Innovative Packaging Research Articles

Dissolvable microneedles (DMNs) have emerged as a groundbreaking drug delivery platform, offering a minimally invasive alternative to conventional parenteral and oral administration while enabling precise, pain-free, and patient-friendly therapeutic delivery. This review provides a comprehensive technical overview of the design, materials, and translational challenges of DMN systems. We begin by examining critical design parameters, including microneedle geometry, array configuration, mechanical strength, and drug distribution, that directly influence insertion efficiency, structural integrity, and dissolution kinetics. The role of mathematical modeling in optimizing DMN performance is also explored, offering insights into drug diffusion, structural mechanics, and dissolution kinetics. The materials section highlights the diverse natural and synthetic polymers used in DMN fabrication, along with additives and stabilizers that modulate drug release, improve biocompatibility, and ensure formulation stability. Despite significant advances in preclinical research, the translation of DMNs into clinical and commercial applications remains hindered by several factors, including limitations in drug loading capacity, manufacturing scalability, dose precision, long-term storage stability, and regulatory complexity. We also explore user-centric challenges, including ease of administration, patient compliance, and cost-effectiveness. The final section discusses current strategies to address these barriers, including the use of smart and stimuli-responsive polymers, next-generation microfabrication techniques, and packaging innovations designed to enhance shelf life and user handling. Through this, we aim to provide a critical perspective on the design, materials, and future potential of DMN technology, charting a path toward its successful integration into mainstream healthcare systems.

An all-natural sustainable packaging strategy driven by hydrogen bond self-assembly for the fresh-cut apple and perishable grape preservation.

Development and innovations in collagen-based packaging for enhancing food safety and shelf life

Carboxymethyl chitosan-based multifunctional films combined with tea polyphenols and copper oxide nanoparticles for promising food packaging capabilities.

Recent advances: How bioactive agents combine with packaging systems to impact preservation effects.

Quality changes and improvement strategies of prefabricated aquatic products during storage and reheating processes.

Abstract In today’s competitive market environment, packaging, labeling, and branding have emerged as decisive factors influencing consumer perception and behaviour. This study examines the interconnected role of these elements in shaping purchasing decisions, trust, and long-term loyalty. Using a structured survey of 250 respondents across diverse demographic and cultural backgrounds, the research employed descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis to evaluate the extent to which packaging aesthetics, label transparency, and brand consistency affect consumer attitudes. Findings reveal that packaging design, particularly colour, shape, and eco-friendly materials, significantly drives initial consumer attention and purchase intentions. Labels serve as a crucial bridge of trust, with clarity, nutritional information, and third-party certifications strongly influencing credibility. Notably, misleading or ambiguous labeling was found to reduce consumer trust by 68%. Branding emerged as the most influential long-term factor, with consistent visual identity, value alignment, and reputation strongly correlating with loyalty (r = 0.65). Cross-cultural and demographic differences were also observed: urban and younger consumers favoured innovative packaging and branding, while rural and older consumers prioritized simplicity, transparency, and product authenticity. The study highlights three key drivers of consumer perception: visual attractiveness, quality of information, and brand trust. Together, they account for over 70% of the variance in consumer behaviour. The findings suggest that businesses adopting integrated strategies—combining creative packaging, transparent labeling, and consistent branding—can build stronger consumer relationships and gain competitive advantage. Beyond managerial implications, the study underscores the importance of sustainability and ethical communication in shaping modern consumer expectations. Recommendations include investment in eco-friendly packaging, adoption of transparent labeling practices, and segmentation-based branding strategies tailored to demographic preferences. This research contributes to the literature by offering a holistic analysis of product presentation, bridging marketing practice with consumer psychology, and providing actionable insights for both firms and policymakers. Keywords: Packaging Design, Labeling Transparency, Branding, Consumer Behaviour

Food product packaging plays a crucial role in determining market competitiveness, particularly for local food products in rural areas. Proper packaging not only preserves product quality but also significantly influences consumer purchasing decisions and product marketability. Despite the growing recognition of packaging importance, many small-scale food producers in Indonesia still face challenges in implementing standard packaging practices due to limited knowledge, resources, and access to modern packaging technology. This Community Service Program (PKM) was carried out by a team of lecturers from the Business Administration Department of the Malang State Polytechnic as an effort to increase the added value and competitiveness of the local food product “Duwet Polinema Catfish Nuggets” in Duwet Village, Tumpang District, Malang Regency. The main problems faced by the producer community are limited knowledge of product packaging and labeling, a lack of effective promotional strategies, and the unavailability of modern packaging equipment. The activities were carried out using a participatory approach through stages of socialization, technical training, promotional assistance, and the provision of vacuum sealer machine grants. The results of the activity showed an increase in the community's skills in packaging according to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) principles, an improvement in product quality through hygienic and aesthetic packaging, and a strengthening of digital promotion capabilities. The synergy between academics and the community proved to be effective in increasing the added value and competitiveness of local products based on fishery potential, while strengthening the community's economic independence in a sustainable manner.

This study aims to analyze the role and functions of Rancage Cooperative in empowering tin-craftsmen groups in Dukuh Hamlet, Pasir Mukti Village, Citeureup, Bogor Regency. A qualitative descriptive method was employed, with data collected through participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation of cooperative activities. Data were analyzed using Miles & Huberman’s model (reduction, display, verification) and validated through triangulation and member checking. The findings indicate that Rancage Cooperative plays a vital role in organizing production, setting collective prices, facilitating marketing, and conducting specialization training. These functions positively impact members’ income, expand market networks across regions, and stabilize product prices. However, challenges remain in production capacity, packaging innovation, and access to financing. From an Islamic economics perspective, the cooperative reflects the principles of ta’awun (mutual help), fair pricing, and honesty in transactions, as emphasized in Qur’an (Al-Maidah: 2; An-Nisa: 29) and the Prophet’s Hadith on the virtue of kindness in business dealings.

Community Service is an implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education that focuses on improving community welfare through collaboration between academics and local communities. This program aims to enhance the economic capacity of society through the development of the Women Entrepreneurs Group “Kampung Kue” in Ceweng Village, Diwek District, Jombang Regency. Most of the members are housewives running small traditional businesses facing challenges in business management, digital marketing, and product innovation. The activity was conducted in April 2025, involving 30 active participants through a participatory approach. The main activities consisted of financial management training, digital marketing workshops using social media, and product packaging innovation guidance to improve attractiveness and hygiene. The results indicated significant improvement in participants’ entrepreneurial skills, digital marketing capabilities, and product quality. This program contributes to women’s economic independence in rural areas and is expected to become a model of sustainable community-based economic empowerment.

In recent years, the use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in various fields has been investigated due to their highly potent properties. One of these areas is the adaptation of AgNPs to food packaging/preservation technologies. The primary reasons for the use of AgNPs in food preservation studies are their high levels of antibacterial, antioxidant, and antifungal activities. In particular, the slow and controlled release of silver provides a sustained protective effect throughout the contact period of AgNP-integrated packaging with food and reduces microbial load by preventing biofilm formation. Furthermore, high thermal stability of AgNPs provides high protection to foods under various conditions. Their high surface-area-to-volume ratio, making them effective even at low concentrations, further supports AgNPs as a promising alternative in food preservation technologies. Moreover, their ease of surface modification facilitates the integration of these nanoparticles (NPs) into polymer matrices, biodegradable films, and coatings. Additionally, some AgNP-based films are also used in smart packaging applications, providing a color change indicator of degradation. Their broad pH tolerance enhances their applicability to a variety of food types, from dairy to meat products. For all these reasons, AgNPs are considered as one of the essential components of innovative food packaging to slow down food spoilage, prevent microbial contamination, and provide safer, longer-lasting products to the consumer, and studies on them are ongoing.

Bio-based and sustainable food packaging technology has emerged as a crucial solution to address the environmental impact of conventional plastic packaging. Bio-based food packaging represents a vital advancement toward environmentally sustainable solutions in the food industry. These materials, derived from renewable biological sources such as polysaccharides, proteins, and biopolymers, offer significant benefits including reduced dependency on fossil fuels, biodegradability, and potential for compost ability, all contributing to lowered plastic pollution and carbon footprint. Their capacity to protect and preserve food while minimizing environmental impact aligns closely with global sustainability goals and growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products. Nevertheless, challenges remain in performance optimization, cost competitiveness, scalability, and regulatory acceptance that must be overcome for broader implementation. Addressing these obstacles requires continued research into enhancing mechanical and barrier properties, innovation in active and intelligent packaging technologies, and robust policy support to foster market adoption. Collaboration across industry, academia, and policymakers will be crucial to accelerating these developments. Looking ahead, the integration of emerging materials such as nanocomposites, advances in circular economy models, and stronger regulatory frameworks offer promising pathways to sustainable growth. Future research focusing on lifecycle impact reduction, multifunctional materials, and consumer education will ultimately drive the transition to a more sustainable packaging future. By embracing these innovations and commitments, bio-based food packaging stands to play a pivotal role in reducing environmental burdens while supporting food quality and safety. The review also discusses major challenges including material performance limitations, scalability, cost, and regulatory aspects. Finally, it highlights future prospects involving advanced bio-composites, active and intelligent packaging innovations, and circular economy integration, emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary strategies for transitioning towards sustainable food packaging systems.

Kramat Village, located in Tlanakan District, Pamekasan Regency, is a coastal area with abundant fisheries resources, one of which is fish paste (petis ikan), a long-standing local product. However, the processing businesses in this village still face challenges, particularly in terms of simple packaging and traditional marketing patterns, making it difficult to compete in modern markets. To address these issues, the Community Service Program (KKN) of Universitas Madura implemented training and mentoring focused on packaging innovation and the introduction of digital marketing strategies. The implementation methods included field observations, interviews with business actors, training to improve product quality, trial application of new packaging, and program evaluation. The results indicated significant improvements in product packaging quality, entrepreneurial skills in branding, and the utilization of social media as a promotional tool. A key achievement was the shift in entrepreneurs’ mindset from merely producing for local consumption to targeting broader markets. The program’s contribution lies in producing more competitive fish paste products, enhancing entrepreneurial literacy among the community, and strengthening the competitiveness of local MSMEs. Therefore, this KKN activity not only creates short-term impacts but also opens opportunities for sustainable community economic development.

Systematic review of innovations in food packaging with a focus on circularity and the reduction of food loss and waste

At a time when companies are increasingly being encouraged to rethink their consumption models, the adoption of innovative packaging solutions is a promising way of stimulating creativity and competitiveness. Although interesting, this innovation has a social, environmental and economic impact throughout its life cycle, from production to end-of-life. This article highlights how this social impact affects employability and job creation. Using a Social Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA) combined with a mixed approach, the results will shed light on how this innovation impacts job creation and what differences can be identified between the countries studied. This research lays the foundations for the study by examining the link between sustainability and employability. By focusing on the points of convergence between these two concepts, it aims to shed light on how each influences the other. The aim is then to gain a better understanding of the potential synergies that may emerge and to identify the practical implications for industry players. This research stands out for its approach and its ability, firstly, to offer an analysis of the existing synergies between the two concepts and, secondly, to prepare the ground for the current study.

Indian gooseberry (IG), also known as amla, is a nutritionally and therapeutically important fruit with extraordinary levels of vitamin C, polyphenolic content, and a wide range of therapeutic properties. Despite these benefits, commercial applications of fresh IG fruit have been limited, largely because of rapid post-harvest decay. It is estimated that one-third of the harvested crops are lost to mechanical injury, microbial decay, and physiological disorders. This review synthesizes the existing literature on integrated post-harvest management practices that can maintain the quality and prolong the marketability of IG. A structured search of Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and PubMed databases was conducted to identify studies on the integrated post-harvest management of IG fruit. The retrieved evidence was synthesized and used in this review to assess practices that sustain quality and extend marketability. It discusses the effects of cultivar selection, nutrient and irrigation management, pest and disease management, and harvest maturity on post-harvest outcomes in the context of the pre-harvest to post-harvest continuum. Post-harvest handling (sorting, grading, pre-cooling, and sanitation), chemical (calcium salts and fungicides), physical (UV-C irradiation and hot-water dip), and biologically derived methods (chitosan coating and edible film) to control storability are discussed. Permeable packages, such as perforated polyethylene films, corrugated fiberboard cartons, and modified atmosphere packaging, are reviewed for their contribution to preserving IG fruit quality during shipping and storage. Storage conditions were optimized for controlled temperatures (8 °C), high relative humidity, and adequate ventilation to reduce ripening and deterioration. Integrated disease control through sanitation, temperature management, targeted use of fungicides, and emerging biological agents are key to minimizing spoilage. The potential for waste reduction and functional product development using various traditional and modern processing methods, including non-thermal preservation technologies, is explored for their ability to support waste reduction and functional product development in a global market valued at over USD 1.2 billion. The combined application of these measures is critical for extending shelf life, nutrition quality, and economic returns; enhancing the value chain of IG (both domestic and international markets); and sustaining the livelihoods of producers. HIGHLIGHTS Pre-harvest factors (cultivar, nutrition, timing) are key for post-harvest management. Post-harvest handling (sorting, grading, pre-cooling, sanitation) boosts IG fruit value. A primary concern of IG fruit is spoilage from Penicillium islandicum. Innovative packaging and controlled storage delay ripening and preserve nutrition of IG fruits. Value-added processing (traditional/non-thermal) reduces waste and creates new markets. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Time-temperature-dependent structuring of corn starch biopolymer films under retrogradation conditions.

Innovative bio-based active packaging: Functional composite films reinforced with biochar for meat preservation

The increasing demand for packaging technologies that actively maintain food quality and safety has highlighted the potential of silicon dioxide (SiO₂) as a multifunctional material. This review discusses the physicochemical properties, mechanisms of action, application formats, functional performance, and regulatory aspects of SiO₂ in active food packaging. Amorphous and mesoporous forms of SiO₂ exhibit high surface area, strong adsorption capacity, and thermal stability, enabling their use as moisture and oxygen absorbers as well as carriers for antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds. Reported applications include silica gel sachets for moisture control, coatings and films reinforced with nanosilica, and mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) for controlled release of bioactive agents. Experimental evidence demonstrates that these systems can effectively reduce microbial growth, delay fruit ripening, and slow lipid oxidation, thereby extending shelf life while maintaining sensory quality. At the same time, nanosilica raises safety concerns due to potential migration and bioaccumulation, prompting stricter toxicological testing and regulatory oversight by bodies such as FDA, EFSA, and BPOM. The main finding of this review is that amorphous and mesoporous SiO₂ consistently provide superior functionality compared to crystalline forms, while regulatory compliance and consumer acceptance remain key challenges. Overall, SiO₂ shows strong promise as a safe and effective active packaging component, with future opportunities in smart and biodegradable packaging innovations. HIGHLIGHTS Silicon dioxide (SiO2) offers multifunctional advantages in food packaging, including moisture and oxygen absorption, antimicrobial activity, and antioxidant delivery. The material’s high surface area, stability, and biocompatibility make it highly effective for extending food shelf life and improving safety. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of SiO2 applications, mechanisms, and regulatory perspectives, offering clear guidance for future research and industrial adoption. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Tempoyak, a traditional fermented food derived from durian (Durio zibethinus), which holds considerable cultural, nutritional, and health significance, and plays an important role in Jambi’s distinctive culinary heritage. This product is generally produced through spontaneous fermentation dominated by Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB), which plays a crucial role in shaping its sensory attributes, texture, and antimicrobial properties. Nevertheless, such traditional fermentation practices often lead to inconsistent product quality due to variability in raw materials, fermentation conditions, and microbial composition. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the integration of modern food technologies aimed at improving the quality, safety, and functional potential of tempoyak, including molecular-based microbial identification, the use of starter cultures and standardized durian raw materials, as well as the application of innovative packaging technologies such as High Pressure Processing (HPP) and vacuum packaging. These approaches are anticipated to ensure more consistent and safe production of tempoyak, while simultaneously enhancing its functional and economic value, thereby reinforcing its recognition as a heritage food with global market potential.