Integrating Sustainability into Modern Packaging Design: A Multifaceted Approach to Eco-Innovation

  • Ning Li College of Creative Arts, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Asliza Aris College of Creative Arts, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Rose Dahlina Rusli College of Creative Arts, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Keywords: Modern packaging design, Sustainable, Eco-Innovation, Environmental protection

Abstract

This dissertation addresses the relatively new research field of integrating sustainable parameters into modern packaging design, focusing on materials, structural efficiency, and end-user engagement strategies. Using a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative case studies and quantitative user feedback, we demonstrate how applied eco-design principles can reduce environmental impacts while maintaining functional and aesthetic qualities. Survey data from CHEERDAY in Hangzhou, China (n = 207) and focus group discussions (n = 20) revealed that consumers strongly prefer minimalist, reusable, and interactive packaging. Specifically, 78% of respondents prioritized recyclability, while 65% valued multifunctional packaging for gifts. These findings contribute to sustainable packaging theory by proposing a practical framework that balances ecological responsibility with market demands.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Bolgi, M. (2023). Differences of Attitude towards Eco-friendly Products in Ireland between Generations from Gen Z to Baby Boomer (Doctoral dissertation, Dublin Business School).

Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2021). The circular design guide. Ellen Macarthur Foundation. https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/circular-design-guide/overview

Ghouse, S. M., Shekhar, R., & Chaudhary, M. (2024). Sustainable choices of Gen Y and Gen Z: exploring green horizons. Management & Sustainability: An Arab Review. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/MSAR-04-2024-0018

Hallam, T. (2023). The Future of Sustainable Packaging: Long-term Strategic Forecasts to 2034. Smithers. https://www.smithers.com/services/market-reports/packaging/the-future-of-sustainable-packaging-long-term-stra

Jerschefske, D. (2018). Liner recycling: dispelling the myths. Labels & Labeling. https://www.labelsandlabeling.com/features/sustainability/liner-recycling-dispelling-myths

Khan, M. S., Khan, S. A., Shabbir, S., Umar, M., Mohapatra, S., Khuroo, T., Naseef, P. P., Kuruniyan, M. S., Iqbal, Z., & Mirza, M. A. (2022). Raw materials, technology, healthcare applications, patent repository and clinical trials on 4D printing technology: An updated review. Pharmaceutics, 15(1), 116.

Kim, S. (2022). Investigation of the Environmental Effect of Unit Load Design Optimization Using Physical Interaction Between Pallets and Corrugated Boxes (Doctoral dissertation, Virginia Tech).

Lim, W. M., Das, M., Sharma, W., Verma, A., & Kumra, R. (2025). Gamification for sustainable consumption: a state‐of‐the‐art overview and future agenda. Business Strategy and the Environment, 34(1), 1510-1549.

Magalhães, M. I., & Almeida, A. P. (2023). Nature-inspired cellulose-based active materials: From 2D to 4D. Applied Biosciences, 2(1), 94-114.

Mahadevan, S. (2024). Clouding the Future: Innovating Towards Net-Zero Emissions. International Journal of Computing and Engineering, 6(2), 17-23.

Mazur-Wierzbicka, E. (2021). Circular economy: advancement of European Union countries. Environmental Sciences Europe, 33, 1-15.

Michel, M. (2025, February 17). Nestlé has met its 2025 climate target ahead of schedule. CSO Futures. https://www.csofutures.com/news/nestle-has-met-its-2025-climate-target-one-year-ahead-of-schedule/

Nassar, M. M., & Sider, I. (2021). Evaluation of novel compatibility strategies for improving the performance of recycled low-density polyethylene based biocomposites. Polymers, 13(20), 3486.

Nikolakopoulou, V., Vosinakis, S., Nikopoulos, G., Stavrakis, M., Politopoulos, N., Fragkedis, L., & Koutsabasis, P. (2022). Design and user experience of a hybrid mixed reality installation that promotes tinian marble crafts heritage. ACM Journal on Computing and Cultural Heritage, 15(4), 1-21.

Pogačar, A., & Gregor-Svetec, D. (2025). Eco-Friendly Design for Sustainable Gift Packaging. Applied Sciences, 15(6), 2973.

Rahman, S. M. (2022). Exploring feedstock supply chain for large scale manufacturing of recycled cellulosic textile fiber: A collaborative business model analysis. [Master’s Thesis, Uppsala Universitet].

Saygili, E. (2021). CO2 Emission Reduction Challenge for Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) Beyond 2020: The European LCV market assessment through CO2 regulations with technical, economic and social analysis (Doctoral dissertation, Politecnico di Torino).

Schaper, P., Riedmann, A., Oberdörfer, S., Krähe, M., & Lugrin, B. (2022). Addressing waste separation with a persuasive augmented reality app. Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction, 6(MHCI), 1-16.

Seiberlich, H. (2025, March 12). Minimalist Packaging: Designing for Sustainability. Meyers. https://meyers.com/meyers-blog/minimalist-packaging-designing-for-sustainability/

Shanahan, M., Bahia, K., Carboni, I., Sibthorpe, C., Tiel Groenestege, M., Shannon Baxter, A., Fernando Aquije Ballon, H., & Ouattara Boni, A.-N. (2023, October). The State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2023. GSMA. https://www.gsma.com/r/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/The-State-of-Mobile-Internet-Connectivity-Report-2023.pdf

Stipp, H. (2025). Global industrial plastic waste generation by sector. Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/960038/plastic-waste-by-industrial-sector-worldwide/

Storyteller, A. (2023, October 29). AI-Powered Innovations in the Chemical Industry: BASF SE Leading the Way - Cash Platform. Cash Platform. https://www.cash-platform.com/ai-powered-innovations-in-the-chemical-industry-basf-se-leading-the-way/

SupplyChain 360. (2023, July). Unlocking Success: Unilever’s Digital Supply Chain Reshaping. SupplyChain 360. https://supplychain360.io/navigating-the-future-unilevers-digital-supply-chain-evolution/

Tanaka, D., Dente, R., & Hashimoto, S. (2024). How Do Eco-Labels for Everyday Products Made of Recycled Plastic Affect Consumer Behavior? Sustainability, 16(12), 4878–4878. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16124878

Tsai, S. C. (2023). Learning with mobile augmented reality-and automatic speech recognition-based materials for English listening and speaking skills: Effectiveness and perceptions of non-English major English as a foreign language students. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 61(2), 444-465.

Verma, S. K., Prasad, A., & Katiyar, V. (2024). State of art review on sustainable biodegradable polymers with a market overview for sustainability packaging. Materials Today Sustainability, 100776.

Vohra, S., Roussiere, P., Vasal, A., Guan, L., Tanguturi, P., Xiong, Y., & Khare Patnaik, D. (2024). The art of AI maturity: Advancing from practice to performance. Accenture. https://www.accenture.com/content/dam/system-files/acom/custom-code/ai-maturity/Accenture-Art-of-AI-Maturity-Report-Global-Revised.pdf

Water Footprint Network. (2023). WaterPub – Data and publication. Water Footprint Network. https://www.waterfootprint.org/publications/

Wautelet., P. (2025). R&D Innovation Enabling Sustainable Packaging Solutions in Consumer Packaged Goods. Avery Dennison. https://www.averydennison.com/en/home/news/leadership-perspectives/pascale-wautelet/r-and-d-innovation-enabling-sustainable-packaging-solutions-cpg.html

World Bank Group. (2023). Global Waste to Grow by 70 Percent by 2050 Unless Urgent Action is Taken: World Bank Report. World Bank Group. https://www.worldbank.org

World Economic Forum. (2019, November 14). Making the $4.5 trillion circular economy opportunity a reality. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/impact/helping-the-circular-economy-become-a-reality/#:~:text=A%20circular%20economy%20is%20a,additional%20economic%20output%20by%202030.

Published
2025-06-24
How to Cite
Li, N., Aris, A. and Rusli, R. D. (2025) “Integrating Sustainability into Modern Packaging Design: A Multifaceted Approach to Eco-Innovation”, Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (MJSSH), 10(6), p. e003414. doi: 10.47405/mjssh.v10i6.3414.
Section
Articles