Exploring the environmental issues influencing engagement in pro environmental behaviour (PEB) by plastic manufacturing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

This small-scale study seeks to provide insights into the environmental issues that motivate small and medium plastic manufacturing enterprises in Lagos State, Nigeria, to engage in pro-environmental behaviour. Several key disruptive environmental issues are associated with different stages of the plastic life cycle. Despite increased awareness of environmental degradation caused by the surge in plastic manufacturing within Nigeria, small and medium enterprises have largely been ignored in almost all discussions about pro-environmental business engagement. There is therefore a need and an opportunity to explore the environmental issues that motivate engagement in pro-environmental behaviour by small and medium-sized plastic manufacturing enterprises.

Lagos State, which has been described as Nigeria’s commercial centre has the highest number of small and medium enterprises in Nigeria. Lagos State also continues to be particularly vulnerable to the environmental impacts of the surge in plastic manufacturing in the country. These characteristics make Lagos State ideal for exploring the relationship between plastic manufacturing small and medium enterprises and the environment.

Because this inquiry is exploratory in nature and intended to gain some insights that might be further explored through more explicit studies, five owners/managers of plastic manufacturing small and medium enterprises in Lagos State are interviewed. Semi-structured qualitative interviews are conducted, allowing for research participants to provide their opinions on the environmental issues in their industry, and to discuss the specific issues which motivate their engagement in pro-environmental actions.

Some issues identified by research participants include the issue of waste ending up in drainage lines, which contribute to the prevalence of floods. The issue of the harmful chemicals that are released during plastic manufacturing which contributes to climate change and impacts the health of plastic manufacturing factory workers was also identified.

Three out of the five research participants claim that they engage in pro-environmental behaviour to prevent flooding and its effects. Indeed, flooding is the most prevalent and severe disaster in Nigeria. One of the research participants engage in pro-environmental behaviour to mitigate the issues of global warming, and another research participant engages in pro-environmental behaviour due to concerns about workers exposure to fumes, dust, and gases from manufacturing processes. Also, the findings of this limited-context study indicate that the research participants make great efforts to protect the environment from the effects of the environmental issues to which they are particularly sensitive.

Date of Award	7 May 2025
Original language	English
Supervisor	Paul Sheeran (Supervisor) & Caroline Tite (Supervisor)