The role of packaging suppliers in food innovations in Sweden

This study investigated how selected packaging suppliers viewed innovations in food packaging, their role and the roles of other actors in the chain. Six companies and ten respondents were selected based on suggestions from previous interviews of retailers and food manufacturers. Data collection consisted of responses to specific questions followed by responses to open-ended questions. The results showed that many packaging suppliers are far removed from the end customers/consumers and out of touch with wishes and trends in the market, but that they have been responsible for many innovations in Sweden. This presents an opportunity for supply chain collaboration.