ADVANCING SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING: A UNIFIED APPROACH INTEGRATING INDUSTRY, INNOVATION, AND CONSUMER

Abstract

Conventionally, the primary focus of packaging was ensuring product safety, quality, and streamline the logistics. However, a recent study demonstrates that, there is an urgent need to adopt sustainable practices—advanced methodologies or frameworks to decrease the growing environmental burden of packaging waste. Several opportunities remain untouched to reduce waste and increase the use of renewable, biodegradable, and locally available materials. The packaging industry is at the intersection of environmental, social, and economic challenges, reflecting the global shift in global business frameworks towards sustainability, social equity.

Sustainability is the key factor where packaging industries are waiting for linear models of production and consumption. To address these challenges, this research proposes a collaborative framework uniting business, local craftsmen utilizing innovative materials, and customers. This approach aligns industry capabilities with consumer priorities, fostering cost-efficient and sustainable packaging solutions that support a circular economy.

This study presents a comprehensive approach to sustainable packaging design, encompassing packaging systems and packaged goods throughout the entire supply chain—from producers to end consumers. Designed as a "blueprint" for achieving more sustainable packaging solutions, the proposed methodology identifies critical attributes that contribute to sustainability from a 360-degree perspective. It integrates a variety of analytical methods to offer a solution that is both easily available and affordable. An industry’s Expert survey was conducted to identify essential attributes using the Pareto 80/20 model, highlighting attributes that affect how sustainable packaging is perceived and used. One of the key attribute findings was that material should be accessible to reduce the overall cost of production. This approach encourages economic sustainability and raises the standard of life for craftsmen by reducing the total cost of materials and transportation costs.

In parallel, a customer study was carried out to find out what customers prioritize when it comes to affordable, easily available, and ecological packaging. This research offers practical insights to encourage businesses to adopt design features that support sustainability by balancing industry capabilities with consumer expectations. The findings emphasize the importance of leveraging local resources and expertise to create affordable, eco-friendly packaging solutions that align with consumer needs and contribute to a circular economy.