Packaging is an art, science and technology of protecting or enclosing goods for ultimate use, storage, distribution, and sale. It is an important factor in product lifecycle management. Packaging also pertains to the creative process of generating, designing, testing, and creating new packaging designs. This also entails the creation of quality control standards, regulatory approvals, packaging layouts and costs associated with packaging. The term is a combination of the words box and package.
Package design and packaging is one of the three fundamental phases of the supply chain management. The other two phases are inventory control and supply chain optimization. The importance of effective packaging in controlling inventory lifecycles cannot be understated. Proper packaging allows for better control over material costs, thereby enabling reduction of product development costs. Furthermore, good packaging facilitates faster movement of finished goods and ensures quick arrival of customers in the market.
The term “packing” includes a wide range of techniques used to impart a specific appearance and feel to an item. The term packaging was first used by the ancient Greeks and Romans, who used pica, which was a form of paper, for packaging purposes. Later, paper became obsolete as new technologies such as lead, linen, clay, glass and silver became widespread. These new technologies made packaging a lot more convenient.
Packaging plays an important role in promoting sales and communication and helps in the development of new products. Packaging techniques help in communicating the advantages and features of the goods with the customers. Advertisements in packaging materials are quite useful, as they provide details of the goods and promote the business, through visual aids.
Packaging containers are usually produced by extrusion molding. This molding technology provides flexibility and cost savings, as well as the ability to personalize the packing material. Furthermore, they are preferred for large-scale and long-distance deliveries because they facilitate easy handling, increased reliability and security. In addition to this, there are numerous attractive features that make extruded molding popular among different organizations.
The most common method of packaging food is via boxes. Boxes are usually manufactured from light metal alloys and come in different shapes and sizes. They can be used to promote a particular brand or advertise a seasonal sale. Similarly, plastic bags are also popular packaging options. The advantage of using these bags is that they can withstand a large amount of weight, which makes them the best choice for advertising purposes.
Packaging and advertisement are interrelated because it has a direct effect on the buying decisions of people. Packaging materials carry the name of the manufacturer and thereby communicate to customers about the quality of the items. Apart from this, the quality of packaging material and the overall look of the packaged item determine how customers perceive it. The fact that packaging plays an important role in shaping the image of a product reinforces the notion that advertising should also be done for enhancing sales.
Therefore, packaging does not only affect the quality of a product but it also plays a major role in promoting the business. This is why manufacturers make use of various packaging means in order to package their goods. The most preferred packaging material is cartons because they look classy and professional and can also withstand a large amount of weight. Moreover, the advertisement is placed inside the cartons thus, ensuring that the message gets to its targeted audience.
Apart from Cartons, another important packaging mean is Boxes. These boxes are made from different materials such as wood, cardboard, plastic etc. Boxes carry the name of the company and hence have a great impact on the customer’s mind. It helps create brand loyalty and enhances the brand value of the products. Hence, apart from Cartons and Containers, other packaging means are also used for sending the advertisements regarding the product.
Apart from Cartons, Packaging Imprinted Cups and Containers are also used for effective advertisement of goods. The cups and containers carry good packaging with good graphics and are beautifully designed. They help you to send your message across in a very professional manner. The other popular packaging means include bubble wrap and newspaper packs.
Apart from all these, brochures, labels, boxes etc are some of the other popular printing means. The advantage of using these methods of advertising is that they are cheap and are of great use to the companies. These methods of packaging play an important role in sending the right message to the customers. Hence, the importance of packaging goes up.