The integration of advanced sensors and digital technologies into food packaging systems has catalyzed the emergence of Smart Packaging 4.0, transitioning the package from a passive barrier into an intelligent cyber-physical interface for real-time monitoring and traceability. This study employs a systematic bibliometric analysis to map the intellectual structure of the field using bibliographic data retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science, analyzing a refined dataset of 253 unique documents published between 2015 and 2024 that exhibit a robust annual publication growth rate of 30.31%. Co-occurrence and network clustering analyses reveal three dominant research themes: (i) physicochemical sensing (pH sensors and colorimetry) for real-time spoilage detection; (ii) active and bioactive materials (anthocyanins and chitosan) for functional food protection; and (iii) digital supply chain integration (RFID and IoT) for enhanced traceability and logistics. The technological evolution is characterized by a strategic shift from the foundations of modified atmosphere packaging in Phase I (2017-2019) and biodegradable sensor-embedded materials in Phase II (2020-2022) to the current peak of innovation in Phase III (2023-2024), which defines Smart Packaging 4.0 through the convergence of AI, blockchain, and predictive analytics for secure and autonomous food management. Despite these advancements, critical barriers to large-scale commercialization persist, notably nanomaterial safety concerns regarding the migration of ZnO and TiO2 into food, prohibitive sensor costs, and regulatory fragmentation between the European Union's positive-list approach and the United States' exposure-based model. This study provides a strategic decision-support framework that aligns technological innovation with global sustainability mandates, offering actionable insights to guide the development of next-generation intelligent, eco-efficient food packaging ecosystems.
Djafar et al. (Thu,) studied this question.