Browsing by Author "Syvänen, Silja"

Packaging is a part of an integrated food system, where actors are linked through value chains. This research aimed to identify collaboration amongst the primary external stakeholders of the fiber based packaging value chain of CH-Polymers Oy, and to understand the decision making regarding supplier and material selection. This research was conducted as a qualitative case study that explored the experiences of 6 companies. Semi-structured interviews were conducted as the main data collection method. The data collected from the interviews was analyzed using thematic analysis method. The findings showed that stakeholders were dependent on each other, shared mutual goals and understood the benefits and necessity of collaboration. Succeeding in packaging development was found to be the main purpose of collaboration. Even though collaboration functioned well with closest stakeholders, the lack of resources and time limited collaboration with other stakeholders. Lack of supplier and customer involvement in the early stages of packaging development were found to cause challenges and uncertainties. Also, product development projects were often started with former partners. The value chain criteria guided the development of new packaging and the decisions regarding material and supplier selection. However, quality, price and available processing equipment created limitations in adopting new technology. This study raised the importance of integrating the entire value chain during packaging development, and the importance of engaging the suppliers and customers early in the packaging development process. However, the significance of internal collaboration during packaging development should be highlighted and studied further especially regarding sustainable new product development.