Method for Strategic Design in the Food Packaging System: Packaged Product Life Cycle Tool

Abstract

A research study was conducted in order to understand how food packaging systems are configured in Chile, and what should a method for strategic design within food packaging systems address. Relevant literature about these topics was consulted and analyzed. A series of interviews were conducted with experts on food packaging design. On-site observations were conducted in several food and packaging plants and operations. Data were analyzed using qualitative techniques. The results show the complexity of food packaging systems, the life cycle stages that make up these, and the kind of information that must flow within design teams in order to work on developing such systems. Based on the results, a method and toolkit were developed to help decision making, planning and design in packaging design projects. This article elaborates about the tool named Packaged Product Life Cycle that is part of the method and toolkit.