Smart packaging: a way to enhance the made in Italy fashion

The thesis project aims to explore new possible applications of smart solutions in packaging to enhance the excellence of Made in Italy, with a focus on the fashion sector, through the application of the systemic approach. This thesis project is part of the project "Future e-pack" launched by MICS - Made in Italy Circolare e Sostenibile, which goal is to enhance the role of packaging as a mediator between user and company, to convey information about the sustainability of the product contained through the application of digital solutions. Based on this guideline, the thesis project analyzes the Italian fashion system in order to identify possible applications of smart packaging that can remedy the critical issues that emerged from this analysis. The starting point is the identification of the functions of the packaging and the different technologies applied to it, so as to understand trends and latent needs for which smart packaging has already been used. Moreover, the systemic methodology allows to analyze the Italian fashion system through a Holistic Diagnosis that has allowed to highlight the challenges and opportunities of this system. By linking the two research projects, the holistic one and the one on packaging, the areas of intervention for the definition of the opportunities related to each of them have been identified. Following the steps of the systemic methodology, the opportunities have been selected that have led to the delineation of three packages of integrable solutions. These strategies are based on the systemic principles of sustainability and the creation of connections, putting people at the center. The first solution concerns the use of technologies that convey information about traceability and authenticity of the product. The second solution involves a system of collection and reuse of used clothing, in order to reduce the generation of waste and the consumption of natural resources. Finally, the third solution involves a system of return and reuse of recyclable packaging used in e-commerce. These three solutions aim to promote sustainability and change the behavior of people by increasing the involvement and social and environmental responsibility that the latter should have towards their purchasing and action choices.