Study title

United Kingdom

Household

The approach to the Grape Household Simulation Model (HHSM) was centred around acquiring relevant data from a broad spectrum of primary and secondary sources, thereby ensuring the authenticity and reliability of the data under examination. This integrated and multi-disciplinary data collection methodology fortified the validity of the HHSM, laying a firm foundation for investigating the impact of various market and consumer behaviour interventions on household food and packaging waste generation. The adopted data collection techniques included:1. Literature Review: An intensive literature review was undertaken to uncover the central factors that shape household consumption patterns and waste production related to grapes. This comprehensive review incorporated scholarly articles, industry-specific reports, and WRAP publications. 2. Expert Consultations: The model was refined and its underlying assumptions were verified through consultations with industry practitioners, academicians, and experts specialising in consumer behaviour, food waste reduction and food packaging. This collaborative process generated valuable insights into potential market and consumer behaviour interventions that could be examined in the context of the HHSM.3. Empirical Investigation on Visual Score: A hands-on analysis was conducted on the visual grading of grapes based on various storage parameters, such as fridge temperature, ambient temperature, and duration of grape packs remaining opened or unopened. 4. Qualitative Household Research: Primary data related to household consumption patterns, waste production, and packaging use for grapes were collected through structured online interviews. These were guided by the practice theory and household waste and consumption approaches. In addition, participating households were instructed to maintain diaries featuring photographs of their routines and practices, including purchasing behaviour, preferred storage conditions, and consumption practices.5. Data Processing and Analysis: The data collected was systematically processed and analysed to derive input parameters for the HHSM. These insights were incorporated into the model to ensure it accurately reflected and was applicable to real-world scenarios.