Packaging for eco-efficient supply chains - exploring factors in the packaging development process

• Purpose: Supply chain efficiency (economic and ecological) is affected by packaging design. The purpose of this research is to investigate how integrated approaches aiming for ecoefficient supply chains are used in packaging development processes and how a set of preselected factors influences the adaption of more or less integrated approaches at companies. Design/methodology/approach: The research approach is explorative and based on nine cases in the food and manufacturing industries in Sweden. In total, 26 semi-structured interviews were conducted. The analysis is based on in-between case comparisons. Findings: The paper describes the way in which companies work with “integrative” packaging development process elements. It explores how four factors – product characteristics,packaging requirements, logistical conditions and environmental efforts – influence their approach. Research limitations/implications: The study analyses the packaging development processes at a limited number of companies in Sweden. Practical implications: The findings can help supply chain and logistics managers to better understand how integrated approaches can be applied in packaging development processes to increase the eco-efficiency of supply chains and the influencing factors that can serve as facilitators or barriers to these approaches in their organisations. Original/value: Previous research has demonstrated the potential economic and ecological benefits of integrating a supply chain perspective into the packaging development process. This study complements this knowledge by presenting extensive empirical data on the practical application of integrated approaches in packaging development processes in industry.

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Maskinteknik -- Annan maskinteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Mechanical Engineering -- Other Mechanical Engineering (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Eco-Efficiency

Packaging

Packaging Development Process

Supply Chain Efficiency

Supply Chain Integration

Publikations- och innehållstyp

kon (ämneskategori)

ref (ämneskategori)