Packaging Article Index for
Packaging 		Website Links For
Packaging 		 

Information About

Packaging
  CATEGORIES ABOUT PACKAGING AND LABELLING
   
industrial design
   
marketing
   
packaging
   
unit operations
   
APPAREL
BABY
BEAUTY
BOOKS
CAR TOYS
CELL PHONES
DVD'S
ELECTRONICS
GOURMET FOOD
GROCERIES
HEALTH & PERSONAL
HOME & GARDEN
JEWELRY
MUSIC
MUSIC INSTRUMENTS
OFFICE PRODUCTS
SOFTWARE
SPORTING GOODS
TOOLS & HARDWARE
TOYS
VIDEO GAMES
SHOPPING HOME
MORE SHOPPING...



, which was itself packaged in a folding carton made of Paperboard .]]

Packaging is the science, art and technology of enclosing or protecting products for distribution, storage, sale, and use. Packaging also refers to the process of design, evaluation, and production of packages. '''Package labelling''' (BrE) or '''labeling''' (AmE) is any written, electronic, or graphic communications on the packaging or on a separate but associated label.

Packaging is heavily integrated into our daily lives, we see it all around us, on everyday items such as chocolate bars and potato chip (crisp) packets- As explained below, the main use for packaging is protection of the goods inside, but packaging also provides us with a recognisable logo, or packaging, we instantly know what the goods are inside


THE PURPOSES OF PACKAGING AND PACKAGE LABELS

Packaging and package labelling have several objectives:
  • Physical Protection - The objects enclosed in the package may require protection from, among other things, Shock , Vibration , compression, temperature, etc.

  • Barrier Protection - A barrier from oxygen, water vapor, dust, etc., is often required. Package permeability is a critical factor in design. Some packages contain Desiccant s or Oxygen Absorber s to help extend shelf life. Modified Atmosphere s or controlled atmospheres are also maintained in some food packages. Keeping the contents clean, fresh, and safe for the intended Shelf Life is a primary function.

  • Containment or Agglomeration - Small objects are typically grouped together in one package for reasons of efficiency. For example, a single box of 1000 pencils requires less physical handling than 1000 single pencils. Liquids, powders, and flowables need containment.

  • Information transmission - Packages and labels communicate how to use, transport, recycle, or dispose of the package or product. With pharmaceutical, food, medical, and chemical products, some types of information are Required by governments.

  • Marketing - The packaging and labels can be used by Marketers to encourage potential buyers to purchase the product. Package design has been an important and constantly evolving phenomenon for dozens of years. Marketing Communications and Graphic Design are applied to the surface of the package and (in many cases) the Point Of Sale Display .

  • Security - Packaging can play an important role in reducing the security risks of shipment. Packages can be made with improved seals to help indicate that the package and contents are not Counterfeit . Packages also can include anti-theft devices, such as dye-packs, RFID tags, or Electronic Article Surveillance tags, that can be activated or detected by devices at exit points and require specialized tools to deactivate. Using packaging in this way is a means of Loss Prevention .

  • Convenience - Packages can have features which add convenience in distribution, handling, display, sale, opening, reclosing, use, and reuse.

  • Portion Control - Single serving or single dosage packaging has a precise amount of contents to control usage. Bulk commodities (such as salt) can be divided into packages that are a more suitable size for individual households. It is also aids the control of inventory: selling sealed one-liter-bottles of milk, rather than having people bring their own bottles to fill themselves.



PACKAGING TYPES


Packaging may be looked at as several different types. For example a transport package or '''distribution package''' is the package form used to ship, store, and handle the product or inner packages. Some identify a '''consumer package''' as one which is directed toward a consumer or household.

It is sometimes convenient to categorize packages by layer or function: "primary", "secondary", etc.
  • Primary packaging is the material that first envelops the product and holds it. This usually is the smallest unit of distribution or use and is the package which is in direct contact with the contents.

  • Secondary packaging is outside the primary packaging – perhaps used to group primary packages together.

  • Tertiary packaging is used for bulk handling and shipping.


Using these three types as a general guide, examples of packaging materials and structures might typically be listed as follows:

Primary packaging



Secondary packaging



Tertiary packaging


These broad categories can be somewhat artibrary. For example, depending on the use, a Shrink Wrap can be primary packaging when applied directly to the product, secondary packaging when combining smaller packages, and tertiary packaging on some distribution packs.


SYMBOLS USED ON PACKAGES AND LABELS

Many types of symbols for package labelling are nationally and internationally standardized. For consumer packaging, symbols exist for product certifications, Trademarks , Proof Of Purchase , etc. Some requirements and symbols exist to communicate aspects of consumer use and safety. Recycling directions, Resin Identification Code (below), and package environmental claims have special codes and symbols.

Bar Codes (below), Universal Product Code s, and RFID labels are common to allow automated information management.

Shipments of Hazardous Materials or Dangerous Goods have special information and symbols as required by UN, country, and specific carrier requirements. Two examples are below:

With transport packages, standardised symbols are also used to aid in handling. Some common ones are shown below while others are listed in ASTM D5445 "Standard Practice for Pictorial Markings for Handling of Goods" and ISO 780 "Pictorial marking for handling of goods".