Impact of no-plastic policy on business operations: A business-centric perspective
Kobe M. Astronomo, Marlon Bart D. Cambiado, Andrew Emmerson P. Abilgos & Ma. Reina A. Mabeza
Abstract
This research examined how Municipal Ordinance No. 337 influences business strategies, sales, and customer retention. While existing literature primarily focuses on environmental benefits and consumer preferences, this study uniquely investigates the policy's impact on business operations. A quantitative study involving 42 registered micro-businesses in Labo’s financial center was conducted. Data were collected using a structured survey questionnaire and analyzed through statistical tools such as frequency, percentage distribution, weighted mean, and Spearman's Rank Correlation Coefficient. Micro-business compliance with and perceptions of Municipal Ordinance No. 337 were measured using a 4-point Likert scale. The results indicated high micro-business compliance with the ordinance’s three categorized sections (M = 3.44) and a strong perceived impact on business operations, particularly in terms of pricing (x̄ = 3.15), packaging (x̄ = 3.56), sales (x̄ = 3.9), and customer retention (x̄ = 2.92). A significant positive correlation was found between compliance with Sections 8 and 9.3 (encouraging alternative and eco-friendly packaging) and the impact on packaging strategies (rs = 0.457, p < 0.002). Although limited to a single municipal geographic area, this study provides valuable insights into the impact of plastic waste reduction ordinances on micro-business operations.
Keywords
plastic policy, business perspective, business strategy, sales, customer retention
Author information & Contribution
Kobe M. Astronomo. Corresponding author. Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Marketing Management. Camarines Norte State College. Email: astronomokobe@gmail.com
Marlon Bart D. Cambiado. Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Marketing Management. Camarines Norte State College.
Andrew Emmerson P. Abilgos. MBA, Instructor at College of Business and Public Administration, Camarines Norte State College.
Ma. Reina A. Mabeza. MBA, Instructor II and Research Coordinator of the BSBA Department. College of Business and Public Administration, Camarines Norte State College.
"All authors equally contributed to the conception, design, preparation, data gathering and analysis, and writing of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript."
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Funding
This work was not supported by any funding.
Declaration
AI tools were not used in writing this paper.
Notes
*This paper is a finalist at the 4th International Research Competition (IRC)-2024
Acknowledgement
The researchers express their profound gratitude to all individuals who contributed to the successful completion of this study. Special recognition is extended to Mr. Andrew Emmerson P. Abilgos, MBA, for his invaluable guidance as adviser, Mrs. Reina A. Mabeza, MBA, for her insightful contributions and instructive challenges, and Mr. Roel V. Rafer, MPA, for his critical and statistical insights as a panel member. The researchers also acknowledge the efforts of Ms. Keri Creo, whose meticulous note-taking during the defense was helpful, and Mr. Bryan Ken M. Mago for his assistance in respondent survey and interview in Labo, Camarines Norte. Furthermore, the researchers extend their heartfelt thanks to their classmates, friends, and especially their parents for their unwavering encouragement. Lastly, they offer sincere gratitude to Almighty God for the resilience, wisdom, and guidance provided throughout this journey.
References
Abueg, L. (2019). A survey of the ocean’s plastic waste problem, and some policy developments of the Philippines. Munich Personal RePEc Archive. https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/96263/
Ankita, S. & Saikia, B. (2023). Business challenges of the nascent and mature micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs): A comparative analysis from India. Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40497-023-00364-2
Bandara, H. M. G. M., Lakmali, M. G. T., & Samaraweera, G. C. (2022). Impact of visual and verbal elements of eco-friendly packaging on consumer buying behavior. Journal of Dry Zone Agriculture, 8(1), 38. https://doi.org/10.4038/jdza.v8i1.54
Bell, C. (2023). Customer engagement in the era of sustainability: Green practices and loyalty. https://www.tmcnet.com/topics/articles/2023/10/12/457405-customer-engagement-the-era-sustainability-green-practices-loyalty.htm
Bharadwaj, B., Baland, J. M., & Nepal, M. (2019). What makes a ban on plastic bags effective? The case of Nepal. Environment and Development Economics, 25(2), 95–114. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1355770x19000329
Bharadwaj, B., Subedi, M. N., & Rai, R. K. (2023). Retailer’s characteristics and compliance with the single-use plastic bag ban. Sustainability Analytics and Modeling, 100019. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.samod.2023.100019
Boz, Z., Korhonen, V., & Koelsch Sand, C. (2020). Consumer considerations for the implementation of sustainable packaging: A review. Sustainability, 12(6), 2192. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12062192
Calzada, G. M. (2021). Lived experiences of the business owners on No Plastic Policy of Ormoc City. Turkish Online Journal of Qualitative Inquiry, 12(6), 5612–5617. https://www.tojqi.net/index.php/journal/article/view/2376/1534
Chen, S.H., & Chen, Y.J. (2020). An empirical analysis of green marketing – A case study of government’s plastic reduction policy. International Journal of Business Management and Economic Review, 3(5), 34–43. https://doi.org/10.35409/ijbmer.2020.3199
Choi, S., & Lee, S. (2020). Eco-packaging and its market performance: UPC-level sales, brand spillover effects, and curvilinearity. Sustainability, 12(21), 9061. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12219061
Clayton, C. A., Walker, T. R., Bezerra, J. C., & Adam, I. (2020). Policy responses to reduce single-use plastic marine pollution in the Caribbean. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 162, 111833. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111833
Cuevas, J. C. B., Indicio, M. J. M., Landrito, A. F., & Mandigma Jr., E. C. (2020). Green practices of selected restaurants in Solenad, Nuvali in Sta. Rosa Laguna, Philippines. IOER International Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 2(3), 89–98. https://doi.org/10.54476/iimrj339
Department of Trade and Industry. (2023, October 6). MSME statistics. Department of Trade and Industry Philippines. https://www.dti.gov.ph/resources/msme-statistics/
Dijkstra, H., Van Beukering, P., & Brouwer, R. (2020). Business models and sustainable plastic management: A systematic review of the literature. Journal of Cleaner Production, 258, 120967. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.120967
Environmental Management Bureau. (2019). Laws and policies | Solid waste management. https://emb.gov.ph/laws-and-policies-solid-waste-management-3/
Feber, D., Granskog, A., Lingqvist, O., & Nordigården, D. (2020, October 21). Sustainability in packaging: Inside the minds of US consumers. McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/packaging-and-paper/our-insights/sustainability-in-packaging-inside-the-minds-of-us-consumers
Gano-an, J. (2018). Consumers’ preferences on the use of eco-friendly bags: A green marketing perspective. Journal of Economics, Business, and Accountancy Ventura, 20(3), 357–362. https://doi.org/10.14414/jebav.v20i3.1104
Genon, J., Mabunay, J., Opsima, J., Zamora, R., Repaso, J., & Sasan, J. M. (2022). Exploring the alternative solutions and strategies of Toledo city government for the damaging impact of single-use plastic bag in the environment. ScienceRise, 1, 3–11. https://doi.org/10.21303/2313-8416.2022.002148
Glanowski, C., Blanes, R., Cheng, L., & Tan. (2020). Striving toward a circular economy: A case study of a zero single-use plastic policy in Pearl of the Orient (Penang). Advances in Economics, Business and Management Research, 141. https://eprints.gla.ac.uk/216677/8/216677.pdf
Herberz, T., Barlow, C. Y., & Finkbeiner, M. (2020). Sustainability assessment of a single-use plastics ban. Sustainability, 12(9), 3746. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12093746
Iborra, M., Safón, V., & Dolz, C. (2019). What explains resilience of SMEs? Ambidexterity capability and strategic consistency. Long Range Planning, 53(6), 101947. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lrp.2019.101947
Idumah, C. I., & Nwuzor, I. C. (2019). Novel trends in plastic waste management. SN Applied Sciences, 1(11). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-019-1468-2
Kasznik, D., & Łapniewska, Z. (2023). The end of plastic? The EU’s directive on single-use plastics and its implementation in Poland. Environmental Science & Policy, 145, 151–163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2023.04.005
Killip, A. G. K., & Dadulla, M. G. P. (2023). Assessment of the implementation of plastic and styrofoam-free policy in Baguio City Public Market. Inclusive Society and Sustainability Studies, 3(1), 29–42. https://doi.org/10.31098/issues.v3i1.1496
Kücher, A., Mayr, S., Mitter, C., Duller, C., & Feldbauer-Durstmüller, B. (2018). Firm age dynamics and causes of corporate bankruptcy: Age dependent explanations for business failure. Review of Managerial Science, 14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11846-018-0303
Lau, W. W. Y., Shiran, Y., Bailey, R. M., Cook, E., Stuchtey, M. R., Koskella, J., Velis, C. A., Godfrey, L., Boucher, J., Murphy, M. B., Thompson, R. C., Jankowska, E., Castillo, A. C., Pilditch, T. D., Dixon, B., Koerselman, L., Kosior, E., Favoino, E., Gutberlet, J., & Baulch, S. (2020). Evaluating scenarios toward zero plastic pollution. Science, 369(6510). https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aba9475
Limos, M. A. (2020). So far, these are the cities in Metro Manila that have banned plastic. Esquiremag.ph. https://www.esquiremag.ph/politics/news/metro-manila-cities-banned-plastic-a00293-20200107
Lindwall, C. (2020). Single-use plastics 101. NRDC. https://www.nrdc.org/stories/single-use-plastics-101#what
Martinez, A. I., Llonora, R., & Mallillin, L. L. D. (2022). Strategic zero waste management program of Bacoor, Cavite, Philippines: Basis for healthy environment campaign. European Journal of Education Studies, 10(1). https://oapub.org/edu/index.php/ejes/article/view/4612/7247
Matthews, C., Moran, F., & Jaiswal, A. K. (2021). A review on European Union’s strategy for plastics in a circular economy and its impact on food safety. Journal of Cleaner Production, 283, 125263. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.125263
Mishra, S., Fukey, L. N., & Wankhar, V. (2022). Single-use plastic packaging and food and beverage industry’s take on it. ECS Transactions, 107(1), 5753–5762. https://doi.org/10.1149/10701.5753ecst
Nyathi, B., & Togo, C. A. (2020). Overview of legal and policy framework approaches for plastic bag waste management in African countries. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 8892773. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/8892773
Pacatang, D. H. Q. (2020). Local economic and environmental changes associated with plastic ban policy implementation. Sustainability, 13(2), 81–87. https://doi.org/10.1089/sus.2019.0037
Pilapitiya, P. N. T., & Ratnayake, A. S. (2024). The world of plastic waste: A review. Cleaner Materials, 11, 100220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clema.2024.100220
Plastic pollution. (2024, May 22). International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). https://iucn.org/resources/issues-brief/plastic-pollution
Quezon City Government. (2021). QC to resume ban on plastic bags, single-use plastics. https://quezoncity.gov.ph/qc-to-resume-ban-on-plastic-bags-single-use-plastics/
Sai, R. (2020). Phasing out: Plastic ban effects on local businesses based on resident and owner perceptions in Taiwan. https://nature.berkeley.edu/classes/es196/projects/2020final/SaiR_2020.pdf
Sana, S. S. (2020). Price competition between green and non-green products under corporate social responsible firm. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 55, 102118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2020.102118
Siuda, D., & Grębosz-Krawczyk, M. (2025). The role of pro-ecological packaging in shaping purchase intentions and brand image in the food sector: An experimental study. Sustainability, 17(4), 1744. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17041744
Suherlan, Y., & Widiyanti, E. (2021). The role of eco-friendly packaging in environmental sustainability. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 905, 012072. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/905/1/012072
Sumanik, N. B., Meilvidiri, W., Siregar, L., & Hidayat, S. H. (2021). Public policy analysis on plastic waste control in Merauke. Review of International Geographical Education. https://doi.org/10.0.187.175/rigeo.11/5/31
Taghipour, A., Akkalatham, W., Eaknarajindawat, N., & Stefanakis, A. I. (2022). The impact of government policies and steel recycling companies’ performance on sustainable management in a circular economy. Resources Policy, 77, 102663. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resourpol.022.102663
Trivellas, P., Malindretos, G., & Reklitis, P. (2020). Implications of green logistics management on sustainable business and supply chain performance: Evidence from a survey in the Greek agri-food sector. Sustainability, 12(24), 10515. https://doi.org/10.3390/su122410515
United Nations Environment Programme. (2023). Everything you need to know about plastic pollution. https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/everything-you-need-know-about-plastic-pollution
Vanaerschot, F., & Plaisier, M. (2021). The unbearable cost of single-use plastics. https://www.clientearth.org/media/f1cphq2t/fairfin_-the-unbearable-cost-of-single-use-plastics.pdf
Velasco, C. F., Hernandez, M. I., Campo, Ma. I., Nery, J. O., & Paquita, N. (2020). Municipal Ordinance No. 337: Its effects to the behavior of the local sellers and consumers of Labo, Camarines Norte. Unpublished Thesis. Labo Science and Technology High School.
Vicente, K., Vicente, R., Mapalad, G., Faminialan, J., Formento, S., Fadera, I., & Eledia, O. (2022). Perceptions towards no single-use plastic policy: The case of casual dining restaurants. Romblon State University Research Journal, 4(2), 32–35. https://doi.org/10.58780/rsurj.v4i2.75
Walker, T. R., McGuinty, E., Charlebois, S., & Music, J. (2021). Single-use plastic packaging in the Canadian food industry: Consumer behavior and perceptions. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-021-00747-4
Wandosell, G., Parra-Meroño, M. C., Alcayde, A., & Baños, R. (2021). Green packaging from consumer and business perspectives. Sustainability, 13(3), 1356. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031356
White, A., & Lockyer, S. (2020). Removing plastic packaging from fresh produce – What’s the impact? Nutrition Bulletin, 45(1), 35–50. https://doi.org/10.1111/nbu.12420
Xu, L., Zhong, Y., He, X., Shi, X., & Song, Q. (2022). Perception and behavioural changes of residents and enterprises under the plastic bag restricting law. Sustainability, 14(13), 7792. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137792
Yurdakul, M., & Kazan, H. (2020). Effects of eco-innovation on economic and environmental performance: Evidence from Turkey’s manufacturing companies. Sustainability, 12(8), 3167. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12083167
Cite this article:
Astronomo, K.M., Cambiado, M.B.D., Abilgos, A.E.P. & Mabeza, M.A. (2025). Impact of no-plastic policy on business operations: A business-centric perspective. The Research Probe, 5(1), 166-188. https://doi.org/10.53378/trp.181
License:
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) International License.
Find this article in:
Most read articles in this journal
- Senior High School Strand Alignment and Its Implication to The Tertiary Programs: A Basis for Bridging Program
- Difficulties in the writing skills of Grade 11 HUMSS students
- Identifying gender stereotypes of high school LGBTQ students
- Lived experiences of senior high school focal persons in the implementation of work immersion program
- Humor as a Teaching and Learning Strategy in a Language Classroom
- Digital Marketing Strategies Used by Competing Coffee Shops in Candelaria, Quezon: Perspective of Employees
- Meme-ingful visual: Exploring the pragmatic implications of memes in political polarization through semiotic analysis
- Awareness and attitudes toward artificial intelligence–based learning among higher education students
- Coping with stigma: Factors and experiences influencing millennial individuals’ decision to remain child-free
- Shaping futures: A qualitative exploration of the factors influencing career aspiration among out-of-school youth