As product packaging becomes an increasingly important tool for conveying brand images to consumers, eco-friendly packaging (EFP) is being extensively adopted by fashion companies. Given this trend, the need for research examining consumer responses to fashion products featuring EFP has increased. This study investigates the effects of attitude and subjective norms on consumers’ purchase intention of fashion products using EFP, and further explores the moderating roles of gender and ethical self-identity (ESI). A survey including 360 male and female consumers in their 20s and 30s was conducted, and the data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. The results indicate that both attitude and subjective norms positively influence purchase intention. Gender moderated the relationship between subjective norms and purchase intention, with males exhibiting higher purchase intention than females when influenced by social norms. ESI also moderated the relationship between attitude and purchase intention, as well as between subjective norms and purchase intention. Individuals exhibiting higher levels of ESI showed stronger alignment between their attitudes or perceived norms and their purchase intention of EFP products. These findings provide valuable insights and establish a foundational understanding of the key determinants of purchase intention for fashion products with EFP. Furthermore, they provide theoretical insights into sustainable consumer behavior and offer practical implications for fashion marketers seeking to promote eco-conscious consumption.

This study explores the effect of moral identity on attitude toward and purchase intention of upcycled fashion products by comparing purchasers and non-purchasers. Data from 127 purchasers and 307 non-purchasers collected through a survey was analyzed using descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis, model invariance check, and multiple-group comparison tests using Amos 23.0. Results indicate consumers with purchase experiences of upcycled fashion products showed a higher level of moral identity (internalization and symbolization), positive attitude toward upcycled fashion products, and purchase intention than did consumers with no purchase experience. In model tests, internalization affected attitude toward purchasing upcycled fashion products, whereas symbolization affected purchase intention, regardless of purchase experience. The effect of symbolization on purchase intention was consistent with prior studies focusing on charity behaviors that are highly visible to others. These findings demonstrate that fashion products are visible and symbolic, so it should be carefully considered in ethical consumption studies. From these results, researchers may obtain insights on the process of how consumers apply moral identity to their purchase intention regarding upcycled fashion products. Likewise, marketers may enhance satisfaction of consumers with a high level of symbolization by putting special tags and logos that clearly highlight the products’ upcycled nature.