The survey of over-packaging in food delivery

Part 1 Survey of food delivery & its packaging

1.How often do you order food delivery?

A.Almost daily (5 times a week or more)B.Frequently (3 or 4 times a week)C.Occasionally (1 or 2 times a week)D.Rarely (1 to 3 times a month)E.Almost never (less than 1 time a month)

2.When do you usually order food delivery (multiple choice)?

A.6:00-9:59B.10:00-13:59C.14:00-17:59D.18:00-21:59E.22:00-1:59

3.What kind of food do you usually order (multiple choice)?

A.Chinese fast meals (rice bowls, noodles, dumplings, etc.)B.Western fast food (burgers, pizza, etc.)C.Light meals & saladsD.Milk tea / coffeeE.Fruits & fresh produceF.Convenience-store itemsG.Other:

4.What platforms do you usually use to order food delivery (multiple choice)?

A.Meituan WaimaiB.Ele.meC.KFC / McDonald’s appsD.Dingdong Maicai / FreshippoE.WeChat Mini-Program direct deliveryF.Other:

5.How much do you usually spend on ordering food delivery on average?

A.Less than 20 yuan.B.20 yuan to 39 yuanC.40 yuan to 59 yuanD.60 yuan to 79 yuanE.More than 80 yuan

6.How important do you think of the following factors of the food when you order?

Not at all
Not very
Neutral
Fairly
Very much

Taste & quality of the food

Price of the food

Condition of the packaging

Eco-friendliness of the packaging

Rating & reviews of the restaurant

7.How important do you think of the following factors of packaging?

Not at all
Not very
Neutral
Fairly
Very much

Leak-proof ability

Heat retention

Eco-friendly materials

Visual design

Extra features (e.g., reusable)

8.Have you met the following situations (multiple choice)?

A.Soup leakageB.Damaged packagingC.Poor insulation (food turns cold)D.Over-packaging (material waste)E.Hard to openF.Never had any issuesG.Other:

9.Which option would you most likely pick when you’re unhappy with your food delivery due to packaging issues (e.g., leakage, food getting cold)?

A.Leave a bad review directlyB.Leave a bad review mentioning packagingC.Contact customer service for compensationD.Accept it and avoid that store next time

10.How do you handle delivery packaging?

A.Throw everything awayB.Sort and recycle it.C.Keep reusable parts (e.g., containers)D.Other:

11.How much does packaging influence your opinion of the restaurant?

A.No influenceB.SlightC.NeutralD.FairlyE.Strongly

12.Will you check packaging photos or “eco-friendly packaging” signs when you order food delivery?

A.Every timeB.OccasionallyC.Never

13.Will you feel it is cleaner when receiving heavily-sealed delivery?

A.Yes, tight packaging makes me feel it’s hygienic.B.Somewhat, but it’s not the main reason.C.No, hygiene is unrelated to packaging layers.D.Never thought about it.

14.Which two options you think are the most important roles of delivery packaging?

A.Prevent spillsB.Maintain food temperatureC.Look clean and hygienicD.Look premium or high-qualityE.Minimize waste, be eco-friendly

Part 2 Definition of over-packaging

1.How do you think of your understanding of “over-packaging in food delivery”?

A.Very wellB.Fairly wellC.SomewhatD.Not reallyE.Not at all

2.Suppose you order “Hot & Sour Noodle Soup” (lots of broth, easy to spill). Below are 6 possible packaging plans; please judge each:

A. Basic: noodles & soup in a regular plastic box with lid, inside a plastic bag.
B. Leak-proof: add a layer of cling film around the lid on top of A.
C. Added support: place the box from B into a folded cardboard tray, then into a bag.
D. Double protection: add an insulated foil bag after C, then a plastic bag.
E. Luxury gift box: put the whole package from D into a fancy paper gift box with handle.
F. Freebies: add premium wooden chopsticks, a wet wipe, and a brand mascot on top of E.

Too simple
Reasonable
Over-packaged

3.Which following options are the main factors for your choices in question 2 (Multiple answers allowed)?

A.Degree of material wasteB.Practicality & necessity (e.g., Whether it really prevent leaks)C.Packaging feeD.Bad environmental impactE.Ease of unboxingF.Whether the restaurant uses packaging to raise pricesG.Other:

4. Suppose you order a beef-noodle bowl (25 yuan). Below are packaging-fee options. Please judge option A, B, C and D.
A. Basic (1 yuan): regular plastic box + plastic bag; no insulation/leak-proofing; possible spillage or cooling.
B. Standard reinforced (3 yuan): thicker box + cling film + paper tray; basic leak-proofing, mild insulation.
C. Eco upgrade (5 yuan): biodegradable box + insulated foil bag; good leak-proofing/insulation + eco-certification.
D. Luxury gift box (8 yuan): ceramic-look box + satin lining + gift bag; top insulation, ceremonial unboxing.
E. Decline to pay

Too simple
Reasonable
Over-packaged

5.Which choice will you pick in question 4?

ABCDE

6.(Please answer if you chose A/B) Why do you accept the fee ?(Multiple answers allowed)

A.Price is low ( 1-3 yuan acceptable)B.Meets basic needs (no spill/leak)C.Cheaper than C/DD.Other:

(Please answer if you chose C) Why do you choose to pay extra 2-4 yuan ?(Multiple answers allowed)

A.Worth paying for environmentB. Better insulation/leak-proofingC. 5 yuan still within reasonable limitD. Other:

(Please answer if you chose D) Why do you accept 8 yuan (Multiple answers allowed)?

A.Premium feel enhances experienceB.Needed for gifting or special occasionsC.Money is not an issueD.Other:

(Please answer if you chose E) Which following option is your main reason for declining order?

A.packaging-to-food cost ratio too highB.All packaging fees unreasonableC.Dislike the idea of packaging feesD.Other:

Part 3 Experience & Attitudes Toward Over-Packaging

1.Generally, how would you describe the packaging you receive?

1.Generally, how would you describe the packaging you receive?A. Over-packaged (e.g., small item in huge box, many layers)B. Just rightC. A bit flimsy (worried about spillage or food getting cold)D. Haven’t noticed

2.Do you think over-packaging is common in food delivery?

A.Very commonB.Fairly commonC.AverageD.Fairly rareE.Non-existentF.Don’t know

3.When you receive clearly excessive packaging (e.g., three layers for one bowl of porridge), which feeling is closest?

A. Feels wasteful and uncomfortable.B. Doesn’t matter as long as food doesn’t spill.C. Merchant was thoughtful; food is well protected.D. Merchant spent too much on packaging; meal price may be higher.E. Other:

4.What harms do you think over-packaging causes (Multiple answers allowed)?

A.Increases environmental pollutionB.Wastes resourcesC.Raises consumer costsD.Affects delivery efficiencyE.Potential food-safety threatsF.Other:

5.Have you ever adjusted ordering habits to reduce packaging waste (e.g., “no utensils,” “fewer plastic bags”)?

A.Always, I always add notesB.Often, when I remember.C.Sometimes, when it occurs to me.D.Rarely, it’s troublesome or may affect the meal.E.Never, never thought about it.

6.Do you believe biodegradable packaging can effectively ease over-packaging’s environmental problems?

A.Very effective, reduces pollution at the source.B.Somewhat effective, but cost & practicality issues remain.C.Limited; reducing packaging quantity is key.D.Almost ineffective; biodegradable materials can still waste resources.E.Unsure.

7.What do you think are merchants’ main reasons for over-packaging (multiple choice)?

A.Fear of spillage/damage leading to bad reviews.B.Competitive “packaging arms race”.C.Enhance brand image & attract customers via fancy packaging.D.Packaging cost passed on via fees, no profit impact.E.Consumers subconsciously prefer thick packaging as safer/cleaner.F.Other:

8.What difficulties might merchants face if they reduce over-packaging (multiple choice)?

A.Consumers may feel “short-changed,” orders drop.B.Higher damage rates & more bad reviews.C.Eco alternatives cost more, squeezing profit.D.No unified “reasonable packaging” standard; hard to judge.E.Platforms offer no support, merchants lack incentive.F.Other:

9.Do you regard “exquisite packaging” as a marketing tactic?

A.Entirely—many merchants rely on it for attention.B.Partly, especially for drinks & desserts.C.Not really, packaging is mainly functional.D.Unclear

Part 4 Solutions

1.Are you willing to take active steps to reduce packaging waste (Multiple answers allowed)?

A.Tick “no utensils” when orderingB.Choose merchants offering “simplified packaging” (may lose some insulation/leak-proofing)C.Accept deposit-based reusable packaging (deposit returned after return)D.Pay slightly more for greener packagingE.Not willing to do extra for nowF.Other:

2.What specific government measures could reduce over-packaging (multiple choice)?

A.Set category-based standards (max layers for soups vs. solids)B.Tax breaks or subsidies for eco-packaging usersC.Require merchants to disclose packaging cost & material compositionD.Reporting channel for over-packaging with public exposureE.More awareness campaigns; include packaging in merchant credit ratingsF.Other:

3.How can merchants cut packaging yet maintain food quality (Multiple answers allowed)?

A.Adopt integrated packaging designB.Adjust packaging per delivery distanceC.Explain eco benefits of “simple packaging” to gain consumer understandingD.Offer packaging-choice optionsE.Cooperate with couriers to optimize transit and reduce damageF.Other:

4.What platform features could curb over-packaging (Multiple answers allowed)?

A.Display “packaging eco-rating” on merchant pagesB.Give small coupons for “no utensils” or “simple packaging” ordersC.Restrict traffic or delist merchants with high packaging complaintsD.Create an “Eco-Packaging Alliance” showcasing best practicesE.Provide a packaging-usage calculator for merchantsF.Other:

5.How feasible is promoting reusable delivery packaging?

A.Very feasible if return process is convenientB.Somewhat feasible, but hygiene & deposit return issues remainC.Low feasibility—consumers may find it troublesomeD.Not feasible; recovery costs too highE.Unsure

6.Do you support creating a “Packaging Eco-Certification” system?

A.Strongly support, because it helps consumers quickly identify eco-merchantsB.Support, provided standards are strict and don’t burden merchantsC.Indifferent, actual packaging results matter moreD.Oppose, it could become a marketing gimmickE.Completely against

7.How important do you think of different stakeholders' responsibilities in reducing excessive food delivery packaging?

Not at all
Not very
Neutral
Fairly
Very much

Takeout app

Price of the food

Restaurant

Packaging supplier

Consumer

Other: _______

Part 5 Personal information

1.Your gender:

A.MaleB.FemaleC.Non-binaryD.Prefer not to say

41. 2.Your age: ______

3.Your occupation:

A.Full-time studentB.Full-time employee in enterprise/organizationC.Freelancer/gig workerD.Civil servant/ public-sector workerE.UnemployedF.Other:

4.Monthly after-tax income or living allowance:

A.Less than 2000 yuanB.2000 to 3999 yuanC.4000 to 5999 yuanD.6000 to 7999 yuanE.8000 to 9999 yuanF.10000 yuan or moreG.Prefer not to say

更多問卷復制此問卷