Strategies for Achieving Sustainability in Design-Driven Food Packaging: A Multi-Case Evaluation Within a Circular Economy Framework

This study investigates how design-driven strategies enhance sustainability in food packaging within a circular economy framework. It identifies how design choices mediate environmental performance, usability and consumer behaviour, moving beyond material substitution as the sole sustainability strategy. A qualitative multi-case study using secondary data was adopted, supported by a design-based evaluation matrix applied to five packaging types (bioplastic tray, paper carton, glass jar, reusable modular container and compostable pouch). Thematic analysis compared cases across environmental, functional and behavioural dimensions using a transparent 0–3 scoring rubric. Design effectiveness depends less on material novelty and more on systemic compatibility with recovery infrastructures and user interaction. Packaging featuring intuitive functionality (resealability, clear disposal cues) and closed-loop integration achieved higher sustainability scores. Glass jars and reusable containers demonstrated superior circular-economy alignment; biobased and compostable materials underperformed due to infrastructural and behavioural constraints. The study introduces a design-based evaluation matrix integrating behavioural, functional and environmental criteria, offering a practical decision-support tool for designers, policymakers and waste managers. Reliance on secondary data and five cases limits generalisability. Future work should combine life-cycle metrics with primary consumer insights.