Chapter 5 Packaging

5.3 Introduction to packaging

5.3.1 Definition and Types of Packaging

In recent years, the significance of packing has been increasinglyrecognized, and today the widespread use of packing is truly a majorcompetitive force in the struggle for markets.

(1) Definition

Packaging is the technology of enclosing orprotecting products for distribution, storage, sale, and use. Packaging alsorefers to the process of designing, evaluating, and producing packages.Packaging can be described as a coordinated system of preparing goods fortransport, warehousing, logistics, sale, and end use. In many countries it isfully integrated into government, business, and institutional, industrial, andpersonal use.

Packaging also refers to the selection orconstruction of the shipping container and the assembling of items or packagestherein, including any necessary blocking, bracing, or cushioning,weatherproofing, exterior strapping, and marking of shipping container foridentification of contents.

(2) Types ofPackages

The basic types of packages are as follows:

·        Sales packaging.Sales packaging is normally with decorationand explanation. They are direct printing or sticking on the label or bar-code.Some products need to print the trade mark, brand name, place of original aswell as specification and instruction.

·        Transport packaging.Transport packaging is also called outerpacking. It can be divided into separated piece packing and together packing.Separated packing means the unit to pack the goods such as case, drum, bag, tinand roll. Together pacing such as container and pallet which can ship goodstogether.

5.3.2 Purpose/Functions of Packaging

Packaging can meet various purposes or functions. Packaging of goodschiefly brings convenience for the transportation and for the purpose ofmarketing. Generally speaking, packaging has the following purposes orfunctions:

·        Reduce risk of damage andpilferage.With goods packaging, the goods can arrive atthe destination in good condition. Besides, it encourages competitive cargoinsurance premiums and maintains good relations with importer. In addition,when the goods are packaged in the container, they are not easy to be stolen orget lost.

·        Reduce the distribution cost.It cancontribute to a better utilization of transport capacity to reduce distributioncost. This is particularly relevant to ISO container use when suitably sizedpackaged cargo can be firmly stowed unit with not broken stowage.

·        Handle the cargoes.Goodcargo packaging can facilitate economical methods of handling. This isparticularly relevant to awkward shaped cargo.

·        Preservation of goods.It helpsto preserve the goods. The proper packaging, the contents of it will not getaffected easily.

·        Store and market the goods.It helpsto store and market the goods. Nice packaging may attract the consumers andarouse their desires to buy the good.

·        Stow the cargo.It helpsto stow the cargo. As we know, proper packing makes stowage of goods easier.