Packaging: Purpose and Basics

Packaging Basics

• Packaging encloses or protects products for distribution, storage, sale, and use.
• Packaging protects contents from damage, contamination, and tampering.
• Packaging ensures the product is easy to handle, transport, and display.
• Packaging plays a key role in marketing through branding, labels, and design.

Purpose of Packaging

• Physical protection is a key factor.
• Contamination protection is a key factor.
• Tamper evidence is a key factor.
• Preservation of products extends shelf life by protecting from light, air, moisture, and temperature.
• Convenience of being easy to use is a key factor.
• Portability of products is a key factor.
• Storage is a key factor.
• Information and labeling provides essential product information.
• Product information includes ingredients, instructions, expiration dates, etc.
• Marketing and branding is crucial in attracting customers.
• Visuals, colors, logos, and messaging align with brand identity.
• Eye catching packaging can influence customer buying decisions.
• Sustainability reduces environmental impact by using recyclable, biodegradable, or reusable materials.
• Packaging designs reduces waste.
• Safety ensures the customer's safety by preventing unauthorized access or contamination.
• Protecting products from being stolen or tampered with is also important.
• Cost efficiency reduces transportation and storage costs by optimizing package shape and size.
• Packaging must adhere to industry regulations, which include safety, labeling, and environmental standards.
• Compliance ensures products meet legal requirements before reaching the market.

Types of Packaging

• Tertiary packaging is used for bulk handling, storage, and transportation.
• This packaging involves larger quantities of the product.
• Examples include pallets, crates, drums, and large containers.
• Tertiary packaging protects products during large-scale transportation or storage.
• It also makes the product easier to move.
• Retail Packaging displays products on shelves to attract customers.
• Examples include product boxes, hangtags, and blister packs.
• Retail packaging makes products visually appealing and easy to access for customers.
• This often includes branding and marketing elements.
• Protective packaging safeguards the product from physical damage during transit or storage.
• Examples can include bubble wrap, foam inserts, air cushions, and padded envelopes.
• Protective packaging prevents damage to fragile items during handling and shipping.
• Flexible packaging is made from bendable or stretchable materials.
• Examples include pouches, bags, wraps, and shrink film.
• Flexible packaging provides lightweight, space-efficient, and easy-to-use packaging
• Rigid packaging does not change shape easily, providing stronger protection.
• Examples include glass bottles, plastic jars, metal cans, and cardboard boxes.
• Rigid packaging offers durable protection for products that need to maintain a fixed shape or are more prone to damage.
• Sustainable Packaging is designed to be environmentally friendly.
• It will use either renewable or recyclable materials.
• Biodegradable packaging, recycled cardboard, plant-based plastics, and compostable pouches are all examples.
• The purpose is to reduce the environmental impact of packaging and promote sustainability.
• Custom packaging fits a unique product or brand identity.
• Examples of this include custom-shaped boxes, bespoke designs, and branded packaging.
• The purpose is to differentiate the product on the shelf and provide a unique consumer experience.