Sciences

(Since 1980)
Open Access ·Peer-reviewed·ISSN (Online): 2169-0103·ISSN (Print): 0252-2667

WoS  JIF 2026 : 0.4 (Q4)

Powered by:Powered by

Monthly Journal: Publishes theoretical and applied research on topics in information and optimization sciences.

Issues up to 2022 co-published with and available at:Taylor & Francis
submissions@tarupublications.com
Taru Online First Current IssueSpecial IssuesBrowse all Issues
Journal of Information and Optimization Sciences
Open Access Research Article

Green growth in e-commerce : Environmental management and customer actions

* , , , ,

* Corresponding author · click or hover a name for details

pp. 1823–1842Vol. 45Issue 6September 2024DOI: 10.47974/JIOS-1772XML
Received:
08 Apr 2024
Published Online:
30 Sep 2024
Article type:
Research Article
Language:
EN
Article no.:
JIOS-1772
Pages:
1823–1842

Abstract

The global e-commerce industry has been experiencing rapid growth, especially post COVID-19 pandemic, which has significantly transformed market structures and consumer shopping behaviour. The waste generated and the plastic pollution due to e-commerce is increasing tremendously post pandemic. The surge in e-commerce has contributed to an alarming increase in packaging waste, aggravating the plastic pollution crisis. Research indicates that traditional in-store shopping can substantially reduce CO2 emissions highlighting the environmental impact of online shopping. In response to these challenges, many e-commerce companies are implementing green technologies and sustainable practices to mitigate environmental impacts. However, individual customers also play a crucial role in promoting sustainability in online shopping. By making informed choices, consumers can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future. This research explores effective strategies for managing environmental impacts and integrating green technologies in e-commerce operations, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of companies and customers to achieve sustainability. The research reveals that though majority of customers are concerned about environment and sustainability; while shopping they aim to satisfy their immediate needs. Customers have shown willingness to opt for the strategies like concession on returning the packaging, discounted price for less packaging and bulk purchases in a single order if introduced and implemented effectively by e-commerce companies.

Keywords

CustomersE – commerceEnvironmentOnline shoppingPackagingSustainability

Subject Classifications

00A99

References

[1] Zahy Ramadan, M. F. Typology of e-commerce shoppers: the case of COVID-19. Qualitative Market Research An International Journal (2023).
[2] (IBEF, 2024)
[3] Salunkhe, S. J. A Study of Growth of E-Commerce Business of India in Post Pandemic Era: An Overview. British Journal of Multidisciplinary and Advanced Studies, 1-11 (2023).
[4] Owens, B. (2023, December 14). How to Reduce E-commerce Packaging Waste. Retrieved from Ryder: https://www.ryder.com/en-us/insights/blogs/e-comm/reduce-e-commerce-packaging-waste.
[5] UNEP. (2024). Our planet is choking on plastic. Retrieved from Beat Plastic Pollution: https://www.unep.org/interactives/beat-plastic-pollution/.
[6] Statista. Annual e-commerce plastic packaging consumption 2019-2025. New York: M Garside (2024).
[7] Shafeeq Ahmed Syed Al, I. I. Packaging plastic waste from e-commerce sector: The Indian scenario and a multi-faceted cleaner production solution towards waste minimisation. Journal of Cleaner Production (2024).
[8] Kikken, N. 26,000 Tonnes Of Plastic Waste Is Generated In India Each Day. This Is How To Reduce It. Canberra: CSIRO (2023).
[9] Tiseo, I. Amount of plastic waste generated across India from 2001 to 2041. Hamburg: Statista (2024).
[10] Tanya Arora, S. R. Product Packaging by E-commerce Platforms: Impact of COVID-19 and Proposal for Circular Model to Reduce the Demand of Virgin Packaging. Circular Economy and Sustainability , 1255–1273 (2022).
[11] Moncada, S. (2024, March 11). The ecological impact of e-commerce. Retrieved from Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ecological-impact-e-commerce-sebasti%C3%A1n-moncada-6ulre/.
[12] MIT. Retail Carbon Footprints: Measuring Impacts from Real Estate and Technology. Massachusetts: The Real Estate Innovation Lab (2021).
[13] IGINI, M. (2023, December 18). The Truth About Online Shopping and Its Environmental Impact. Retrieved from EARTH.ORG: https://earth.org/online-shopping-and-its-environmental-impact/.
[14] Sílvia Escursell, P. L.-M. Sustainability in e-commerce packaging: A review. Elsevier - PMC COVID-19 Collection (2020).
[15] Vijay, N. (2022, October 7). The importance of sustainable e-commerce in India. Retrieved from Retail.com: https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/blog/the-importance-of-sustainable-e-commerce-in-india/94709232#:~:text=Brands%20like%20Mamaearth%20and%20Kiehls,friendly%20choices%20is%20also%20significant.
[16] Kaur, H. K. (2024, July 13). 59 Cleantech Startups Working Towards Making India’s Future Cleaner & Greener. Retrieved from Inc42: https://inc42.com/features/cleantech-startups-that-offer-sustainable-lifeways-without-compromising-on-growth/.
[17] Agrawala, S. A deep dive into the OECD’s Global Plastic Outlook 2060. Paris: Packaging Europe (2023).
[18] Nirupama Mohanty, J. K. Social Entrepreneurship, Strategy, and the Quest for Impact: Embracing the Opportunity. European Economic Letters , 1109–1123 (2023).
[19] Mazharunnisa *, G. N. A review on growth parameters of e-commerce in India’s economy. Journal of Statistics and Management Systems, 1599–1611 (2023).
[20] Anuj Kumar, G. M. Application of Disruptive Technologies on Environmental Health: An overview of artificial intelligence, blockchain and internet of things. Asia Pacific Journal of Health Management, 251-259 (2021).

Views: 315Downloads: 41Citations: 2