The Purposes of Packaging and Package Labels - Part One

Just where would we be without the all-important butof desiccant are often found alongside the product. In
often overlooked invention of product packaging?some food packages, modified or controlled
Without it, the transport industry would be next toatmospheres are maintained in order to keep the
nothing. In order to keep the product in its bestcontents clean, fresh, sterile, and safe.
condition from creation to the customer it must beIn many cases small objects are typically grouped
packaged in the proper manner, else stock will suffer. Ittogether in one package for reasons of efficiency.
is because of this that business relies on expertStationery for example is often all kept in one piece of
packaging techniques provided by only the very bestcardboard packaging. Similarly, any liquids, powders,
packaging manufacturers around the country.and granular materials need containment in order to
There are many purposes of packaging. Someavoid contamination. It is for these reasons that
obvious, others not so. This article should provide somepackaging manufacturers are necessary for both
insight into the purposes of packaging and their labels.containment and agglomeration purposes.
The first thing to come to mind is of course forIf we look at various packaging labels, we can see
physical protection. Protection from, among otherthat they are a necessity for information transmission
things, shock, vibration, compression, temperature etc.during the shipping and transaction process. Packages
Foam packaging is best to provide this sort ofand labels such as that used in foam packaging
protection, providing the goods with enough padding tocommunicate how to use, transport, recycle, or
survive the shipping process, from the manufacturer todispose of the package or product. As is the case
the customer's home, with no deterioration.with pharmaceuticals, food, medical, and chemical
Packaging also provides a barrier of protection fromproducts, many of these pieces of information are
oxygen, water vapour, and dust. This is a requisite andrequired by governments. Labelling the correct ways
permeation is indeed a critical factor in packagingto dispose of packaging and products can bring
design. Because of this, some packages containenvironmental benefits as well as improving
desiccants or oxygen absorbers to help extend shelfproductivity. Some packages and labels are also used
life. This is a common occurrence with productsfor track and trace purposes.
shipped with cardboard packaging, where small bags