Сommodity science and logistics aspects of ecological packaging

Abstract

The article substantiates the commodity science and logistics aspects of eco-friendly packaging as a practical tool for implementing the principles of sustainable development in enterprises. It is emphasized that the intensification of environmental challenges and the growing requirements for producer responsibility drive the transition to biodegradable and reusable packaging solutions, while the concept of green logistics considers eco-packaging a factor in reducing plastic waste, increasing resource efficiency, and optimizing packaging costs. Based on a critical analysis of scholarly sources, approaches to defining the concept of “packaging” are systematized, and the feasibility of integrating them into two complementary blocks is demonstrated: a commodity science block (packaging as a technical means or a set of means and elements for protecting and preserving goods) and a marketing block (packaging as an instrument of communication, positioning, and promotion). The synthesis of approaches to the content of the concept “eco-friendly packaging” made it possible to propose the authors’ interpretation of it as a complex phenomenon that combines: sustainability characteristics and minimal environmental impact; a material and technological basis in the form of “clean” materials and innovative technologies; and an activity component associated with the search, development, and implementation of eco-packaging solutions. Criteria for the environmental friendliness of packaging are defined; the characteristic features and functions of eco-packaging are outlined, including social, advocacy, and regulatory functions; and its key advantages and limitations are summarized, which shape the economic, technological, and logistics challenges of implementation. The volume of the global eco-friendly packaging market was analyzed and a forecast for 2026 was prepared, confirming a sustained upward trend in demand and the strengthening of market and regulatory incentives for the greening of packaging. Current trends are summarized, including the spread of reusable solutions, increasing recyclability requirements, the development of the eco-polymer packaging segment (biopolymers), and the use of artificial intelligence tools to improve the quality and reliability of packaging solutions.