Food Packaging Design Research Articles

Sustainable and Bio-Based Food packaging design of Chinese agricultural products under the “Internet Plus” mindset

National identity is people's emotional attachment to the country, which is related to personal growth and success as well as the prosperity and stability of the country. The advent of the "Internet Plus" era marks a new ecological evolution in the networked society, significantly impacting personal national identity. On the one hand, the proactive, dynamic, autonomous, and connective nature of "Internet Plus" provides abundant resources and novel platforms to enhance individual national identity. On the other hand, its openness, compatibility, diversity, and anonymity can also challenge and influence personal perceptions of national belonging. This study delves into the nuanced interplay between national identity and the packaging design of Chinese agricultural products within the "Internet Plus" framework, exploring emerging trends, changes, and characteristics. This paper presents an in-depth literature assessment on the comprehensive methodology of Bio-based Food Packaging (B-FP) for food within the cyclical economy. It emphasizes three principal domains: (1) the function of B-FP within a circular goods layout method and material selection during the preproduction life cycle phase; (2) the contribution of B-FP to oval resource administration structures and the item's elimination life cycle phase; and (3) the optimum utilization of B-FP concerning the prioritization of end-of-life therapy. It scrutinizes the underlying issues and deep-seated causes, enriching the theoretical discourse on national identity. Through literature review and surveys, this paper firstly defines and clarifies the concepts of "Internet Plus," national identity, and the B-FP design of Chinese agricultural products. It then investigates the implications of "Internet Plus" for national identity within pastoral product B-FP design, examining its supportive role. Furthermore, survey data is analyzed to evaluate the impact of B-FP design on national identity from various aspects such as structure, visual appeal, and the absence of green design principles. Identifying key challenges and attributing them to factors such as brand competitiveness and rural revitalization strategies, the study ultimately seeks to formulate design strategies for agricultural product B-FP from a national identity perspective within the "Internet Plus" context.

The Impact of Food Packaging Design on Users’ Perception of Green Awareness

The Impact of Food Packaging Design on Users’ Perception of Green Awareness

Is it really natural? How minimalist food packaging influences consumers’ perception of product naturalness

PurposeAlthough prior research has shown the influence of the degree of simplicity (versus complexity) in packaging design on consumer’s product and brand perceptions, no research to date has analyzed the effect of minimalist packaging on perceived product naturalness. This research thus aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms explaining how a minimalist food packaging design may lead consumers to perceive a product as more natural.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on two pre-tests and two experiments (N = 152 and N = 220) focusing on food products. Serial–parallel mediations are performed to test the effect of minimalist packaging design on perceived product naturalness.FindingsIn a food consumption context, we demonstrate and replicate the positive impact of minimalism on perceived product uniqueness, which then positively influences both production mode and perceived taste, which, in turn, increases perceived product naturalness.Originality/valueThe findings provide new insights into the influence of food packaging design on consumers’ product perception. This paper offers a deeper understanding of the relationship between minimalist food packaging design and product naturalness by highlighting the mediating roles of perceived uniqueness, production mode and perceived taste.

Enhancing sustainable food packaging design: A machine learning approach to predict ventilated corrugated paperboard strength

In the food packaging industry, ventilated corrugated paperboard boxes are crucial for sustainable transport of fresh products. While these boxes' ventilation holes advance air circulation, they also impact the material's compression or buckling strength. Variations in hole geometry and location affecting this strength are explored, considering the composite material, multi-layered structure. Traditional mechanical analyses, which often require simplifications, may not fully capture this complexity, leading to less accurate predictions of the paperboard's strength. To address these challenges, a machine learning (ML) approach was utilized, employing the Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LGBM) to develop a predictive model for the buckling strength of corrugated paperboard boxes with ventilation cutouts. This physics-informed ML model, trained on a compression dataset resulting from experimental tests for plates with a single cutout in three shapes and Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations for plates with various patterns of circular cutouts, provides highly accurate estimates of the plates' buckling strength. It achieved 91.7% accuracy on experimental data and 94.68% on FEM simulation data, showcasing its reliability. A new tool for predicting the buckling strength of corrugated paperboard is provided by this research, along with insights that can inform the design of more sustainable packaging solutions. Furthermore, the methodology and findings have broader applications, potentially benefiting sectors like aerospace and construction, where similar structural materials are used.

Taste or health: The impact of packaging cues on consumer decision-making in healthy foods

According to the theory of dietary regulation, consumers frequently encounter conflicts between healthiness and tastiness when selecting healthy foods. This study explores how packaging cue that highlight “tasty” versus “healthy” affect consumers’ intentions to purchase healthy food. After an Implicit Association Test (IAT) confirmed a perceived lack of tastiness in health foods in the Preliminary study, Study 1 analyzed pricing and packaging details of the top 200 most-popular items in each of the ten healthy food categories on a major online shopping platform. Results showed that products with taste-focused cues commanded higher prices, indicating stronger consumer acceptance of healthy foods marketed as delicious. To address the causality limitations of observational studies, Study 2 used an experimental design to directly measure the impact of these cues on purchase intentions and perceptions of energy, healthiness, and tastiness. Findings revealed that taste-focused cues significantly boosted purchase intentions compared to health-focused cues, although they also diminished the perceived healthiness of the products. Moreover, in the control group exposed to unhealthy food options, health-emphasized packaging also increased purchase intentions, indicating that consumers seek a balance between healthiness and tastiness, rather than prioritizing health alone. Study 3 further explored the impact of cognitive load over these cue influences, revealing a heightened inclination among consumers to purchase healthy products with taste-focused cue under high cognitive load state. These insights have direct implications for food packaging design, suggesting that emphasizing a balance of taste and health benefits can effectively enhance consumer engagement. The study, which conducted in China, also opens avenues for future research to explore similar effects, maybe in different cultural contexts, different consumer groups, and under varied cognitive conditions.

Illustration in Children's Food Packaging Involved Methods and Applications

With the growth of the global population, the children's food market is expanding, and the design of children's food packaging is increasingly being paid attention to. As an intuitive and vivid visual language, illustration plays a vital role in children's food packaging. It can not only attract children's attention and improve the appeal of the product but also increase the interest in the package through the story context and game elements, thereby enhancing children's awareness and loyalty to the brand. Therefore, the application method and effect of illustration in children's food packaging have become a problem worth studying. In-depth understanding of children's preferences and cognitive characteristics of illustration in different age groups is helpful to design food packaging that better meets children's needs. With the continuous expansion of the modern children's consumer market, illustration design, as an indispensable element in children's food packaging, has a unique visual appeal and emotional connection ability to attract children consumers. This paper will study the method of integrating illustration design into children's food packaging and discuss the three parts of hand-drawn design, vector drawing, and digital synthesis technology in detail. This paper aims to explore the application methods and effects of illustration in children's food packaging, identify the research gaps in this field by summarizing the current research progress, and put forward the research theme and specific problems of this paper. Then, the methods adopted in this study will be introduced in detail, and their significance will be expounded. Finally, future development will be predicted, and suggestions for possible problems will be put forward.

Tapioca starch/konjac gum-based composite film incorporated with nanoliposomes encapsulated grape seed oil: Structure, functionality, controlled release and its preservation role for chilled mutton

In this study, grape seed oil nanoliposomes (GSO-NLs) were constructed and doped into tapioca starch/konjac gum composite films (TK-GSO-NLs) to evaluate the preservation of chilled mutton. The results showed that the GSO-NLs have a good spherical or rounded state and good stability. The doping of GSO-NLs resulted in a smooth, flat, and dense structure on the surface and cross-section of the TK films. The TK-GSO-NLs showed the best compatibility among the components, with excellent mechanical and barrier properties. FTIR and XRD confirmed the presence of ionic bonds between the components, further improving the copolymer crystal structure. Notably, the packaging material provided ideal antioxidant and bacteriostatic stability as well as delayed GSO release. This packaging could effectively maintain the quality of chilled mutton and prolong the shelf-life to 15 days. The study provides ideas for the design of green and active food packaging and for extending the shelf life of meat.

The impact of packaging attributes on portion decisions: Consumer values are important.

Research shows that features of food packaging can help to promote healthy food choices. Laboratory-based studies demonstrate that smart design of packaging facilitates portion control. However, the extent to which consumers notice packaging features for portion control is not known. Therefore, this study investigated how individuals interact with food packaging, how they utilise the on-pack serving-size guidelines and how they make portion decisions. To do this, 25 adult participants were recruited to participate in an online semi-structured interview. Data were analysed using thematic analysis until saturation was achieved. Participants reported that they rarely attend to on-pack serving recommendations and indicated some resistance to them. Some structural features (small/single serving, pre-portioned and resealable packaging) were identified as facilitators of portion control. In contrast, the healthiness evaluation of the product from packaging cues was described as a permissive cue to eat more of the product. Participants in this study value their autonomy and control, preferring convenient behavioural choices over recommended portion servings. They also reported future concerns about the effects of their diet on health, but that current context (hunger, convenience) sometimes presented a barrier to healthy eating. Packaging does more than protect its contents, packaging can affect eating decisions to support portion control, and for some, offers permission to overconsume. This study identified ways that participants use packaging to make portion decisions, revealing the role of habits, current context and future health considerations. The interviews revealed the importance of consumer values on food choice in general and portion control in particular. In conclusion, smart food packaging design could use these findings to nudge healthy portion decisions by incorporating consumer values and by recognising consumer needs for habitual, current and future concerns.

Effect of Environmental pH on the Mechanics of Chitin and Chitosan: A Single-Molecule Study.

Chitin and chitosan are important structural macromolecules for most fungi and marine crustaceans. The functions and application areas of the two molecules are also adjacent beyond their similar molecular structure, such as tissue engineering and food safety where solution systems are involved. However, the elasticities of chitin and chitosan in solution lack comparison at the molecular level. In this study, the single-molecule elasticities of chitin and chitosan in different solutions are investigated via atomic force microscope (AFM) based single-molecule spectroscopy (SMFS). The results manifest that the two macromolecules share the similar inherent elasticity in DOSM due to their same chain backbone. However, obvious elastic deviations can be observed in aqueous conditions. Especially, a lower pH value (acid environment) is helpful to increase the elasticity of both chitin and chitosan. On the contrary, the tendency of elastic variation of chitin and chitosan in a larger pH value (alkaline environment) shows obvious diversity, which is mainly determined by the side groups. This basic study may produce enlightenment for the design of intelligent chitin and chitosan food packaging and biomedical materials.

Study on the Translation and Application of Hakka Cultural Symbols in Heyuan Tourist Food Packaging

According to the present situation of tourism food packaging design in Heyuan area, the problems such as lack of creativity, lack of cultural connotation and single function are found out. Color elements, modeling elements and decorative elements from Hakka culture are extracted and translated into tourist food packaging by means of design semiotics, and digital media technology is integrated to focus on functional innovation of food packaging. The design strategy of Hakka cultural translation in Heyuan tourist food packaging is proposed: “Modeling transplantation and theme narrative” highlight regional characteristics. “Visual presentation and emotional resonance” gives spiritual connotation. “Hakka culture and technology integration” highlights cultural inheritance, and applies it to the design of tourism food packaging, which is conducive to the dissemination and development of traditional culture. It helps to shape a good brand image, and further realizes the cultural value and economic value of tourism food packaging.

Intelligent Food Packaging Design Based on Visual Communication and Multimedia Technology

Intelligent Food Packaging Design Based on Visual Communication and Multimedia Technology

Photothermal controlled antibacterial Ta4C3Tx-AgNPs/nanocellulose bioplastic food packaging

Uncontrolled antibacterial, insufficient barrier and low strength are the bottlenecks of food packaging applications. Herein, Ta4C3Tx nanosheet as a template was used to prepare Ta4C3Tx immobilized silver nanoparticles (Ta4C3Tx-AgNPs), which was compounded with nanocellulose to obtain high-strength and high barrier controllable bactericidal nanocellulose-based bioplastic packaging (CTa-Ag). The results indicated that due to the hydrogen bonding between nanocellulose and Ta4C3Tx, the bridging effect of QCS (quaternized chitosan) and the filling of Ta4C3Tx-AgNPs, the CTa-Ag had tightly stacked microstructure, which endowed them with excellent mechanical properties (4.0 GPa), ultra-low oxygen permeability (0.009 cm3/m2·d·atm) and stable photothermal conversion efficiency. Importantly, the packaging exhibits the ability to control the release of antibacterial active ingredients. Moreover, the synergistic effects of controllable release of nano active factors, photothermal and photocatalysis in CTa-Ag gave it long-lasting antibacterial properties. This study brings new insights into the design and manufacture of multifunctional, controllable and long-lasting antibacterial bioplastic food packaging.

Are Gamification and Consumer Happiness the Links Between Gourmet Food Packaging Design and Mobile Points of Sales?

Based on the idea of gamified food packaging, the article follows several studies to propose a new integrative framework in gamified gourmet food packaging, lighting a new study area of the interplay of mobile marketing and packaging (as a communication vehicle) in the promotion management literature. We investigate the relationship between the masstige theory perspective on masstige (gourmet) food companies and the effects of gamification, specifically in mobile sales points, in the new extended framework that has been suggested. We propose an integrative framework comprising four key elements. These include consumer engagement with the brand, technological packaging design, consumer happiness, and consumer involvement at mobile point-of-sale. We employ a survey to gather data as part of our research methodology to test nine (9) research hypotheses and the mediating effect of consumer happiness and consumer involvement. The study offers valuable insights into promotions of gamified gourmet food packaging, bringing attention to the intersection of gamification and mobile sales points and how they impact consumer perceptions, intentions, and purchasing decisions.

Visual communication design: a neglected factor in nutrition promotion via packaged food labels.

Packaging design is a communication device and a critical component in branding strategy, and has relevance for food policy. Presently, packaging-related nutrition policy initiatives focus on the role of regulated claims, nutrition information panels and front-of-pack nutrition labels to help guide consumer food choices and address high prevalences of discretionary and ultra-processed food consumption in many countries. However, these nutrition labelling systems are not optimized as public health policy tools as many consumers do not use them to inform their food choices. Visual communication design theory posits that a designer orders the elements and principles of design into hierarchies that prioritize certain elements over others, and that some of these elements are more dominant and given more emphasis than others. The overall design of the package thereby directs consumer attention to some aspects of pack design (e.g., characters, contents of the package) and away from others (e.g., nutrition details). Dual processing frameworks propose that food decisions are made with the interplay between automatic and rational thinking processes. Packaging designs affect whether consumers rely predominantly on automatic or rational thinking to select a food. This narrative review outlines the role of food packaging design and how it impacts the clear communication of nutrition aspects of food products and how the use of nutrition information by consumers to make decisions may depend upon design structures in packaging. This article attests that nutrition scientists and policy makers should incorporate visual communication design into research on the food packaging as a public health promotion tool. A stronger focus on the communication of regulated front-of-pack nutrition information can be made with a re-evaluation of the hierarchy of elements in the front-of-pack design enabling consumers to make healthier decisions.

Computer-aided design of hand-drawn art food packaging design based on a deep neural network model

Background: The term “hand-drawn art food packaging design” (HAFPD) refers to a novel and creative method of food package design that makes use of hand-drawn illustrations, typography, and graphi graphics. This kind of design technique allows for a more individual touch, giving the package a special feeling that might strike a more meaningful connection with customers. Materials and Methods: Hand-drawn art on food packaging is a powerful tool for brand identification and awareness since it helps communicate the company's values, personality, and history. When it comes to developing HAFPD, computer-aided design (CAD) may be a very useful tool. The study proposes a deep neural network (DNN)-based CAD system for HAFPD. Results: The approach blends conventional hand-drawing processes with modern digital tools to empower designers to produce package designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and practically viable. Conclusion: To track duration statistics for watch design using CAD software, designers can use a time-tracking tool or plugin. These tools can track the time spent on different tasks, such as sketching, modeling, rendering, and refining the design in food packaging. The proposed technique offers designers an effective and simple way to produce distinctive food packaging designs while preserving the authenticity of hand-drawn artwork.

Research on the Application of Shandong Intangible Cultural Heritage in Food Packaging Design

Research on the Application of Shandong Intangible Cultural Heritage in Food Packaging Design

Consumer meaning -making of packaging functions for sustainable food packaging – Insights from qualitative research in Finland

The growing amount of waste originating from food packaging has increased both practical and scholarly interest in the technological development, design and marketing of sustainable food packaging. This article, in turn, scrutinizes the sustainability of packaging from the consumer perspective, arguing that the sustainability of a package is entangled not only in the content of the packaging but also in the functions it fulfills, and that the conditions for acceptable sustainable food packaging from the consumers' perspective differ from the packaging industry's views. We examine the meanings of the packaging functions for consumers based on the data collected through an online consumer panel in Finland. The findings show that while the containment function of packaging plays the most important role for the consumer in general, the informative function is particularly relevant from the viewpoint of sustainability. Moreover, we identified two novel functions consumers highly appreciate –usability and disposability – that are largely irrelevant from the industry perspective. The findings provide important insights in the transformation to more sustainable food packaging and in the development of novel packaging solutions.

건강한 노화를 위한 스마트 패키징 디자인 연구 동향 분석

With the advent of an ultra-aging society, there is a trend among the elderly to emphasize accessibility to product safety and nutritional information through smart packaging technology. Consequently, research in design related to this aspect has become increasingly important. This study aims to contribute to the direction of design research for the healthy aging of the elderly through an analysis of trends in smart packaging design research. Firstly, a systematic literature review was conducted, collecting and filtering textual data such as titles, keywords, abstracts, and publication years of documents selected with the search terms 'food' AND 'packaging design' OR 'elderly' OR ‘Aging Population’ from 2000 to 2023. Secondly, analysis results were derived through meta-analysis and text mining. Thirdly, conclusions and implications were proposed based on the analyzed results. The comprehensive findings of this study indicate that nanotechnology-based food packaging design is a key research area and keyword, serving as foundational material for shaping the themes and directions of smart packaging design.

배달 음식 패키지디자인의 기능 평가 및 개선 방향 연구 - 상하이(上海), 베이징(北京), 선전(深圳)시를 중심으로 -

배달 음식 패키지디자인의 기능 평가 및 개선 방향 연구 - 상하이(上海), 베이징(北京), 선전(深圳)시를 중심으로 -

Fluorescence and pectinase double-triggered chitosan/pectin/calcium propionate/curcumin-β-cyclodextrin complex film for pork freshness monitoring and maintenance

An intelligent and active food packaging film based on chitosan (CS), pectin (P), calcium propionate (CP), and curcumin-β-cyclodextrin complex (Cur-β-CD) was prepared. The CS/P/CP/Cur-β-CD film exhibited improved hydrophobicity (74.78 ± 0.53°), water vapor (4.55 ± 0.16 × 10−11 g·(m·s·Pa)−1), and oxygen (1.50 ± 0.06 × 10−12 g·(m·s·Pa)−1) barrier properties, as well as antioxidant (72.34 ± 3.79 % for DPPH and 86.05 ± 0.14 % for ABTS) and antibacterial (79.41 ± 2.89 % for E. coli and 83.82 ± 3.96 % for S. aureus) activities. The release of CP and Cur could be triggered by pectinase, with their cumulative release reaching 92.62 ± 1.20 % and 42.24 ± 1.15 %, respectively. The CS/P/CP/Cur-β-CD film showed delayed alterations in surface color, pH value, total volatile bases nitrogen, total viable counts, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, hardness, and springiness of pork. Additionally, the fluorescence intensity of the film gradually decreased. In conclusion, we have developed a pH-responsive film with pectinase-triggered release function, providing a new concept for the design of multi-signal responsive intelligent food packaging.