The environmental issue of single-use plastic is extremely discussed due to waste accumulation and the consumption of non-renewable resources. This study aims to investigate the properties of bioplastic compared to petroleum-based plastic. Two stages of stretch blow molding were used to fabricate polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and bio-polyethylene terephthalate (Bio-PET) bottles. The shelf life extension of chili sauce paste stored in PET and Bio-PET containers with an oxygen scavenger at 45 ℃ in an accelerated condition was investigated. After twelve weeks, the chili sauce paste stored in the container bottle was observed. PET and Bio-PET bottles without oxygen scavengers were also determined as a control for comparison. The result showed that both PET and Bio-PET bottles with oxygen scavengers could prolong the quality of chili sauce paste similarly, meaning that PET could be replaced by Bio-PET as a chili sauce paste container. Other properties, such as thickness gauge, color, leak test, drop test, and close-open force of the container bottle, were also verified to check the product quality standard.

The financial inclusion program in Asia has begun to be carried out intensively, focusing on increasing public access, especially for people who have yet to enjoy banking services. This makes financial inclusion one of the development focuses in the financial sector in various countries, especially in the Asian region. This study compares the financial inclusion level and socioeconomic variables’ influence on financial inclusion in Asian countries in 2010–2022. To compare the level of financial inclusion in several Asian countries, the Index of Financial Inclusion (IFI) analysis method was used, while to examine the relationship between socioeconomic variables on financial inclusion, the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) method was used with an estimation technique, in the Fixed Effects Model approach. The results of this study indicate that, in general, financial inclusion in several Asian countries is mainly influenced by the usability dimension. In addition, only the variable GDP per capita is partially influential. While other variables, namely, the unemployment rate and population in rural areas, significantly influence the financial inclusion index.

Participation in the implementation of green values that are becoming a global norm often experiences challenges. In response with trends of social media use, a study of barriers to green product purchase intention among social media users is conducted. By descriptive qualitative approach, three keywords are employed, namely: (1) “barriers to green consumption”; (2) “barriers of purchase intention; and (3) “social media use and barriers to green consumption”. The findings reveal: (1) the study of barriers to green product purchase intention among social media users has been gaining importance for future research; (2) the potential future research area includes: (a) the level of belief in green products purchase intention that explains the rationalization of green consumption (green knowledge); and (b) the use of digital media through the role of social media in promoting green consumption (green promotion). The theoretical implication emphasizes contribution to the theory of sustainable marketing, namely barriers as dynamics of market interactivity that are capable of generating responsiveness leading to business competitiveness. While practical implication is shown in business efforts to transform challenges into opportunity.

This study examined the factors influencing online purchases among consumers in Bangladesh, employing a modified version of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Data from 353 individuals in Bangladesh revealed that perceived ease of use, social influence, security, convenience, trust, emotional experience, and functional experience significantly positively affect the intention to purchase online. Additionally, results show that the intention to purchase online significantly positively affects actual online purchases. Findings further highlighted that intention to make online purchases mediated the influence of perceived ease of use, social influence, security, convenience, trust, emotional experience, and functional experience over online purchases. The study provides significant practical recommendations to help businesses and consumers support online purchasing with diverse advantages.

After the pandemic (COVID-19), there is a dire need to gain a competitive advantage for tourism organizations which can be accomplished by implementing new technologies to facilitate sustainable healthier services. Given that, the study aims to shed light on the importance of digital leadership to improve sustainable business performance considering the parallel mediation of digital technology and digital technology support in the tourism sector of Pakistan. The sample population consists of technology-based tourism organizations in Pakistan. Cochran’s formula was chosen for sampling, in which 37 organizations with 792 employees were selected for data through a random sampling technique. The collected data were analyzed through structural equation modeling, and findings reveal that digital leadership positively influences sustainable business performance. Furthermore, the mediating role of technological leadership support and digital technologies partially mediates the association between digital leadership and sustainable performance.

This article emphasizes the importance of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and large companies in driving economic growth. SMEs are labour-intensive and agile, creating more jobs, while large companies are capital-intensive and rely on technology, having more resources for research and development. In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, SMEs contribute significantly to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and job opportunities, while large companies dominate specific sectors. The research employs a multidisciplinary approach using an extensive literature review to summarize the current literature, highlight the economic impact of SMEs and large companies in GCC, and highlight the importance of large companies in developing local citizens. Policy-makers must consider these differences to integrate these dynamic changes for effective support policies. This study examines the economic impact of SMEs and large companies in the GCC region, providing recommendations to support large businesses. It addresses challenges and opportunities related to employment, household earnings, economic output, and value addition. Promoting the economic impact of SMEs and large companies can lead to sustainable economic growth and development in the GCC region. Also, this article pointed out the importance of large companies and their economic impact in the GCC region; policy recommendations will help the governing bodies in decision-making towards promoting sustainable economic growth.