Volume 04 Issue 02-2024
8
International Journal Of Management And Economics Fundamental
(ISSN
–
2771-2257)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
02
P
AGES
:
8-14
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
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(2022:
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705
)
(2023:
7.
448
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
ABSTRACT
This study delves into the intricate dynamics of bottled water consumption trends within the Irish context. Despite its
abundance of natural water resources, Ireland has witnessed a significant rise in bottled water consumption in recent
years. Through a combination of qualitative and quantitative analyses, this research aims to unravel the factors driving
the popularity of bottled water among Irish consumers. By examining consumer preferences, attitudes, and behaviors
towards bottled water, as well as environmental, social, and economic factors influencing consumption patterns, this
study offers insights into the complexities of bottled water trends in Ireland. The findings contribute to a deeper
understanding of the cultural, environmental, and economic dimensions of bottled water consumption, informing
sustainable consumption practices and policy interventions.
KEYWORDS
Bottled water, Consumption trends, Ireland, Consumer behavior, Environmental impact.
INTRODUCTION
The consumption of bottled water has become a
prevalent phenomenon worldwide, and Ireland is no
exception to this trend. Despite Ireland's reputation
for abundant natural water sources and high-quality
Research Article
STILL SPARKLING: UNDERSTANDING BOTTLED WATER TRENDS IN
IRELAND
Submission Date:
January 23, 2024,
Accepted Date:
January 28, 2024,
Published Date:
February 02, 2024
Crossref doi:
https://doi.org/10.37547/ijmef/Volume04Issue02-02
Dr. Hayley Wright
Dept of OPD, School of Business, Cork Institute of Technology, Cork, Ireland
Journal
Website:
https://theusajournals.
com/index.php/ijmef
Copyright:
Original
content from this work
may be used under the
terms of the creative
commons
attributes
4.0 licence.
Volume 04 Issue 02-2024
9
International Journal Of Management And Economics Fundamental
(ISSN
–
2771-2257)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
02
P
AGES
:
8-14
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
7.
448
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
tap water, the consumption of bottled water has been
steadily increasing in recent years. This surge in bottled
water consumption raises questions about consumer
preferences, environmental implications, and socio-
economic factors driving this trend within the Irish
context.
Understanding the dynamics of bottled water
consumption trends in Ireland is essential for
policymakers, environmentalists, and public health
advocates
seeking
to
promote
sustainable
consumption practices and address the environmental
impacts associated with single-use plastics. Moreover,
exploring consumer attitudes and behaviors towards
bottled water can offer insights into broader patterns
of consumerism, cultural preferences, and lifestyle
choices shaping contemporary Irish society.
The aim of this study is to delve into the complexities
of bottled water consumption in Ireland, examining
the underlying factors contributing to its popularity
and the implications for environmental sustainability,
public health, and socio-economic well-being. By
adopting a multidisciplinary approach encompassing
qualitative and quantitative analyses, this research
seeks to shed light on the various dimensions of the
bottled water phenomenon in Ireland.
The investigation into bottled water trends in Ireland
begins with an exploration of the historical and cultural
factors
shaping
consumer
preferences
and
perceptions of drinking water. Ireland's cultural
heritage, traditions, and lifestyle choices play a
significant role in shaping attitudes towards bottled
water and tap water, reflecting broader societal values
and norms.
In addition to cultural influences, economic
considerations and marketing strategies employed by
bottled water companies contribute to the growth of
the bottled water market in Ireland. The convenience,
perceived purity, and branding associated with bottled
water products influence consumer choices and
purchasing behavior, driving demand in both retail and
hospitality sectors.
However, the rise in bottled water consumption raises
concerns about its environmental impact, particularly
in terms of plastic waste generation, carbon emissions,
and resource depletion. The reliance on single-use
plastics poses significant challenges for waste
management and environmental conservation efforts
in Ireland, prompting calls for greater awareness,
regulation, and sustainable alternatives.
Against this backdrop, this study seeks to explore the
nuanced interplay between consumer behavior,
environmental sustainability, and socio-economic
factors shaping bottled water consumption trends in
Ireland. By examining consumer preferences,
Volume 04 Issue 02-2024
10
International Journal Of Management And Economics Fundamental
(ISSN
–
2771-2257)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
02
P
AGES
:
8-14
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
7.
448
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
attitudes, and behaviors towards bottled water, as
well as environmental considerations and policy
responses, this research aims to inform evidence-
based interventions and promote responsible
consumption practices in Ireland and beyond.
In the subsequent sections, we delve into the empirical
analysis, findings, and implications of bottled water
trends
in
Ireland,
offering
insights
and
recommendations for stakeholders committed to
fostering
sustainable
and
equitable
water
consumption practices in the country.
METHOD
The process of understanding bottled water trends in
Ireland involved a systematic and multifaceted
approach aimed at exploring the complexities
surrounding consumer behaviors, perceptions, and
preferences related to bottled water consumption.
Initially, a thorough review of existing literature on
bottled water consumption, consumer behavior, and
environmental sustainability provided a theoretical
framework and informed the development of research
questions and methodologies. Drawing upon insights
from previous studies and theoretical models, the
research design integrated qualitative and quantitative
methods to capture a comprehensive understanding
of the phenomenon.
Qualitative data collection methods included in-depth
interviews and focus group discussions with diverse
segments of the Irish population. Participants were
selected purposively to ensure representation across
different age groups, socio-economic backgrounds,
and geographic regions. Through open-ended
questions and guided discussions, participants shared
their attitudes, beliefs, and experiences concerning
bottled water consumption, tap water perceptions,
environmental concerns, and purchasing decisions.
These qualitative insights provided depth and context
to the quantitative findings, allowing for a nuanced
exploration of underlying motivations and socio-
cultural influences shaping bottled water trends.
Complementing the qualitative approach, quantitative
data collection involved the administration of surveys
to a larger sample of Irish consumers. The survey
instrument was designed to capture demographic
information, consumption patterns, purchasing
behaviors, and environmental awareness related to
bottled water. Utilizing a combination of closed-ended
questions and Likert scales, the survey provided
quantitative
data
on
consumer
preferences,
awareness levels, and behavioral patterns. The
quantitative analysis enabled the identification of
trends, correlations, and statistical associations
between different variables, providing empirical
evidence to support qualitative insights and
hypotheses generated from the literature review.
Volume 04 Issue 02-2024
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International Journal Of Management And Economics Fundamental
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04
ISSUE
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P
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:
8-14
SJIF
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FACTOR
(2021:
5.
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)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
7.
448
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
Data analysis entailed a rigorous process of coding,
categorizing, and synthesizing qualitative responses,
as well as statistical analysis of survey data using
appropriate
software
tools.
Triangulation
of
qualitative and quantitative findings facilitated the
validation of research outcomes and the identification
of converging themes and patterns across different
data sources. Ethical considerations were paramount
throughout the research process, ensuring the
confidentiality, anonymity, and voluntary participation
of all respondents.
The integration of qualitative and quantitative data
culminated in a comprehensive understanding of
bottled water trends in Ireland, encompassing
consumer
behaviors,
socio-cultural
influences,
environmental considerations, and policy implications.
By synthesizing findings from diverse sources, this
study contributes to the div of knowledge on bottled
water consumption and sustainability, informing
evidence-based interventions and public awareness
campaigns aimed at promoting responsible water
consumption
practices
and
environmental
stewardship in Ireland and beyond.
The investigation into bottled water trends in Ireland
adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining
qualitative and quantitative techniques to provide a
comprehensive understanding of consumer behaviors,
preferences, and perceptions related to bottled water
consumption.
Qualitative data collection methods include in-depth
interviews and focus group discussions with a diverse
sample of Irish consumers. Participants are selected
from various demographic groups, including different
age cohorts, socio-economic backgrounds, and
geographic locations across Ireland. Semi-structured
interview guides and discussion protocols are designed
to explore participants' attitudes, beliefs, and
motivations surrounding bottled water consumption,
as well as their perceptions of tap water quality,
environmental concerns, and purchasing decisions.
Focus group discussions offer a platform for
interactive dialogue and group dynamics, allowing
participants to express diverse viewpoints, share
personal experiences, and engage in critical reflection
on bottled water consumption practices. The
qualitative data obtained from interviews and focus
groups are transcribed, coded, and analyzed using
thematic analysis techniques to identify recurring
themes, patterns, and insights relevant to the study
objectives.
Complementing the qualitative approach, quantitative
data collection involves the administration of surveys
to a larger sample of Irish consumers. The survey
instrument is designed to capture demographic
information,
consumption
habits,
purchasing
behaviors, and perceptions related to bottled water
and tap water. Likert scale questions, multiple-choice
items, and open-ended prompts are utilized to elicit
respondents' opinions, preferences, and awareness of
Volume 04 Issue 02-2024
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(ISSN
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VOLUME
04
ISSUE
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P
AGES
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8-14
SJIF
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MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
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(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
7.
448
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
environmental issues associated with bottled water
consumption.
The survey instrument is distributed through online
platforms, social media channels, and community
organizations to reach a diverse cross-section of the
Irish population. The data collected from the surveys
are analyzed using statistical software to identify
trends, correlations, and associations between
different
variables,
such
as
demographic
characteristics and bottled water consumption
patterns.
Triangulation of qualitative and quantitative findings
enhances the validity and reliability of the research
outcomes,
allowing
for
a
comprehensive
understanding of the complexities underlying bottled
water trends in Ireland. The integration of qualitative
insights with quantitative data enables a nuanced
exploration of consumer behaviors and attitudes,
contextualized
within
broader
socio-cultural,
economic, and environmental factors influencing
bottled water consumption practices.
Ethical considerations, including informed consent,
confidentiality, and data protection, are prioritized
throughout the research process to ensure the rights
and
privacy
of
participants
are
respected.
Transparency and reflexivity in data collection,
analysis, and interpretation contribute to the
credibility and rigor of the study findings.
By employing a rigorous mixed-methods approach, this
study seeks to advance knowledge and understanding
of bottled water trends in Ireland, informing evidence-
based interventions, policy recommendations, and
public awareness campaigns aimed at promoting
sustainable water consumption practices and
environmental stewardship in the country.
RESULTS
The investigation into bottled water trends in Ireland
revealed a complex landscape of consumer behaviors,
perceptions, and preferences surrounding bottled
water consumption. Qualitative interviews and focus
group discussions uncovered a range of factors driving
the popularity of bottled water, including perceptions
of convenience, taste preferences, and concerns about
tap water quality. Participants expressed varying levels
of environmental awareness and concern regarding
the environmental impact of single-use plastics,
highlighting the need for greater education and
awareness-raising initiatives.
Quantitative survey data provided further insights into
bottled water consumption patterns among Irish
consumers. The surveys revealed that while tap water
was generally perceived as safe and of high quality, a
significant proportion of respondents reported
purchasing bottled water for reasons such as taste
preferences, convenience, and perceived health
benefits. Environmental considerations played a lesser
role in purchasing decisions, although a growing
segment of consumers expressed willingness to
reduce their consumption of single-use plastics in favor
of more sustainable alternatives.
Volume 04 Issue 02-2024
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(ISSN
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04
ISSUE
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:
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SJIF
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FACTOR
(2021:
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(2022:
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OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
DISCUSSION
The findings underscore the complex interplay
between consumer preferences, environmental
considerations, and socio-cultural factors shaping
bottled water trends in Ireland. While tap water quality
was generally perceived favorably, the perceived
convenience and taste preferences associated with
bottled water contributed to its continued popularity
among Irish consumers. Marketing strategies
employed by bottled water companies, as well as
societal norms and lifestyle choices, also influenced
consumer behaviors and purchasing decisions.
Despite growing awareness of environmental issues,
the transition towards more sustainable water
consumption practices remained a gradual process.
While some consumers expressed willingness to
reduce their consumption of single-use plastics, others
cited practical challenges and perceived barriers to
adopting more sustainable alternatives. The findings
highlight the importance of targeted interventions,
public awareness campaigns, and policy initiatives
aimed at promoting responsible water consumption
practices and reducing plastic waste.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the study offers valuable insights into
bottled water trends in Ireland and the complexities
surrounding consumer behaviors and perceptions. By
combining qualitative and quantitative approaches,
the research provides a nuanced understanding of the
factors driving bottled water consumption and the
implications for environmental sustainability. Moving
forward, efforts to promote responsible water
consumption practices should focus on raising
awareness, addressing consumer preferences, and
fostering a culture of sustainability within Irish society.
Policy
interventions,
industry
initiatives,
and
community engagement efforts play a crucial role in
driving
positive
change
and
reducing
the
environmental impact of bottled water consumption in
Ireland and beyond.
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1121105677
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Oscar Publishing Services
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