Cluster analysis of smart food packaging technologies based on technological complexity and environmental sustainability: A case study of strawberries

Rajabloo, Khadijeh; Razavi, Seyed Hadi; Emam Jomeh, Zahra

doi:10.22104/ift.2026.8178.2278

Cluster analysis of smart food packaging technologies based on technological complexity and environmental sustainability: A case study of strawberries

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Khadijeh Rajabloo ¹

Seyed Hadi Razavi ²

Zahra Emam Jomeh ²

¹ PhD Candidate in Food Science and Engineering, Aras International Campus, University of Tehran

² Professor, Department of Food Science and Engineering, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran

10.22104/ift.2026.8178.2278

Abstract

Global food supply chains are increasingly challenged by high levels of food loss, short shelf life of perishable products, and growing consumer demand for food safety, quality assurance, and transparency. Conventional food packaging systems, which primarily serve passive protective functions, are no longer sufficient to address these challenges, particularly for highly perishable fruits such as strawberries. In response, smart packaging has emerged as an innovative technological solution capable of monitoring product quality, environmental conditions, and supply chain integrity through the integration of sensors, indicators, and digital communication technologies. Despite its technical potential, the large-scale adoption of smart packaging remains limited, mainly due to uncertainties related to pricing, economic feasibility, and market acceptance. The price of smart packaging is influenced by a complex interaction of technological complexity, functional performance, and sustainability considerations. However, empirical studies that simultaneously quantify these economic drivers and contextualize them within global scientific trends remain scarce. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the key determinants of smart packaging pricing using a convergent mixed-methods approach. Specifically, it seeks to (i) quantitatively evaluate the effects of technological complexity, functional added value, and environmental sustainability on pricing, and (ii) qualitatively map the conceptual structure and dominant research streams in the international smart packaging literature. By integrating economic modeling with text-mining-based knowledge mapping, this research provides a comprehensive understanding of how scientific priorities align—or conflict—with market valuation mechanisms in the smart food packaging domain.

Graphical Abstract

Cluster analysis of smart food packaging technologies based on technological complexity and environmental sustainability: A case study of strawberries

Highlights

A mixed-methods approach was used to simultaneously analyze economic pricing factors and the scientific knowledge structure of smart packaging.
The regression model indicated that "technological complexity" is the strongest positive driver in smart packaging pricing, explaining 91.9% of variations.
Quantitative findings revealed a significant negative impact of "environmental sustainability level" on final product pricing under current market conditions.
Integrating results revealed a deep gap between the scientific emphasis on sustainability and its negative economic valuation in the market.

Keywords

Smart Packaging

Pricing

Technological Complexity

Sustainability

Cluster Analysis

Subjects

Food packaging

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