PACKAGING DESIGN IN ORGANIC FOOD SUPPLY CHAINS – A CASE STUDY IN SWEDEN
Year: 2011
Editor: Culley, S.J.; Hicks, B.J.; McAloone, T.C.; Howard, T.J. & Cantemessa, M.
Author: Olsson, Annika; Lindh, Helena; Bertoluci, Gwenola
Series: ICED
Section: Design Organisation and Management
Page(s): 264-273
Abstract
Packaging design is vital in the consumer product industry. Therefore, recent consumer preferences for locally produced and organic food need to be met by product and package producers, in the package design process. The purpose of this study is to understand how package design is managed in food supply chains with a special focus on organic and locally produced food in Sweden. It will also identify and elaborate on challenges met by small and medium sized food producers in the package design process. The results show deficiencies in organic food packaging design and the main issues can be divided into three main areas; package design and material selection, supply chain imbalance and knowledge aspects. The deficiencies are obvious for small local producers, but the study also indicate challenges for national brand enterprises in focusing on eco-design and sustainable packaging solutions, since tradition and supplier decisions seems to dominate.
Keywords: PACKAGING DESIGN; ORGANIC FOOD; LOCAL FOOD; FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN