Assessment of consumer awareness regarding the implementation of innovative food packaging
¹Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW, Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Production Engineering, Nowoursynowska 166, PL02-787 Warsaw, Poland
²Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW, Faculty of Production Engineering, Nowoursynowska 166, PL02-787 Warsaw, Poland
*Correspondence: marek_gaworski@sggw.edu.pl
Abstract:
Food packaging fulfills many practical functions. They protect against harmful external factors and facilitate transport, distribution on the market, and storage of products in households. They also provide information on food products’ type and composition, preparation method, and shelf life. The important role played by packaging contributes to their continuous improvement. An example of this improvement is the implementation of innovative solutions, including active and intelligent packaging. The question remains whether consumers know about these innovative facilities and whether they use them. In search of an answer to this question, a survey was conducted on 210 respondents in the Mazovian region (Poland). The survey aimed to assess consumer knowledge and awareness of active and intelligent food packaging. The study was conducted using the CAWI (Computer-Assisted Web Interview) method. As many as 79% of respondents did not know the term active packaging. It was similar in the case of intelligent packaging – 79% of respondents did not know this type of packaging. Respondents also showed a low level of knowledge regarding the different types of inserts in active packaging and examples of benefits offered by intelligent packaging. The survey results suggest the need to disseminate knowledge and benefits related to active and intelligent packaging.
Key words:
active packaging, consumer awareness, intelligent packaging, respondents, survey