Industry Stakeholders Research Articles

Innovative grape and wine industry research in a cool climate region

Innovative grape and wine industry research in a cool climate region Jim Willwerth, Assistant Professor and Researcher at the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI), discusses how the Institute is supporting the transformation of Canada’s agricultural ecosystem, and a self-reliant, sustainable model for the rest of the world. Canada’s grape and wine industry contributes $11bn to the national economy each year and sustains a workforce of about 45,000 full-time equivalent employees.(1) The Canadian grape and wine industry recognized the need for research, education and outreach. All world-class wine- producing regions have research institutes to support their industry, and visionaries of the Canadian grape and wine industry wanted the same. The Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) was established in 1996 at Brock University, located in the heart of the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario, Canada. It is a partnership between Brock University and key industry stakeholder groups. CCOVI is an internationally recognized research institute dedicated to the advancement of the Ontario and Canadian grape and wine industry.

An investigation of perceived risk dimensions in acceptability of shared autonomous vehicles, a mediation-moderation analysis

The integration of shared and autonomous mobility has led to the emergence of shared autonomous vehicles with ride-sharing services (SAVWRS), which have the potential to significantly reduce private car usage and promote sustainable transportation. Despite numerous studies on this topic, there is still no research examining the impact of all dimensions of perceived risk theory on usage intention. Therefore, we aim to investigate these relationships and gain deeper insights by examining the mediating effect of trust and the moderating effect of generation (Millennials vs. Baby Boomers) to address potential disparities across generations. To gather insights, we design an online survey that was completed by a random sample of 723 individuals in 2021. The estimation results of the structural equation model reveal that all perceived risk dimensions (social, performance, time, physical, security, and financial risks, in descending order) are negatively related to consumers’ intention. Additionally, trust fully mediates the relationships between performance, physical, financial, and security risks and usage intention, whereas it partially mediates the relationships between social and time risks and the intention to use. Furthermore, moderation analysis revealed that Millennials are less concerned about most dimensions of perceived risk theory, except for social and time risks. In conclusion, our study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between perceived risk dimensions, trust, and usage intention in SAVWRS. Our findings suggest that policymakers and industry stakeholders should consider strategies to address these concerns to promote widespread acceptance of SAVWRS.

Evaluation of the Impact of the Internet of Things on Postal Service Efficiency in Slovakia

This paper investigates the impact of technological advancements, particularly the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT), on the efficiency and productivity of the postal service industry in Slovakia. By employing the Cobb–Douglas production function, we analyze the relationship between key inputs—capital and labor—and output for six major postal service providers: Slovak Post, Packeta, DHL Express, DPD, TNT Express, and GLS. Using data from 2017 to 2021, this study quantifies the elasticities of capital and labor to assess how IoT adoption influences operational performance. The regression analysis reveals significant variations in input contributions across companies, highlighting the diverse effects of IoT integration. Findings suggest that while some companies benefit more from capital investments in technology, others rely heavily on labor efficiency. These insights offer valuable implications for policymakers and industry stakeholders aiming to optimize resource allocation and enhance productivity through technological innovation.

Impact of digital transformation on financial stability in emerging markets: evidence from Ethiopia

This insightful study delves into the intricate relationship between key digital finance adoption indicators and the stability of the banking sector in Ethiopia, an emerging economy undergoing rapid digitalization. Covering annual data from 1991 to 2022 and utilizing an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach alongside Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) and Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) techniques, the researchers uncover thought-provoking findings that challenge conventional wisdom. Contrary to expectations of a positive long-term association, the analysis reveals a statistically significant negative relationship between both internet usage and mobile phone subscriptions and Ethiopia's banking system's financial stability. This robust result, validated through rigorous robustness checks, suggests that the breakneck pace of digital transformation may outpace the development of robust regulatory frameworks and risk management practices, ultimately undermining the overall stability of the financial sector. Interestingly, the short-term analysis presents a more nuanced picture, with mobile phone subscriptions exhibiting a stabilizing effect in the immediate aftermath. This intriguing dichotomy highlights the complex and evolving dynamics at play, where the challenges of integrating digital finance with the traditional banking infrastructure and the persistence of informal financial activities potentially offset the benefits of enhanced financial inclusion and transaction efficiency. These thought-provoking findings carry crucial implications for policymakers and industry stakeholders navigating the digital revolution. Policy implications emphasize the need for robust regulatory frameworks, enhanced cyber security measures, and improved financial literacy. The findings underscore the importance of a nuanced approach to digital finance in emerging economies, advocating for continuous adaptation of policies to address the evolving landscape of financial technology. Continued inquiry can better guide policies that foster digital transformation while safeguarding stability, especially in rapidly developing regions like sub-Saharan Africa.Graphical

Consumers’ willingness to pay for alternative protein food products: taste preference, health, and environmental concerns

ABSTRACT This study investigates consumers’ preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for traditional animal meat, plant-based meat, and cell-cultured meat products, specifically focusing on beef, chicken, and pork categories. The experiment involves presenting participants with various meat options, along with the presence or absence of carbon footprint or low-salt labels. The findings reveal that consumers exhibit a lower WTP for plant-based and cell-cultured meat compared to traditional animal meat across all three categories (beef, chicken, and pork). Moreover, both carbon footprint and low-salt labels significantly increase consumers’ WTP. The choices made by consumers are influenced by attribute preferences and product-related concerns. Specifically, taste preference significantly impacts consumers’ preference for animal meat over cell-cultured meat in the beef, chicken, and pork categories; however, this effect is not significant for plant-based meat. Consumers who prioritize health concerns tend to choose plant-based beef and chicken over traditional options. Environmental concerns play a crucial role in pork choices, leading to a decrease in the selection of animal pork and an increase in the preference for cell-cultured pork. These findings offer valuable insights for industry stakeholders seeking to advance protein biotechnology and drive innovation in the food market.

Energy Politics and Warfare: How International Energy Interests Shape Alliances in the Russian-Ukrainian Conflict

Purpose: This study aims to critically examine the intricate interplay of energy politics and military strategy within the context of the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict. It posits that energy resources - specifically oil and natural gas - serve as pivotal factors that shape strategic alliances, influence geopolitical manoeuvring, and dictate the foreign policy trajectories of international actors, including the United States, the European Union, and China. Materials and Methods: The research employs a qualitative methodology that is underpinned by a series of semi-structured interviews conducted with a diverse cohort of policymakers, energy analysts, and industry stakeholders. Through this empirical approach, the study explores the participants' perceptions regarding the nexus between energy dynamics and security policymaking. In addition to the qualitative interviews, the investigation analyses a range of qualitative materials, including public statements, policy documents, and corporate strategic outlines. Discourse analysis is utilized to further uncover the mechanisms through which energy companies exert influence on governmental policies and military postures. Findings: The anticipated findings are expected to provide a nuanced understanding of the centrality of energy resources in influencing military strategies and fostering international coalitions. This analysis will contribute to an enriched scholarly discourse that informs not only theoretical frameworks in international relations but also practical applications in global energy governance and security. Implications to Theory, Policy and Practice: The inquiry underscores the imperative for a multifaceted and informed policy approach that acknowledges the profound implications of energy resources on national interests and global stability. By integrating energy considerations into security policymaking, the study advocates for a reassessment of traditional strategic paradigms that often overlook the complexities arising from energy interdependence.

Supporting traceability and biosecurity in the sheep and goat industries in NSW: understanding barriers to implementing electronic identification.

Efficient traceability is paramount for Australia's biosecurity system and market access. Electronic identification (eID) offers higher traceability performance than that achieved with visual and mob-based identification used for the sheep and goats National Livestock Identification System (NLIS). The current study aims to gain an understanding of the barriers and motivations of using eID for NLIS sheep and goats in New South Wales (NSW) and to provide recommendations to support the transition to eID. A social research study using a mixed-methods approach was used through semi-structured interviews and a cross-sectional epidemiological and behavioural study among sheep and goat producers. The COM-B behaviour change model based on capabilities, opportunities and motivations was used as a framework for the study. A total of 269 participants informed this study: 25 interviews were conducted with government, industry and private stakeholders, and 184 and 58 sheep and goat producers participated in the cross-sectional study, respectively. The study identified poor understanding of the purpose and importance of NLIS among producers, with over two-thirds not supporting eID implementation. The main barriers identified to the eID implementation were practical, including costs, technology quality and increased workload. Attitudinal, behavioural and knowledge barriers, such as the perception of the current system providing efficient traceability and the perceived lack of benefits of eID were also identified. This study provides an in-depth analysis of practices and perceptions of stakeholders and producers on sheep and goat traceability and recommendations to address barriers identified, based on education and appropriate behavioural and technical support.

Consumers’ perceptions of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and bio-based treatments on disposable dinnerware

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are forever chemicals that have been used for their heat, grease, and water-resistant properties on disposable dinnerware. However, PFAS pose risks to human health and the environment and alternative treatments are currently being implemented in the disposable dinnerware industry, including bio- or plant-based treatments. To date, consumer perceptions of the practical usage and environment-related attributes of PFAS versus plant-based alternative treatments have not been addressed. An online survey elicited 1304 U S. consumers' perceptions of the attributes from each treatment and factors impacting those perceptions. On average, participants purchased disposable plates 13 times per year with 50 % ± 50 purchasing them for everyday use. Approximately 20 % ± 40 of the sample had heard of PFAS prior to the study while 62 % ± 49 had heard of bio-based products. In general, PFAS treatments were perceived as performing slightly better in the practical usage attributes (i.e., grease resistant, water resistant, durable); however, the plant-based alternative treatments were perceived as more environmentally friendly (i.e., better for the environment, better for personal health, recyclable, compostable). Older participants viewing plant-based treatments as better at grease resistance, water resistance, durability, and microwavable relative to younger participants. Conversely, people with higher education levels viewed plant-based treatments as less resistant to grease but more durable. Interestingly, participants’ perceptions and existing knowledge of PFAS and bio-based products influenced their perceptions of plant-based treatments being more environmentally friendly. Results provide insights for industry stakeholders as they move forward in implementing PFAS alternative treatments.

Addressing cybersecurity challenges in robotics: A comprehensive overview

As robotics technology becomes increasingly integrated into various sectors, ensuring the cybersecurity of robotic systems is paramount. This article provides an in-depth exploration of the cybersecurity challenges confronting robotics and offers strategies to address these concerns. With the growing connectivity and networking capabilities of robots, vulnerabilities such as unauthorized access, data breaches, and network attacks are significant threats [1]. Protecting sensitive data collected and processed by robots is crucial to preserving privacy and trust. Remote access features, while enhancing operational flexibility, also pose security risks if not adequately secured. Weak authentication mechanisms and insecure interfaces could allow malicious actors to compromise robot functionality. Furthermore, robots are susceptible to malware and cyber-attacks, including viruses, worms, and ransomware. To mitigate these risks, a comprehensive approach is necessary, incorporating secure design principles, robust authentication mechanisms, encryption techniques, and cybersecurity training. Collaboration among industry stakeholders, researchers, policymakers, and cybersecurity experts is essential to develop resilient robotic systems capable of withstanding evolving cyber threats. This article underscores the importance of addressing cybersecurity challenges in robotics to ensure the safety and security of robotic deployments across diverse domains. As robotics technology evolves and becomes integral across various sectors, prioritizing cybersecurity [2] is crucial to protect these systems from unauthorized access, data breaches, and network attacks. The interconnected nature and remote access features of robots pose significant vulnerabilities. Comprehensive measures, including secure design, encryption, and cybersecurity training, are essential. Collaboration among industry stakeholders, researchers, policymakers, and cybersecurity experts is vital for developing resilient robotic systems. This article highlights the urgent need to address cybersecurity challenges to ensure the safety and integrity of robotic deployments.

Pengaruh Literasi Halal, Religiusitas, Halal Awareness Terhadap Minat Beli Konsumen pada Restoran Bersertifikat Halal pada Generasi Z di Jabodetabek

This research aims to investigate the influence of halal literacy, religiosity, and awareness of halal on consumer buying interest in halal certified restaurants in the Jabodetabek area, with a focus on Generation Z. Data was collected through a survey targeting 162 respondents using a scale of 1 to 6. Testing was carried out using the Smart PLS V.3 analysis tool and the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis approach. The results of the analysis show that halal literacy has a positive but not significant influence on consumer buying interest, while religiosity and halal awareness will have a positive and significant influence on consumer buying interest. These findings indicate that religious understanding and awareness of halal play an important role in influencing consumer shopping behavior, especially in the context of halal certification. The implications of these findings can help halal food and beverage industry stakeholders in developing more effective marketing strategies to attract and retain their potential customers amidst increasingly fierce competition in the industry.

Assessing the Sustainability Reporting Transparency and Engagement of European Energy Companies

Energy companies are facing increasing pressure from institutional and industry stakeholders to prioritize their responsibility to the environment and society, including providing accurate, reliable, and comprehensive reports on their sustainability practices. Three metrics were developed in this study: the average sustainability reporting score and two sustainability performance reporting indices based on two different performance measurement methodologies. These were designed to assess the effect of mandatory non-financial disclosure on sustainability reporting and the level of transparency and engagement of energy companies. The study also examined the relationship between the level of sustainability reporting and sustainability performance in the period of 2016–2019 by correlating these metrics. The analysis sheds light on the effectiveness of non-financial disclosure regulations in promoting sustainability practices in the energy industry. The results revealed no difference in metric scores prior to, or even following, the adoption of Directive 2014/95/EU. Energy companies performed better in terms of sustainability when more indicators were reported. Their primary focus was on the economic aspect of sustainability, particularly corruption. They gave less importance to the environmental aspect, mainly reporting on emissions. The social aspect received the least attention, although indicators for employee education and training were mentioned most frequently. The analysis showed that the metrics are statistically significantly correlated and complement each other, highlighting the need to consider a variety of metrics when assessing sustainability performance in the energy industry.

Digital Transformation in Georgian Banking: Trends and Current Level of Adoption

The significance of digital technologies is crucial in contemporary times. This is especially pertinent for the banking industry, enabling it to deliver high-quality customer service and address market challenges promptly. This article examines the current state of the Georgian banking system, focusing on digital services and products, and the advances banks have made in integrating innovative digital technologies. Using specific criteria, the study evaluates the level of digitization within the banking sector, identifying strengths and areas for improvement. The research also explores the digital transformation experiences of developed countries' banking sectors and considers how these could be implemented in Georgia, taking into account the unique context and challenges faced by the country. The study aims to assess the digital readiness and challenges faced by Georgia's banking sector, leading to the formulation of recommendations to speed up the digital transformation process and enhance competitiveness. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods are used in the research. The digital banking products and services offered by commercial banks are analyzed, with statistical conclusions derived from quantitative data, providing a comprehensive overview of the sector's digital maturity. In the end, the study evaluates the challenges and future prospects for the digital transformation of Georgia's banking system, offering strategic insights and practical solutions for policymakers and industry stakeholders. Keywords: Georgian banking, innovation, digital transformation, mobile banking, online banking, digital payments

The acceptance of social media as a channel of communication and livestock information for sheep farmers

Abstract The development of technology and information in the Industry 4.0 era, especially the internet, is experiencing very rapid progress. Searching for information through new media will increase human resource capacity and work efficiency. Using technology acceptance model (TAM) theory, this study aims to identify social media usage as a communication and information medium and analyze the influence between constructs in social media acceptance. A cross-sectional survey was used in this study design. A structured questionnaire from previous related studies was used as the instrument. One hundred and eleven sheep farmers from several villages in Sukabumi, West Java groups, participated in this survey. Stratified sampling was adopted to select and interview the respondents. The findings show that social media usage as a channel for communication and livestock information is quite adequate. Many farmers already use WhatsApp and YouTube. However, only a few farmers use Facebook and Instagram. The results of the TAM analysis (limited to only the WhatsApp application) indicate that perceived ease of use positively influences perceived usefulness (PU). A positive relationship is also shown between PU and behavioral intention to use. The theoretical implication is that this study proves how social media adopts in disseminating messages and seeking information. Regarding managerial implications, the findings suggest that stakeholders in the agricultural industry across the value chain could enhance their services by fostering a broader ecosystem of social media applications.

Exploring acid mine drainage treatment through adsorption: a bibliometric analysis.

Discharge of acidic wastewater from mining activities (acid mine drainage (AMD)) is a major global environmental and public health issue. Although several approaches, including chemical precipitation and membrane technology, have been developed to treat AMD, adsorption has emerged as the most promising technology due to its cost-effectiveness and efficacy. Despite the wide adoption of adsorption in treating AMD, the evolution of research in this area remains poorly understood. To address this gap, a bibliometric analysis of the most recent literature involving the application of adsorption in AMD remediation was conducted by merging datasets of articles from Scopus (1127) and the Web of Science Core Collection (1422), over the past decade (2013-2022). This analysis revealed a yearly increase of 11% in research publications, primarily contributed by China, the United States, and South Africa. Keyword analysis revealed that natural schwertmannites and their transformations, activated carbon, zeolites, and clay minerals, are the most extensively employed adsorbents for the removal of common metals (arsenic, chromium, iron, manganese, among others). The findings underscore the need for future focuses on recovering rare earth elements, using nanoparticles and modified materials, pursuing low-cost, sustainable solutions, integrating hybrid technologies, pilot-scale studies, exploring circular economic applications of AMD sludges, and inter-continental collaborations. These insights hold significant future implications, serving as a valuable reference to stakeholders in the mining industry.

Logistics Performance Index-driven in operational planning for logistics companies: A smart transportation approach

The responsibility of Logistics Companies (LCs) extends beyond simply handling logistical processes and choosing transportation routes; they focus on being competitive and efficient in their operations. In multiple origins and destinations networks, LCs attempt to select the most optimal routes from each point. To address this challenge and reduce the time needed to identify potential routes, a novel method has been developed in this research for LCs. In operational planning, additional factors need to be considered to increase efficiency, customer satisfaction, and competitiveness. To confront this issue, the study proposes a novel model and contributions, inspired by the LPI, to apply the transformative impact of smart ports, the integration of smart containers, the choices of clearing and forwarding agents and port operators, and time uncertainty in the multi-objective framework. Specifically, the mathematical model's objectives include cost, time, customer satisfaction, and environmental impact in the periodic multimodal network. An innovative customer satisfaction function is introduced by integrating the selection of smart containers and smart ports, emphasizing their impact on enhancing customer satisfaction, while addressing time uncertainty through a chance-constrained approach and coefficients of variation. The model is solved using goal programming, and the results show that smart ports and smart containers can majorly affect transportation time and customer satisfaction. Furthermore, comparing the results to other studies demonstrates its superiority in decision-making for LCs, particularly by including time uncertainty and the role of clearing and forwarding agents and port operators. Therefore, the model holds practical significance in lowering costs, enhancing customer satisfaction, and facilitating smart international logistics. This research offers insights that are not only useful for the LCs but also for other stakeholders in the transport industry.

The risk of shifting environmental burdens in biobased construction - Life cycle assessment of a residential renovated building case study in Belgium

Abstract The construction industry is a major contributor to environmental degradation, resource depletion, and energy consumption. As global concerns about sustainability and environmental impact continue to rise, it becomes imperative to reassess the materials used in building construction. This research paper presents a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) using the Belgian TOTEM tool according to EN15804+A2 for evaluating material choices in building construction with a focus on the renovation of residential buildings in Belgium. The study aims to provide a holistic understanding of the environmental implications associated with biobased construction materials enabling informed decision-making for sustainable building practices. To achieve this, we conducted an analysis of the life cycle environmental performance of biobased materials used in external walls of a renovation case study project and compared it to common built-up scenarios of conventional construction materials applied in the same case study. The research results show that using biobased materials for renovation can significantly reduce embodied GHG emissions but can lead to burden shifting such as resulting in an increased impact on land use, particulate matter emissions, depletion of abiotic resources and eco-toxicity. The study not only underscores the importance of comprehensive cradle-to-grave life cycle thinking but also provides valuable insights for stakeholders in the construction industry.

The Application of Big Data Technology in the Analysis of Commercial Circulation Data in Emerging Industries

Inside the generation of rapid technological development, rising industries are increasingly counting on big facts to pressure growth and innovation. This examine explores the transformative effect of huge facts generation on the analysis of commercial circulate statistics in those burgeoning sectors. By way of harnessing numerous and voluminous datasets, organisations inside rising industries can uncover crucial insights, optimise delivery chains, are expecting marketplace developments, and enhance patron reviews. The paper begins by using outlining the unique challenges and possibilities that emerging industries face within the virtual landscape, emphasising the want for strong facts-driven techniques. We delve into the methodologies of large facts analytics, together with data acquisition, garage, processing, and visualization strategies tailor-made for the nuanced requirements of these industries. A crucial examination of case research wherein huge facts has been efficaciously carried out offers realistic insights into its effectiveness and barriers. The examine similarly investigates the role of advanced analytics, system studying, and AI in refining data evaluation techniques, providing a complete view of the way those technologies synergistically make contributions to strategic selection-making. Moral issues, especially regarding records of privateness and safety, are also addressed, acknowledging the responsibilities that accompany the utilization of huge information. The paper concludes by projecting future traits in big statistics programs within rising industries, which includes the capacity for predictive analytics and the integration of IoT gadgets. This research now not only underscores the significance of big statistics in revolutionising business flow however also serves as a guiding framework for industry leaders and stakeholders trying to navigate the complexities of the digital age in rising markets.

CLOSING THE TALENT GAP: A PROPOSED MICRO-CREDENTIAL MODEL IN MALAYSIAN FORMAL EDUCATION

The global talent gap is a consequence of skills mismatch among job seekers. Although micro-credentials appeared to be a potential solution to narrow the talent gap, it is unclear how they can be effectively implemented in a structured academic pathway. The purpose of this study is to explore the potential of a proposed micro-credential model for formal education via the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning Micro-credentials (APEL.M), to support the talent gap challenges faced by companies in Malaysia. The study used a qualitative case study method with data collected mainly from a focus group discussion among relevant faculty heads, administrators, and senior management team members. The findings indicated that despite potential challenges and issues towards implementing the new micro-credential model, the proposed model is significant for policymakers, higher education providers, and industry stakeholders interested in addressing the talent gap and creating alternative pathways to formal academic qualifications.

Stirring digital innovation in wood waste upcycling: system dynamics as a circular design decision-making methodology

Abstract The urgency to reduce climate-changing emissions and natural resources exploitation is pushing architecture and industrial design to explore viable options to innovate current practices on material use. In forest-based industries, in particular, wood upcycling is emerging as a pivotal investigation field, with a specific research agenda aimed at reducing the impacts generated by the rising demand of timber products and the actual incineration and landfilling rates. Indeed, the development of new technological solutions needs to account for energy and material flows, as well as for the environmental impacts and social and economic dynamics. Such a new complexity pushes towards a design approach that links digital technologies to circularity goals for a more comprehensive understanding of the forest-based resource management and the evalutation of alternative scenarios. In this paper, we propose System Dynamics (SD) as a methodology to provide a qualitative and quantitative framework to promote digital circular innovation in the wood industry. SD is a dynamic, multi-scale, multi-dimension and site-specific decision-making support tool wich helps designers, researchers and industrial stakeholders to understand and simulate the dynamic behavior and performances of complex systems within specific time and space parameters. The proposed SD for wood waste upcycling allows to model “stock and flow” scenarios, to simulate and compare the consequences of technological options on the system and to target their development in time - and space-based projections. This study outlines the first advances for the SD application to the Italian wood industry, and examines the consequences of the application of different circular strategies on a “business-as-usual” scenario.

Waste Plastic to Roads - HDPE-modified Bitumen and PET Plastic Fibres for Road Maintenance in South Africa: A Review.

This review article provides a comprehensive analysis of the transformative potential of waste plastic in South Africa, with a specific focus on high-density polyethylene-modified bitumen and polyethylene terephthalate plastic fibres asphalt. The review encompasses a wide range of topics, including the environmental and socio-economic impacts of plastic waste, the current state of plastic waste management practices in South Africa, and the potential use of waste plastic in road construction. The aim is to critically evaluate the compatibility of recycled waste plastics as bitumen modifiers and fibre to enhance road performance. Additionally, it explores the challenges and opportunities associated with the incorporation of waste plastic in road construction, shedding light on the environmental, economic and technological aspects. The review also emphasizes the need for targeted interventions and collaborative efforts from the South African government and industry stakeholders to address plastic waste management challenges and promote sustainable infrastructure development. Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the transformative potential of waste plastic in South African road maintenance and offers a roadmap for future research and initiatives in this critical area of sustainable development.