Online Food Delivery Platforms and Restaurants' Interactions in the Context of the Ban on Using Single-Use Plastics

Abstract

The boom in online food delivery(OFD) platforms brings convenience to both consumers and restaurants but leads to pollution from nonbiodegradable plastic food containers. To reduce pollution, the Chinese government enacted a ban on using multiple single-use plastics, including nondegradable OFD food containers. There may be various interests involved in enforcing the ban, so careful analysis is required before implementing the ban. This study applied evolutionary game theory to examine the interaction mechanism of the problematic behaviors between OFD platforms and restaurants. By theoretical research and simulation, we analyzed the conditions under which the game can converge to the expected outcome. In addition, we discussed the measures that are most important to promote restaurants using degradable food packaging in their service.