Summary information

Study title

Reducing Plastic Packaging and Food Waste Through Product Innovation Simulation: Household Simulation Model for Chicken Fillets, 2021-2023

Creator

Reynolds, C, City, University of London
Fayad, R, The University of Sheffield

Study number / PID

856471 (UKDA)

10.5255/UKDA-SN-856471 (DOI)

Data access

Open

Series

Not available

Abstract

This data collection presents the new Household Simulation Model (HHSM) specifically developed for chicken fillets, using Arena software version 16.2. The primary aim of the HHSM is to offer insights into the impact of various market and consumer behavior interventions on the amount of food and packaging waste generated in households. By simulating diverse scenarios, the model enables researchers and stakeholders to understand the potential effects of different interventions on household decision-making related to chicken fillet consumption and waste generation. The data collection contains three components: the Arena simulation model (HHSM) (.doe file), an accompanying input/output data file developed in Microsoft Excel (.xlsm file), which allows users to modify input parameters and retrieve the outputs generated by the HHSM and an detailed user manual of the model (.pdf file). This data collection is a valuable resource for researchers, policy-makers, and industry professionals interested in understanding the dynamics of household consumption and waste generation related to chicken fillets, offering a powerful tool for investigating potential interventions, promoting sustainable consumption patterns, and informing future policies in the context of food waste reduction and resource optimisation.THE PROBLEM Plastic packaging waste is a major issue that has recently entered public consciousness, with the British government committing to a 25-year plan that would phase out disposable packaging by 2042. Around 41% of plastic packaging is used for food, with the UK generating 1 million tonnes per year of packaging waste. Food packaging has had a 1844% increase in recycling since 2007, yet still only one third of food packaging is currently recycled [3]. Currently many consumers are boycotting plastic packaging. However, this is leading to a rise in food waste (and foodborne illness risk) due to decreased shelf life. Up to a third of the resources used to produce food...
Read more

Methodology

Data collection period

01/01/2021 - 28/09/2023

Country

United Kingdom

Time dimension

Not available

Analysis unit

Household

Universe

Not available

Sampling procedure

Not available

Kind of data

Software
Other

Data collection mode

The data collection methods for the chicken fillets' Household Simulation Model (HHSM) focused on obtaining relevant information through a combination of primary and secondary sources, ensuring the data's accuracy and reliability. By adopting a multi-faceted and multidisciplinary data collection approach, this research ensured the robustness and validity of the Household Simulation Model, providing a reliable foundation for exploring the impacts of various market and consumer behavior interventions on food and packaging waste generated in households. The data collection methods included:1. Literature Review. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify key factors influencing household consumption patterns and waste generation related to chicken fillets. This review included academic articles, industry reports, and WRAP reports. The information gathered through the literature review was utilised to develop the conceptual framework for the HHSM and to inform the model's structure and parameters.2. Expert Consultations. Input from industry professionals, academics, and other experts in food waste reduction and consumer behavior was sought to refine the model and validate its assumptions. These consultations also provided valuable insights into the potential market and consumer behavior interventions to be explored using the HHSM.3. Qualitative research with households. Primary data on household consumption patterns, waste generation, and packaging use related to chicken fillets was collected through structured online interviews following practice theory and approaches to household waste and consumption. In addition, the households filled diaries, including photos about routines and practices, such as purchasing behavior, storage conditions preference, and consumption practices.4. Data Processing and Analysis. The collected data was analysed to generate input parameters for the HHSM. The model incorporated these findings to ensure its accuracy and relevance to real-world scenarios.

Funding information

Grant number

NE/V010654/1

Access

Publisher

UK Data Service

Publication year

2023

Terms of data access

The UK Data Archive has granted a dissemination embargo. The embargo will end on 24 October 2024 and the data will then be available in accordance with the access level selected.

Related publications

Not available