Attitudes, perceptions and willingness to pay for biodegradable disposable products: an investigation in the South region of Jalisco, Mexico

ABSTRACT

This study examines attitudes and perceptions towards biodegradable disposable products, as well as the willingness to pay for them in the southern region of Jalisco. Surveys were conducted among residents to explore their consumption patterns and the reasons influencing their purchasing decisions. The results highlight that only one in three individuals in this region shows a preference for biodegradable disposables, with a stronger inclination among women and those with higher educational levels. Despite a general interest in environmental preservation and a willingness to adopt biodegradable products, these factors were found to have no significant impact on the final purchasing decision. These findings suggest that governmental initiatives to promote the adoption of biodegradable disposables have not yet achieved significant adherence among the local population. This study provides valuable insights into current challenges in adopting sustainable practices and emphasises the need for more effective strategies to drive changes in consumer behaviour in the region.

KEYWORDS:

• Consumer attitudes
• consumer’s perception
• willingness to pay
• biodegradable plastics
• non-biodegradable plastics
• bio-based plastics

Introduction

The persistent use of single-use plastics, coupled with inadequate practices of reuse, recycling, and disposal, has prompted various governments in Latin America to undertake legislative reforms and implement public policies to reduce or even ban the use of disposable plastics derived from conventional polymers, following models from developed countries (ECCC 2020; Godfrey 2019; Räisänen, Mosoni, and Kauppi 2022). In 2018, Antigua and Barbuda became the first country in Latin America and the Caribbean to implement a comprehensive national ban on single-use plastics, including straws. Subsequently, Belize and Costa Rica followed suit in 2019 and 2021, respectively (UNEP 2018). Mexico has also played a significant role in this group of nations. From 2018 to the present year, 2024, 29 out of its 32 states have enacted regulations and penalties to limit the use of disposable plastic items, such as bags, plates, cups, cutlery, and straws, among others (Semarnat 2022).

Despite marked progress in environmental regulation in Mexico, challenges persist in the regulatory landscape of various states. In some places, regulations focus exclusively on restricting the production and consumption of certain single-use plastic products. Additionally, the lack of uniformity and regulation in fines has weakened the effectiveness of these measures due to irregular enforcement. This disparity contributes to the persistence in the production, distribution, and sale of these plastic items, which continue to reach the general population. Even in progressive states like Jalisco, where, despite regulatory efforts (Semadet 2019), the use of single-use plastic products is still widespread among the population.

From this analysis, the hypothesis arises that current efforts to regulate the consumption of single-use plastic products have proven insufficient, highlighting the urgency of adopting more robust actions. The persistence in the presence and use of these products, despite existing regulatory measures, suggests that current awareness and restrictions have not generated the expected impact. In this context, it is imperative to explore new strategies and approaches beyond previous initiatives. The need for this research is accentuated by the lack of understanding of the underlying preferences and motivations of Mexican consumers regarding the choice between bioplastic disposable products and traditional ones, with a particular emphasis on plates, cups, and cutlery. Furthermore, the absence of comprehensive studies on the preferences, motivations, and perceptions of Mexican consumers in this specific context indicates a gap that this research aims to address. It is important to address these issues comprehensively to effectively guide future interventions and policies that lead to changes in people’s behaviour and, consequently, better conservation of the environment.

Literature review

Recent literature has delved into measuring knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and willingness to pay for biodegradable disposable products, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of restrictive policies related to plastic use. For example, Dilkes-Hoffman et al. (2019) conducted an online survey in Australia on bioplastics. Their results indicate limited knowledge among participants but, at the same time, mostly positive perceptions, especially towards biodegradable plastics. 68% of respondents expressed the desire to witness a transformation towards biodegradability in common plastic products. They emphasise the need for waste management and the crucial role governments and local councils can play in promoting sustainable practices and the adoption of biodegradable products.

Klein et al. (2019) found that people in Germany have a significant influence on the purchase intention of bioplastic products. They highlighted the influence of factors such as attitude towards bioplastics, green consumer values, product experience, and interest in bioplastic information in the purchase decision. Additionally, they point out the need for marketing and communication strategies to address the promotion of bioplastic products.

Leal et al. (2021) assessed European attitudes towards the use of plastics and bioplastics, emphasising general awareness of plastic environmental issues and interest in bioplastics. Despite a positive inclination, limited availability and a lack of relevant information hinder widespread adoption. Less than 10% of European people regularly use bioplastics, and 93% consider information on bioplastics insufficient, especially in Portugal, Spain, and the UK. They emphasise the need for additional efforts to address the lack of information on the matter and encourage more conscious plastic use in Europe.

Iliescu (2020) studied the factors driving or inhibiting green consumption in people with different incomes in two neighbourhoods in Mexico City. They found that factors such as price, perceived quality, trust, and cultural and socioeconomic circumstances influence the adoption of ecological practices. The research suggests that to promote ecological responsibility, it is important to adjust communication strategies, offer affordable alternatives, and address confusion around ecological perceptions.

Méndez (2020) investigated the impact of biodegradable packaging on the purchasing decisions of bakery products in Bogotá, Colombia, determining that, although participants are aware of the environmental impacts of conventional plastic packaging, biodegradable packaging had a minimal impact on their purchasing decisions. Factors such as price, immediate need, and lack of information on the environmental benefits of biodegradable packaging play a significant role. The need for awareness and training in environmental aspects to promote a more sustainable shopping culture is emphasised.

Mehta et al. (2021) conducted a study in Belfast, Northern Ireland, highlighting that consumers lack familiarity and immediacy regarding bio-based plastics, and their willingness to pay more for them is low. The importance of standardisation in products and labelling, as well as the need to inform consumers about environmental impacts, is emphasised as key elements to drive the acceptance of bioplastics.

Filho et al. (2022) studied the perceptions and concerns of consumers in 42 countries about the use of bioplastics as an alternative to conventional plastics. There was generally a positive attitude towards bioplastics, especially in applications such as food packaging, kitchen utensils, and boxes and bags for packaging. Participants recognise the need to reduce the use of conventional plastics and show a willingness to adopt bioplastics, especially if they are affordable. No significant associations were found between the use of bioplastics and educational level or gender factors. Additionally, obstacles such as lack of government support, lack of convenience, and perception of high costs were identified. The need to raise awareness among consumers about the environmental and economic benefits of bioplastics to drive their acceptance is highlighted.

Notaro et al. (2022) conducted a study in Italy, based on a web survey of 1,115 consumers. The results reveal that the environmental characteristics of bioplastics, such as a lower impact on climate change and the use of renewable sources, are considered more important than non-environmental characteristics, such as technical properties and the origin of raw materials. A key finding is that the cost of bioplastics compared to conventional plastics significantly influences the purchasing decisions of Italian consumers. The study also highlights the importance of considering the socio-demographic characteristics of consumers in the promotion of bioplastics, with women and more educated individuals showing a greater inclination towards these products. Table 1 shows the main articles selected after reviewing the literature on this research topic.

Table 1. Published works on public acceptance and purchase decision of biodegradable disposable products and the effectiveness of restrictive policies on the use of plastics.

Table notation: B: Bags; F: Food containers; P: Packaging; and T: Table utensils. Source: Prepared by the authors.

In addition to the previously mentioned studies, one can refer to some recent systematic reviews on consumer attitudes, perceptions, and willingness to pay for bioplastic products (Herrmann, Rhein, and Sträter 2022; Ruf, Emberger-Klein, and Menrad 2022; Weinrich and Herbes 2023). Particularly, Herrmann et al. (2022) concluded that consumers are willing to pay for packaging they perceive as sustainable but show reluctance when they perceive it as unsustainable or when there is uncertainty about it. Specifically, the results reveal a lack of significant willingness to pay for bioplastics, linked to consumers’ perception that it is more of a ‘greenwashing’ strategy than a genuine sustainable alternative. In Ruf et al.‘s review (Ruf, Emberger-Klein, and Menrad 2022), it was found that many consumers are not aware of the existence of bioplastic-based products, their knowledge is limited, and the associated labels and brands are often unknown. Furthermore, some consumers have misconceptions about the environmental impact of these products. It is emphasised that factors such as price and functionality are often more important than bio-based materials in consumer preferences. Additionally, there is a notable intent to purchase and a higher willingness to pay for bio-based plant packaging, disposables, and containers, especially among women and environmentally concerned consumers.

The findings from Weinrich and Herbes (2023) highlight that attitudes and values are the factors with the clearest effect on consumer behaviour, while socioeconomic factors show little or no effect. Factors related to the product are mostly linked to the material and its geographical origin, price, and certification. The common lack of knowledge about bioplastics among consumers is emphasised, and preferences vary depending on the type of product. A recommendation is made to implement consumer-focused educational strategies to enhance their understanding of bioplastics, increase awareness, and encourage informed decision-making, possibly through the effective use of descriptive labels. The role of policymakers is seen primarily in establishing clear and effective standards.

This literature review underscore the urgent need to provide clear and understandable information about the actual environmental impact of bioplastic products, highlighting political responsibility in this regard. Additionally, they emphasise the effectiveness of combining quantitative and qualitative methods to gain a more comprehensive understanding of consumer attitudes and preferences towards sustainable alternatives.

Materials and methods

This study is conducted with the aim of examining the attitude, perception, and willingness to pay for biodegradable disposable products of people in the southern region of Jalisco, Mexico. Information was collected through a survey conducted using Google Forms, administered in person in the southern region of Jalisco. The map in Figure 1 shows the names and locations of the municipalities in the region.

Figure 1. Geographic location of the municipalities in the southern region of Jalisco.

A map of the Mexican Republic highlighting the geographical location of the municipalities in the southern region of Jalisco where the study was conducted.

According to data from INEGI, the total population of the region was 322,072 in 2020 (INEGI 2021). Based on this population, a sample of 384 individuals to be surveyed was determined, with a confidence level of 95% and a margin of error of 5%, which are acceptable values in social research studies. Table 2 shows the number of inhabitants and participants for each municipality, calculated through a proportional distribution of the sample.

Table 2. Sampling in accordance with the municipality’s population.

Municipality	Inhabitants	Participants in survey	%
Gómez Farias	16,431	20	5.10
Jilotlán de los Dolores	9,425	11	2.93
Pihuamo	11,386	14	3.54
San Gabriel	16,548	20	5.14
Tamazula de Gordiano	38,955	46	12.10
Tecalitlán	16,705	20	5.19
Tolimán	11,219	13	3.48
Tonila	7,565	9	2.35
Tuxpan	37,518	45	11.65
Zapotiltic	33,713	40	10.48
Zapotitlán de Vadillo	7,466	9	2.32
Zapotlán el Grande	115,141	137	35.75
Total:	322,072	384	100

Source: Prepared by the authors with data from the Census of Population and Housing 2020.

Surveys were conducted between January and March 2023 in food establishments and retail points selling disposable products, such as department stores, candy stores, and wholesale grocery stores. They were carried out in person by a group of students from the National Technological Institute of Mexico at Ciudad Guzmán, who resided in the municipalities under study. These students received detailed training on the survey application methodology, including guidelines to avoid biases and recommendations to maintain data accuracy. The training focused on ensuring consistency and quality in data collection. Their participation was voluntary and did not involve financial compensation. Respondents were randomly selected in accordance with a “participant profile,” consisting of individuals aged 18 and above who claimed to be familiar with biodegradable disposable products, specifically cups, plates, and utensils. Those who affirmed recognition of these products and agreed to participate in the survey were shown a physical sample of the mentioned utensils to confirm their awareness and alleviate any bias in data collection. The visual representation of this sample is presented in Figure 2.

Figure 2. Sample of utensils presented to respondents.

A sampler that includes a biodegradable cup, plate, spoon, and fork.

The survey identified the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents, including municipality, gender, age range, educational level, and occupation. According to the ‘Age Group Method’, age ranges are established in surveys where it is not necessary to know the exact age of the respondents but only their age range, in order to segment and interpret data according to these ranges. The educational level was established according to the Mexican national education system, which consists of basic, secondary, and higher education, each with its respective levels. The occupation of the respondent was classified according to the national occupational classification system (INEGI 2011).

The survey consisted of 11 questions designed by the authors of this study. The first question asked whether the respondents were served food in biodegradable utensils at their last social gathering, considering that in Jalisco, a social gathering is an informal meetings where food is shared among friends. The second asked if at their last party, understood as a formal gathering for entertainment or celebration with dance and food, the food was served in biodegradable utensils. Thirdly, it was asked if the last time they ate at a food establishment, such as a restaurant, cafeteria, or food stand, the food was served in biodegradable utensils. The fourth question focused on the last time they ordered takeout or delivery, asking if the delivery was made with biodegradable utensils. Given the prevalence of these practices during the pandemic, when many places could only operate this way, the fourth question explored the last time they delivered food in biodegradable utensils. In the fifth question, it was inquired about the preference for using disposable utensils to avoid washing dishes at home. Since disposable utensils are single-use, many people choose to use them daily at home due to their low cost and the convenience of disposing them without the need to wash them. There were three possible answers: ‘often’ and ‘sometimes’ as affirmative responses, and ‘no’ as a negative response. The sixth question explored the type of disposable utensils used, asking if they preferred biodegradable or conventional ones. In the seventh question, they were asked about the likelihood of buying biodegradable disposable utensils in case of needing to organise an upcoming social event. Possible answers were ‘very likely’, ‘likely’, ‘unlikely’, and ‘very unlikely’. The eighth question investigated whether respondents believed that biodegradable disposable utensils were more likely to be used than conventional plastic ones, aiming to gather information about their perception of social inclination and preference for this type of product. The ninth question inquired about the type of disposable that respondents buy or use for their social events or, in their case, in food establishments, in order to know their consumption habits and preferences when choosing between bioplastics and conventional ones. Finally, questions ten and eleven explored the reasons why respondents choose biodegradable disposable utensils and the reasons why they do not, respectively.

The Kuder-Richardson index was employed to validate the questionnaire used in this study. This index, similar to Cronbach’s alpha, is particularly useful in validating questionnaires containing dichotomous questions (Virla 2010). For this purpose, the data were collected and organised into cross-tabulations using the statistical software SPSS v.23®, thus facilitating a descriptive analysis. By examining the collected data, significant trends within the sample can be discerned. If the value of the Kuder-Richardson index exceeds the minimum acceptable threshold (set at 0.7), it can be concluded that the questionnaire exhibits reliability and consistency among its items (Pérez and Abad 2021).

Results and discussion

A total of 400 individuals were surveyed, ensuring, with a 95% probability, that the obtained results fall within the established 5% margin of error. The dichotomous questions in the questionnaire were evaluated, showing a Cronbach’s alpha validation index of 0.755, considered acceptable. Of the total respondents, 58% were women, and 42% were men. The distribution by age ranges was as follows: 18–24 years (30.3%), 25–34 years (20%), 35–44 years (20.8%), 45–54 years (17.3%), and over 54 years (11.8%). The educational level of the respondents was distributed as follows: 11 individuals (2.8%) indicated no educational level; 46 (11.5%) had only primary education; 73 (18.2%) had secondary education; 112 (28%) had high school education; 141 (35.3%) had university education, and 17 (4.2%) had postgraduate education, which is understandable given the low number of individuals with such a degree of education, not only in the region but in the country as a whole (Esquivel and Reyes 2018).

The responses to the first four questions of the survey are shown in Figure 3. In these responses, it is evident that only about two out of every five gatherings and parties offer food in biodegradable utensils, as observed in the charts of Figures 3(a, b), respectively. Additionally, the results indicate that only one-third of food establishments and only two out of five meals ordered for delivery or takeout are provided with biodegradable utensils (see Figures 3(c, d)).

Figure 3. Answers to the question: were you offered food in biodegradable disposables (a) at the last social gathering? (b) at the last party? (c) the last time you ate at a food establishment? and (d) the most recent time you ordered food at home?

Four pie charts labeled from left to right with the letters “a”, “b”, “c”, and “d”. Each chart is divided into two different colored segments to represent the categories “yes” and “no”. Chart “a” shows 41.3% “yes” and 58.8% “no”. Chart “b” shows 37.3% “yes” and 62.7% “no”. Chart “c” shows 25.8% “yes” and 74.3% “no”. And Chart “d” shows 39.3% “yes” and 60.7% “no”.

Furthermore, those who responded affirmatively were queried about whether it was in cups, plates, and/or utensils. Figure 4 shows that, in gatherings and parties, people choose to use more cups and plates than utensils to offer food. In food establishments, there is an almost equal use of the three biodegradable disposable utensils, while when ordering food for delivery, the predominant choice was the use of plates. In any of the four cases, the population tends to use more cups and plates than utensils when offering food.

Figure 4. Results of the question: In which disposable was the food offered to you?

A bar graph depicting the frequency of use of biodegradable disposable cups, plates, and utensils in various settings, such as social gatherings, parties, food establishments, and take-out services. In parties, plates had 122 mentions, cups 101, and utensils 49. In food establishments, plates had 77 mentions, cups 52, and utensils 34. In take-out services, plates had 157 mentions, cups 63, and utensils 50.

Figure 5(a) shows that approximately one-third of respondents stated that they sometimes or frequently choose to serve food in disposable utensils to avoid washing dishes, and less than half of this group does so using biodegradable disposables (see Figure 5(b).

Figure 5. Results of the questions: (a) do you prefer to serve food in disposables to avoid washing dishes? and (b) if yes, what type of disposable do you use?

Two pie charts labeled from left to right as “a” and “b”. Chart “a” is divided into three segments of different colors to represent the categories “yes, frequently”, “yes, sometimes”, and “no”. Meanwhile, chart “b” is divided into two segments of different colors to represent the categories “normal disposables” and “biodegradable disposables”. Chart “a” shows 6.5% “yes, frequently”, 27.6% “yes, sometimes”, and 66.8% “no“. On the other hand, chart “b” shows 55.4% “normal disposables” and 44.6% “biodegradable disposables”.

Figure 6(a) shows that only one in three respondents prefer to purchase biodegradable disposable utensils for their events, businesses, etc. According to the collected information, women are more likely to do so, as also noted by Notaro et al. (2022) and Ruf et al. (2022). Regarding age, those who consume them the most are between 25 and 44 years old, while those over 54 years old are the least consumers. Regarding educational level, participants with postgraduate education are the most frequent users of these products, followed by those with university, high school, secondary, primary education, and no education. These results align with the findings of Notaro et al. (2022), who found that individuals with higher education exhibit a greater preference for these products. The occupational groups that prefer these products the most are professional employees, self-employed workers (entrepreneurs), and homemakers. On the other hand, manual workers are the group that least prefers them. Overall, only one in four people considers biodegradable disposable utensils to be the most used by the population (see Figure 6(b)).

Figure 6. Results of the questions: (a) what type of disposables do you buy or use for your parties, business, etc.? and (b) do you consider that biodegradable disposables (cups, plates and cutlery) are more widely used than conventional plastic disposables?

Two pie charts labeled from left to right as “a” and “b”. Both charts are divided into two segments of different colors to represent two categories: in chart “a”, the categories are “bioplastic disposables” and “conventional plastic disposables”, while in chart “b”, the categories are “yesD and “no”. Chart “a” displays 67.5% “bioplastic disposables” and 32.5% “conventional plastic disposables”. Chart “b” shows 24.5% “yes” and 75.5% “no”.

Figure 7 highlights a notable inclination towards the adoption of biodegradable disposables, as more than half of the participants express a significant likelihood of purchasing this type of product for their future events. This finding reflects a positive trend towards consideration and preference for more sustainable and environmentally friendly options in event planning and social activities.

Figure 7. Answers to the question: how likely are you to buy biodegradable disposables (cups, plates and cutlery) for the next social event you organize?

A pie chart divided into four segments of different colors to represent the categories “very likely,” “likely,” “unlikely,” and “very unlikely”. The chart shows 24.8% “very likely,” 33.3% “likely,” 30.8% “unlikely,” and 11.3% “very unlikely”.

Figure 8(a) emphasises that the majority of people opt for biodegradable disposables primarily motivated by environmental concerns and recommendations, excluding fashion or other factors. On the other hand, Figure 8(b) confirms that a considerable portion of the population shows genuine interest in environmental preservation. These results align with similar studies conducted in various parts of the world, such as those carried out by Klein et al. (2019) in Germany, La Fuente et al. (2022) in Brazil, Gao and Shao (2022) in China, Notaro et al. (2022) in Italy, and Moshood et al. (2022) in Malaysia.

Figure 8. Answers to the question: (a) why do you buy biodegradable disposables? (b) why don’t you buy biodegradable disposables?

Two bar charts labeled as “a” and “b”. Chart “a” displays responses to the question: Why do you buy biodegradable disposables? Most respondents agreed they do so because they are “Environmentally friendly,” followed by “For the recommendations,” “for the same resistance,” “food-safe plastic,” among other factors. On the other hand, chart “b” shows responses to the question: Why don’t you buy biodegradable disposables? The main reason is “low availability,” followed by “more expensive,” “also cause pollution,” “they are not resistant,” among other factors.

However, the fundamental choice not to acquire biodegradable disposables is attributed to their limited availability and a restricted variety of designs and shapes. Additionally, they are perceived as a ‘costly’ option compared to conventional disposables, an aspect also highlighted in previous studies such as those by Klein et al. (2019), Leal et al. (2021), Iliescu (2020), Méndez (2020), Mehta et al. (2021), Filho et al. (2022), Notaro et al. (2022), Moshood et al. (2022), and Ruf et al. (2022), as evidenced in Table 1.

It is important to note that there is significant potential to expand this study. Considering a more extensive sample that spans various regions and cultural contexts, or conducting a longitudinal study to monitor the evolution of consumer attitudes over time, could provide even more valuable insights. Additionally, exploring in greater depth the design and variety of products would represent a fruitful avenue. Finally, it is important to highlight that the data collection was based on self-reported responses, which could be subjected to perception and memory biases on the part of the respondents.

Conclusions

This study has focused on understanding the habits and preferences of consumers in southern Jalisco regarding biodegradable disposables. According to the findings, the acceptance and purchase decision for these products are low, with only one in three people preferring them, and women being the most inclined to acquire them. Biodegradable disposables are more popular among individuals aged 25 to 44, while those over 54 choose them less frequently. The educational level also plays a significant role, as those with higher education tend to prefer biodegradable disposables, while those with lower education tend to use conventional plastic disposables.

Standard plastic disposables continue to be the predominant choice at events, food establishments, and food deliveries, primarily due to their availability, variety, and lower cost. Despite the high intention to care for the environment and the willingness to use biodegradable disposables, the population has not widely adopted this option.

Public measures and awareness campaigns have not achieved a significant impact, and it is suggested that stricter and more active measures could be more effective, following successful examples in other countries. Furthermore, to overcome the limitations of this study, expanding the sample to different regions and conducting longitudinal studies to assess the evolution of consumer attitudes over time are recommended. A deeper exploration of the design and variety of products would also enrich the understanding of the factors influencing consumer choices. These recommendations aim to contribute to advancing knowledge in this field and serve as a basis for specific interventions that promote more sustainable choices in the consumption of disposables.

Acknowledgments

We extend our gratitude to the authorities of the Tecnológico Nacional de México (TecNM) campus Ciudad Guzmán for their generous provision of resources, which greatly facilitated the execution of this research study. Additionally, we express our sincere appreciation to the dedicated group of students from the institution who actively contributed to the survey administration. It is worth noting that the present work stands as a significant achievement within the framework of the research project titled “Diseño de un diplomado para la formación en investigación científica y tecnológica para docentes del TecNM,” identified by code number M00-PR-03-R01 No. 18668.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data used and/or analysed during the current study are available upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Programa para el Desarrollo Profesional Docente (PRODEP), México.

Notes on contributors

Ana S. Rentería

Ana Sofía Rentería Palomares is a final-semester student in Industrial Engineering at the Tecnológico Nacional de México (TecNM), Ciudad Guzmán campus, México. She possesses a fervent enthusiasm for continuous learning and actively participates in research projects encompassing social issues and engineering. She can be contacted via email at: [email protected]

J. A. Chocoteco

José Abel Chocoteco Campos received his Ph.D. in Mechatronics from the University of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain, in 2015. Presently, he serves as a professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering at TecNM, Ciudad Guzmán campus, México. He is passionate about teaching and mentoring students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. His research interests include mechanical engineering, mechatronics, agricultural technology and rehabilitation technologies. He can be contacted via email at: [email protected].

María Mojarro Magaña

María Mojarro Magaña graduated with a degree in Industrial Engineering from TecNM, Ciudad Guzmán campus, Mexico, in 2004. She furthered her education by obtaining a Master’s Degree in Manufacturing from TecNM, Celaya campus, in 2007, and a Doctorate in Sciences from the University of Baja California in 2018. Her expertise lies in lean manufacturing and the optimisation of productive processes. She can be contacted via email at: [email protected]

Sergio Sandoval Pérez

Sergio Sandoval Pérez earned his Electronic Engineering degree from the Technological Institute of Ciudad Guzmán (ITCG), Jalisco, in 2000. He pursued his M.Sc. in Electronic Engineering at ITCG in 2010, followed by a Ph.D. in Computer Science and Automation at the University of Guadalajara (UdeG), Mexico, in 2015. He can be contacted via email at: [email protected]

Yuliana Chávez Navarro

Yuliana Chávez Navarro graduated with a degree in Industrial Engineering at the TecNM, Tepic Nayarit campus, México and a master’s degree in Business Administration with a speciality in Quality and Productivity. Presently, she serves as the head of the Department of Industrial Engineering and as a professor at TecNM, Ciudad Guzmán campus, Mexico. She can be contacted via email at: [email protected]

Federico Candelario Ramírez

Federico Candelario Ramírez earned his Electronic Engineer degree from TecNM, Ciudad Guzmán campus, México, in 2012. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Science in Electronic Engineering from the same institution in 2024. He can be contacted via email at: [email protected].