The development of indicators, sensors and printed electronics opens up new possibilities for creating future packaging where these technical components are used. Smart packaging is assumed to partially solve the food waste problem. The technology monitors and communicates the condition and freshness of the food by sensing certain parameters. Today, the production of environmentally smart packaging is in a development phase where research, economics and environmental interests are all working together. There are ambitions that food packaging will be connected with the help of digital communication within in a few years.

In the thesis, a quantitative study examines whether smart packaging can reduce food waste in households and grocery stores. In addition, attitudes to the technology and the possibility of implementing it are examined. The survey was conducted with an online survey aimed for households and grocery stores in Vaasa and the surrounding area.

Based on the results of the survey, it can be stated that smart packaging, which reduces both material consumption and food waste, is not a generally known concept for households. Modern and innovative packaging will play an increasingly important role in the food chain. Households believe that smart packaging can reduce food waste. Date marking often leads to households throwing away food unnecessarily. The store managers see a clear benefit with new technology on food packaging. New technology also makes it possible to keep track of the store's inventory linked to the bestbefore date.

Smart packaging as a complete solution for the food chain would require an actor who is responsible for the implementation of the technology and who could monitor the causes of food waste along the entire food chain.