Packaging design in organic food supply chains – a case study in Sweden

Packaging design is vital in the consumer product industry. This is why the recent consumer preferences for locally produced and organic food need to be met by product and package producers in the packaging design process. The purpose of this study is to understand how packaging design is managed in food supply chains with a special focus on organic and locally produced food in Sweden. It also identifies and elaborates on challenges met by small and medium sized food producers in the packaging design process. The results show deficiencies in organic food packaging design and the main issues can be divided into three areas: package design and material selection, supply chain imbalance, and knowledge aspects. The deficiencies are obvious for small local producers, but the study also indicates challenges for national brand enterprises in focusing on eco-design and sustainable packaging solutions, since tradition and supplier decisions seems to dominate.