Innovative Food Packaging with Sensible Design to Reduce Losses and Waste

Luiz Eduardo Campos Filho (), Vitor Hugo Araújo Fernandes Silva, Valentina Vinci, Mariana Hiromi Yokota, Ellen Rodrigues dos Santos, Gabriel Vicente Bitencourt de Almeida, Mariana Pilar Gatani, Maria Teresa de Alvarenga Freire and Juliano Fiorelli
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Luiz Eduardo Campos Filho: Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo—USP, Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil
Vitor Hugo Araújo Fernandes Silva: Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo—USP, Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil
Valentina Vinci: Secretariat of Science and Technology, Faculty of Architecture, Urbanism and Design, National University of Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina
Mariana Hiromi Yokota: Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo—USP, Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil
Ellen Rodrigues dos Santos: Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo—USP, Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil
Gabriel Vicente Bitencourt de Almeida: Companhia de Entrepostos e Armazéns Gerais de São Paulo, São Paulo 05316-900, Brazil
Mariana Pilar Gatani: Center for Research and Technology Transfer Villa María, National Scientific and Technical Research Council, Córdoba 5000, Argentina
Maria Teresa de Alvarenga Freire: Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo—USP, Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil
Juliano Fiorelli: Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo—USP, Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 10, 1-21

Abstract: The search for innovative solutions to reduce food losses and waste remains a priority in the supply chain, yet past research has largely overlooked comprehensive packaging designs that address both operational and environmental challenges. Persistent issues, such as inadequate standardization, poor mechanical resistance, and insufficient ventilation in conventional packaging, significantly contribute to food losses, particularly in transportation and storage stages. Within this scope, this study bridges these gaps by developing differentiated packaging designs tailored to mitigate food losses in the fruits and vegetables (FV) supply chain. Employing a qualitative case study approach, data collection involved interviews, document analysis, and field research at CEAGESP. The findings revealed critical deficiencies in current practices, including fragile materials and ineffective ventilation. In response, five innovative packaging prototypes were developed using Autodesk Inventor and SolidWorks, featuring enhanced mechanical strength, standardized dimensions, and strategic ventilation. These prototypes aim to preserve FV during transport and storage while improving logistical efficiency and sustainability. By presenting practical, eco-efficient packaging solutions, this study advances the field and provides a foundation for future research and industry implementation.

Keywords: qualitative analysis; supply chain resilience; food quality preservation; transport packaging; design; innovation; sustainability; Brazil (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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