packaging

A shell, a box, a cardboard outer, a pallet, a container.

Function of packaging

To protect in transit
To protect in storage
To protect user from contents
To facilitate handling
To facilitate dispensing
To advise and inform
To interest
To project company image
By using the most economic, least wasteful, most socially acceptable materials available.

Discussion of functions

Protection in transit/storage
- Number of journeys
- Extremes of temperature
- Protection from vermin
Protection from product
- e.g. Gas and Chemicals
Facilitate handling/dispensing
- Needs of distributor and end user
- Convenience in use
Advising/Informing
- Major difficulty because space is finite
- Name of product/manufacturer
- Address
- Date manufactured / to be used by
- Description of product
- Directions for use
- Warnings
- List of ingredients
- Net weight
- Price
- etc
Arousing interest and projecting image
- Packaging and role of silent salesman
Minimize cost, waste and environmental damage
- Keep abreast of trends
- Evaluate alternatives

Packaging can have a profound effect on Marketing and Plant layout, production methods, manning, etc.