Optimal packaging for strawberry transportation: Evaluation and modeling of the relationship between food loss reduction and environmental impact

Abstract

This study assessed the damage area ratios of different packaging systems on the life cycle of strawberry caused by vibration during transportation from environmental perspective. The relationship between food loss reduction and environmental loads was evaluated to produce an ideal package with both lower food losses and environmental impacts. Life cycle from cultivation to waste was assessed using a mass-based functional unit. The relationship between the damage area ratios and environmental loads demonstrated that the minimum point for the ratios and loads was different. The ratio minimizing the load throughout the life cycle was calculated by exponential and linear combination model. This study concludes that minimizing food loss during transportation with excessive postharvest process does not contribute to minimized load associated with the life cycle. Thus, producing an optimal packaging is required to assess the trade-offs between food loss reduction and environmental load. • Optimal packaging for strawberry transportation in Japan was evaluated by LCA method. • The empirical non-linear model showed the packaging condition minimizing the load. • Packaging causes loads for its production but reduces loads for the life cycle. • Minimizing food loss during transportation increases more loads of the life cycle.