Introduction of smart packaging systems in the market of Latvia – attitudes of manufacturers and retailers

Abstract

Perfect packaging exists in nature – examples include banana peel (Musa sapientum fixa cortices L.) and eggshell (Ovi testa L.), together with the many smart materials and systems that control plant and biological functions. Smart packaging is a type of packaging, which in addition to performing the four basic functions of packaging such as protection, communication, convenience and containment, also offers several additional functionalities depending on the type of product. Changes in consumer preference for safe food have led to innovation in packaging technology. The market for smart packaging systems has a promising future by integrating them into packaging materials. For food retailers, smart packaging is a huge development in helping to reduce food waste. The aim of this study was to assess the awareness and attitudes of food manufacturers and retailers to the introduction of smart packaging systems into the Latvian market. A survey reflected knowledge about active and intelligent packaging and its possible introduction into the Latvian market. Ten manufacturers and ten food retailers from different regions in Latvia answered 16 questions, including how well they were informed about smart packaging and how much consumers would be willing to pay for it. In addition, the food manufacturer and food retailer confidence in the impact of smart packaging on a product storage quality was analyzed. The results revealed that manufacturers and retailers in Latvia have a poor understanding of the new opportunities which could be offered by using technologies of smart packaging.