Packaging plays a significant role in food safety and the protection of essential nutrients. But consumers expect much more from it: there is a growing desire for sustainable materials that can be flexibly used and easily handled – even at home.

Which type of packaging is perceived as sustainable and accepted by consumers?

Looking at the further advancement of sustainable packaging, consumer expectations are central. What is perceived as sustainable by the public? Which materials and preservation methods are understood and accepted by consumers?

The challenge for design

In this context, design has a vital and twofold task. First of all, it has to sell sustainability while at the same time it has to be convenient to use. How can packaging design meet these challenges? Especially when taking into account an ever ageing population that has special ergonomics needs that have to be addressed.

These questions and their implications for household packaging are the focus of the Round Table. Or to put it in a nutshell: How can design help enhance sustainability as well as sensory perception while also being ergonomic?

 

Hands-on session and discussion

The Round Table will discuss this by presenting recent research on consumer needs and looking at new packaging materials and methods to enhance shelf life. The conference will be accompanied by an extensive practical session. This will offer participants the opportunity to test the convenience of packaging themselves and discover the effects that age or illness can have on handling. A guided discussion will highlight the conflict areas regarding sustainability and design when it comes to the packaging of various food items.

The conference pack and the presentation are to be found at the download center.

Would you like to apply for access to the Download Center? Find the right contact person here.