Dissertation Title: Sustainable Smart Food Storage Solutions: A Systematic Review and Case Analysis of Simply Good Jars
Research Methodology: Systematic literature review
Research Design: Systematic review combined with an embedded case study (Simply Good Jars)
Abstract
Background: Food waste and plastic pollution are major contributors to global environmental degradation. To address these challenges, Simply Good Jars (SGJ) introduced smart containers designed to extend food freshness and reduce waste. However, the initial SGJ jar prototypes preserved food for only 3–5 days, limiting their effectiveness and highlighting the need for more advanced, sustainable food storage technologies.
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate sustainable smart container technologies and identify design improvements that SGJ could adopt to enhance food preservation and environmental impact.
Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted to identify, select, and critically evaluate existing research on smart containers and sustainable food storage technologies. Three stages—searching, screening, and thematic synthesis—were applied to integrate evidence across studies. These findings were then analysed alongside a case study of Simply Good Jars to determine practical implications for improving their product design.
Results: The review identified several technological innovations with potential to advance SGJ’s smart jar system. Findings highlighted that bio-based sensors can detect food spoilage indicators, improving freshness monitoring, while Internet of Things (IoT) integration can enable real-time tracking of temperature, humidity, and storage conditions. Together, these technologies could significantly extend shelf life, reduce waste, and strengthen SGJ’s environmental sustainability commitments.
Conclusion: The study concludes that SGJ can enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of their smart food storage jars by incorporating bio-based sensors and IoT-enabled monitoring systems. These advancements would improve food preservation, support waste reduction efforts, and contribute meaningfully to environmentally responsible product design.