Recognizing the Key Drivers and Industry Implications of Sustainable Packaging Design: A Mixed-Method Approach

Abstract

Sustainable packaging design plays a strategic role across several industries. Using the Italian market as the perimeter of the analysis, this paper aims to broaden the knowledge of corporate attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors toward sustainable packaging along the entire supply chain. A mixed-method approach was used, integrating qualitative and quantitative data collected from 33 in-depth interviews and a survey on a sample of 462 companies. The results revealed that a challenging goal will consist of reconciling technological advances and marketing instances, and that the entire supply chain should be synergistically involved in packaging sustainability. It was also found that larger companies consider sustainability as part of a broader business strategy, whereas smaller ones possess a tactical vision. The study provides valuable insights to better comprehend and manage a complex ecosystem such as that of sustainable packaging.

Systemic review of the literature of green supply chain management in the food packaging industry

“…Lack of management in green practices, misperception about green innovation and technology initiatives. Cristóbal et al, 2018;Hebaz & Oulfarsi, 2021;Jum'a et al, 2022;Khan et al, 2022;Kumar et al, 2018;Laari et al, 2018;Leu et al, 2021;Liu et al, 2020;Mattia et al, 2021;Movahedipour et al, 2017;Saeed et al, 2018;Ullah et al, 2021;Waqas et al, 2018.…”

“…Simms et al, 2020. Circular economy for waste collection. Batista et al, 2019;Clark et al, 2019;Geueke et al, 2018;Mattia et al, 2021. Improved communication to suppliers about related costs and green performance. Li & Zhu, 2020;Mattia et al, 2021. In Table 6, we can identify that both circular economy and improved communication are important factors for the development and enhancement of supply chain in the food packaging industry.…”

“…By the end of 2021, only 6,5 % of plastic was recycled. Therefore, sustainable packaging is a necessity to provide greater product innovation and competitiveness (Mattia et al, 2021). Based on the above, it is evident the need for solutions to the current problems to successfully implement GSCM in the food packaging industry.…”

Investigating Key Trends in New Normal Packaging Design

“…The emerging trends in food packaging are intelligent packaging, active packaging, smart packaging, biodegradable packaging, and sustainable packaging (Sharma & Ghoshal, 2018). Sustainable and protective packaging has become a high priority for majority consumers in recent years (Mattia et al, 2021). Sustainable packaging should be safe and healthy for consumers, use recycled materials, and be reusable and renewable (Özgen, 2018).…”

Empaques ecológicos, una práctica con limitaciones y ventajas para los servicios de comida rápida en la ciudad de Machala

“…Para Mattia et al (2021), el desarrollo de envases ecológicos involucra a varias áreas profesionales como tecnología, marketing, diseño e ingeniería y necesita de una orientación holística y multidisciplinaria para mantener el equilibrio entre producto y envase, abarcando así las buenas prácticas de reciclaje, manteniendo la calidad y vida útil de los envases, lo que hará que los consumidores perciban el rediseño de los envases y estén dispuestos a pagar un poco más por el producto.…”