Current Perspectives on the Development of Food Packaging in Local Agri-Food Systems: an Integrative Review

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to consolidate a theoretical framework on the development of food packaging within the context of family farming and local agri-food systems, focusing on a critical analysis of the existing literature.   Theoretical Framework: The study addresses active and intelligent packaging, new bioactive materials, and biopolymers, focusing on food quality and safety. It also explores strategic design, environmental impact, food waste, emerging trends, consumer behavior, circular economy, and the role of packaging in territorial sustainability and local food entrepreneurship.   Method: The methodology consisted of applied, exploratory, and descriptive research, using longitudinal and cross-sectional studies. An integrative review was conducted, initially including 755 articles indexed in databases such as "Periódicos CAPES", "Web of Science", "Scopus", and "Science Direct", of which 47 texts were selected based on the "PRISMA 2020" protocol. The analysis of the selected articles was supported by the "Parsifal" tool, generative artificial intelligence solutions "SciSpace-Copilot" and "ChatGPT-4", and the "VOSviewer" software for graphical-bibliometric analyses.   Results and Discussion: The importance of technological innovations in packaging was identified, highlighting sustainable practices and the challenges to increase the competitiveness and sustainability of agri-food products.   Research Implications: The study emphasizes the need for innovations in packaging design to enhance competitiveness, as well as the importance of interdisciplinary approaches that integrate technical, environmental, and consumer aspects.   Originality/Value: It contributes to the literature by mapping technological innovations in packaging and their applications in local agri-food systems, providing insights into the integration between technology, sustainability, and food systems.