Packaging

Introduction

Packaging can be defined as the technique of protecting the products, articles for storage, distribution, and sale. It means wrapping the products to look attractive or protecting the goods for safe transit. It also means covering the products to save them from damages during transportation and storage. Packaging is the wrapping material around an item to contain, identify, protect, display, and make the product marketable and clean.

However, the term packaging has been interchangeably used for retail as well as transport container. Consumer packaging has some marketing implications, while transport containers are more significant from a logistics standpoint.

Packaging is also closely related to branding and labelling as it appears on the package, and the brand is typically present on the label. It largely defines the product contained inside. The package contents may be pre-weighed, measured, stored, assembled and then carefully placed in a specially designed box, crate, jar, bottle, tube for convenient distribution.

Materials Used

Different types of materials are used for packaging. These materials are:

Wood
Paper
Glass
Plastics
Metal
Polyester
Gunny bags
Straw baskets
Wooden boxes
China jars
Earthenware
Cellophane paper

Objectives of Packaging

1. To provide protection

Packaging ensures that the product inside is protected against vibration, temperature, breakage, wear and tear, light, moisture, precipitation, leakage, and theft.

2. To enhance marketing

Good packaging with attractive labelling helps the sellers to promote the product to potential buyers. The size, colour, appearance, shape of the packaging is designed in such a way to attract the attention of potential buyers.

3. To convey the message

Sometimes manufacturers print essential information on the packaging about the contents inside, such as usage instructions, raw materials, expiry date, manufacturing process, etc. This information is crucial for users.

4. To provide convenience

Good packaging adds to the comfort in handling, display, transportation, opening, and storage.

5. To enable product identification

Packaging allows a product to have a distinct identity. With the effective use of colours, shapes, and graphics, such identification and distinction are essential in times of tough competition.

6. To enhance brand image

The brand image can be improved greatly, with attractive packaging in a consistent manner over a long time.

Functions of packaging

1. Preservation and protection

The core function of packaging is to protect the contents during transit from the manufacturer to the ultimate consumer. It safeguards the product from any damage as this is a loss and inconvenience to the seller and buyer. It protects the product from dust, damage, leakage, pilferage, chemical change, insect attack.

2. Safe containment

Most products need to be contained before they can be moved from one place to the other. This helps to maintain the quality and reachability of the product.

3. Effective communication

A vital function of the packaging is to communicate the product effectively. It tells the consumer about the product, other instructions, and utility information. Information such as quantity, price, inventory levels, packaging date and time, etc., serves as useful information for the consumers.

4. Convenience

Proper packaging ensures that the product needs less space and keeps the product and its content intact.

Essential qualities of packaging

Attractiveness of the package
Enhanced product description
Convenience of storage and display
Security of the goods
Convenience of transportation
Easily disposable

Types of packaging

Packaging can be segregated based on the items it contains.

Bulk/family packaging

A package of a particular manufacturer is packed in an identical manner. The shape, colour, and materials used for packaging will be similar for all the manufacturer’s products.

Reuse packaging

Sometimes the packaging can be used for other purposes after the goods have been consumed. It is known as reuse packaging.

Consumer packaging

This package holds the required volume of the product for ultimate consumption and is more relevant in marketing products such as tobacco, cigarettes, beverages, etc.

Transport packaging

The products traded to different places need to be packed well enough to protect them from damage during transport, handling, and storage.

Problems encountered in packaging

Costs of packaging
Convenience
Reuse purposes
Appearance

Conclusion

To conclude, packaging is the coordinated system of preparing goods for transport, warehousing, sale, logistics and end-use. Apart from serving a practical purpose of protection and preservation of the product’s quality, it is the aesthetic appeal part of packaging that makes it more interesting. The visual impact of the packaging can be a unique selling proposition of a product, because sometimes you do judge the book by its cover!