Sustainable packaging innovations and supply chain interactions: theoretical considerations and empirical evidence

This study examines sustainable packaging innovation by considering the entire packaging supply chain. The aim is to understand the importance of interactions between the various actors in the supply chain and to analyse the main actions undertaken by them to create low environmental impact packaging. The authors pursued the objective by first conducting a theoretical analysis, through a literature review that presents the main defining aspects and focuses on the interactions and actions undertaken by the actors in the packaging production chain, and then by developing an empirical study, using data published by the World Packaging Organization. The results of this study reveal an increase in awareness of the dangers of the packaging industry, highlighting the importance of sustainable packaging innovations. Achieving effective sustainable packaging innovations requires strong interaction between the actors in the packaging supply chain, and recycling and reduction practices are valid tools in which they can invest.