**2.1 Traditional vs. modern packaging**

Traditional or conventional packaging deals with the utilization of wooden or paper parts for packaging perishable food products such as vegetables and fruits. This kind of classical packaging as an option often fails due to several whys, including, it is only viable, therefore, for those products that are showing natural protection against influencing elements resembling daylight, moisture, pathogens, and contaminants [14]. Moreover, many use a fragile material that can be broken with the blows, hence inefficiency, and some materials are heavy, therefore incompatible to storage and transport easily. Presently, these methods are being avoided and hardly practiced anywhere. This led to the development of a new packaging option for food products [15].

Food product development innovations and packaging technologies are the lifeblood of the food industry. Currently, the scope is to meet consumers' demand for nutritious and safe food while minimizing the negative environmental effects of food packaging [16]. This has posed a challenge to replace the existing food packaging practices and drove the emergence of modern packaging approaches. Modern technologies, as opposed to the traditional mode of packaging, are a current necessity. These technologies are related to tailored and elegant packaging, but they also ensure preservation, increased shelf life, the wholesomeness of the product, and ease of transportation and storage. Such technologies can be used for various personalized applications, for instance, extension of shelf life and eliminating risks of contamination. Modern packaging technologies have already transformed the accessibility of a product. Novel packaging technology enabled the adjustment of preservation formula to food products of varying origins, physicochemical characteristics, and sizes without losing their nutritional value [17]. Latest packaging materials and technologies involve green innovations including biopolymers and smart packaging, just to name a few. In the case of food packaging, smart packaging is highly regarded because it provides numerous benefits, including further functional properties similar to antioxidant and antibacterial. Such effort may prolong the product's shelf life and reduce food spoilage and loss. These state-of-the-art packaging technologies in synergy with innovations in food product designs will provide new plentiful pioneer opportunities for the food industry [18]. These state-of-the-art packaging technologies, when combined with innovations in food product design, will create a plethora of new groundbreaking opportunities for the food industry.
