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Packaging Information

Packaging is the science, art, and technology of enclosing or protecting products for distribution, storage, sale, and use. Packaging also refers to the process of design, evaluation, and production of packages. Packaging can be described as a coordinated system of preparing goods for transport, warehousing, logistics, sale, and end use. Packaging contains, protects, preserves, transports, informs, and sells.[1] In many countries it is fully integrated into government, business, institutional, industrial, and personal use.

Package labeling (American English) or labelling (British English) is any written, electronic, or graphic communications on the packaging or on a separate but associated label.

Contents

History

The first packages used the natural materials available at the time: Baskets of reeds, wineskins (Bota bags), wooden boxes, pottery vases, ceramic amphorae, wooden barrels, woven bags, etc. Processed materials were used to form packages as they were developed: for example, early glass and bronze vessels. The study of old packages is an important aspect of archaeology.

The earliest recorded use of paper for packaging dates back to 1035, when a Persian traveler visiting markets in Cairo noted that vegetables, spices and hardware were wrapped in paper for the customers after they were sold.[2]

Iron and tin plated steel were used to make cans in the early 19th century. Paperboard cartons and corrugated fiberboard boxes were first introduced in the late 19th century.

Packaging advancements in the early 20th century included Bakelite closures on bottles, transparent cellophane overwraps and panels on cartons, increased processing efficiency and improved food safety. As additional materials such as aluminum and several types of plastic were developed, they were incorporated into packages to improve performance and functionality.[3] In-plant recycling has long been common for production of packaging materials. Post-consumer recycling of aluminum and paper based products has been economical for many years: since the 1980s, post-consumer recycling has increased due to curbside recycling, consumer awareness, and regulatory pressure.

Many of the most prominent innovations in the packaging industry were developed first for military uses. Some military supplies are packaged in the same commercial packaging used for general industry: Other military packaging must transport materiel, supplies, foods, etc. under the most severe distribution and storage conditions. Packaging problems encountered in World War II led to Military Standard or "mil spec" regulations being applied to packaging, designating it "military specification packaging". As a prominent concept in the military, mil spec packaging officially came into being around 1941, due to operations in Iceland experiencing critical losses due to what the military eventually attributed to bad packaging solutions. In most cases, mil spec packaging solutions (such as barrier materials, field rations, antistatic bags, and various shipping crates) are similar to commercial grade packaging materials, but subject to more stringent performance and quality requirements.[4]

As of 2003[update], the packaging sector accounted for about two percent of the gross national product in developed countries. About half of this market was related to food packaging.[5]

The purposes of packaging and package labels

Diced pork in tray and film overwrap. Label indicates net weight, composition, preparation, etc. The Union Flag, British Farm Standard tractor logo, and British Meat Quality Standard logo are also present.

Packaging and package labeling have several objectives[6]

A single-serving shampoo packet

Packaging types

Various household packaging types for foods

Packaging may be looked at as being of several different types. For example a transport package or distribution package can be the shipping container used to ship, store, and handle the product or inner packages. Some identify a consumer package as one which is directed toward a consumer or household.

Packaging may be described in relation to the type of product being packaged: medical device packaging, bulk chemical packaging, over-the-counter drug packaging, retail food packaging, military materiel packaging, pharmaceutical packaging, etc.

Aluminum can with an easy open lid

It is sometimes convenient to categorize packages by layer or function: "primary", "secondary", etc.

These broad categories can be somewhat arbitrary. For example, depending on the use, a shrink wrap can be primary packaging when applied directly to the product, secondary packaging when combining smaller packages, and tertiary packaging on some distribution packs.

Symbols used on packages and labels

"Print & Apply" corner wrap UCC (GS1-128) label application to a pallet load A bar code encoding the word "Wikipedia" in Code 128

Many types of symbols for package labeling are nationally and internationally standardized. For consumer packaging, symbols exist for product certifications, trademarks, proof of purchase, etc. Some requirements and symbols exist to communicate aspects of consumer use and safety, for example the estimated sign that notes conformance to EU weights and measures accuracy regulations. Examples of environmental and recycling symbols include the recycling symbol, the resin identification code and the "Green Dot".

Bar codes, Universal Product Codes, and RFID labels are common to allow automated information management in logistics and retailing. Country of Origin Labeling is often used.

Shipping container labeling

Technologies related to shipping containers are identification codes, bar codes, and electronic data interchange (EDI). These three core technologies serve to enable the business functions in the process of shipping containers throughout the distribution channel. Each has an essential function: identification codes either relate product information or serve as keys to other data, bar codes allow for the automated input of identification codes and other data, and EDI moves data between trading partners within the distribution channel.

Elements of these core technologies include UPC and EAN item identification codes, the SCC-14 (UPC shipping container code), the SSCC-18 (Serial Shipping Container Codes), Interleaved 2-of-5 and UCC/EAN-128 (newly designated GS1-128) bar code symbologies, and ANSI ASC X12 and UN/EDIFACT EDI standards.

Small parcel carriers often have their own formats. For example, United Parcel Service has a MaxiCode 2-D code for parcel tracking.

RFID labels for shipping containers are also increasing in usage. A Wal-Mart division, Sam's Club, has also moved in this direction and is putting pressure on its suppliers for compliance.[12]

Shipments of hazardous materials or dangerous goods have special information and symbols (labels, plackards, etc.) as required by UN, country, and specific carrier requirements. Two examples are below:

With transport packages, standardized symbols are also used to communicate handling needs. Some common ones are shown below while others are listed in ASTM D5445 "Standard Practice for Pictorial Markings for Handling of Goods" and ISO 780 "Pictorial marking for handling of goods".

Package development considerations

Package design and development are often thought of as an integral part of the new product development process. Alternatively, development of a package (or component) can be a separate process, but must be linked closely with the product to be packaged. Package design starts with the identification of all the requirements: structural design, marketing, shelf life, quality assurance, logistics, legal, regulatory, graphic design, end-use, environmental, etc. The design criteria, performance (specified by package testing), completion time targets, resources, and cost constraints need to be established and agreed upon. Package design processes often employ rapid prototyping, computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing and document automation.

Transport packaging needs to be matched to its logistics system. Packages designed for controlled shipments of uniform pallet loads may not be suited to mixed shipments with express carriers.

An example of how package design is affected by other factors is the relationship to logistics. When the distribution system includes individual shipments by a small parcel carrier, the sortation, handling, and mixed stacking make severe demands on the strength and protective ability of the transport package. If the logistics system consists of uniform palletized unit loads, the structural design of the package can be designed to those specific needs: vertical stacking, perhaps for a longer time frame. A package designed for one mode of shipment may not be suited for another.

With some types of products, the design process involves detailed regulatory requirements for the package. For example with packaging foods, any package components that may contact the food are food contact materials.[13] Toxicologists and food scientists need to verify that the packaging materials are allowed by applicable regulations. Packaging engineers need to verify that the completed package will keep the product safe for its intended shelf life with normal usage. Packaging processes, labeling, distribution, and sale need to be validated to comply with regulations and have the well being of the consumer in mind.

Sometimes the objectives of package development seem contradictory. For example, regulations for an over-the-counter drug might require the package to be tamper-evident and child resistant[14]: These intentionally make the package difficult to open.[15] The intended consumer, however, might be handicapped or elderly and be unable to readily open the package. Meeting all goals is a challenge.

Package design may take place within a company or with various degrees of external packaging engineering: independent contractors, consultants, vendor evaluations, independent laboratories, contract packagers, total outsourcing, etc. Some sort of formal Project planning and Project management methodology is required for all but the simplest package design and development programs. An effective quality management system and Verification and Validation protocols are mandatory for some types of packaging and recommended for all.

Environmental considerations

The waste hierarchy Main article: sustainable packaging

Package development involves considerations for sustainability, environmental responsibility, and applicable environmental and recycling regulations. It may involve a life cycle assessment[16][17] which considers the material and energy inputs and outputs to the package, the packaged product (contents), the packaging process, the logistics system,[18] waste management, etc. It is necessary to know the relevant regulatory requirements for point of manufacture, sale, and use.

The traditional “three R’s” of reduce, reuse, and recycle are part of a waste hierarchy which may be considered in product and package development.

Development of sustainable packaging is an area of considerable interest by standards organizations, government, consumers, packagers, and retailers.

Packaging machines

Beer bottling lines

A choice of packaging machinery includes: technical capabilities, labor requirements, worker safety, maintainability, serviceability, reliability, ability to integrate into the packaging line, capital cost, floorspace, flexibility (change-over, materials, etc.), energy usage, quality of outgoing packages, qualifications (for food, pharmaceuticals, etc.), throughput, efficiency, productivity, ergonomics, return on investment, etc.

Packaging machinery can be:

  1. purchased as standard, off-the-shelf
  2. purchased custom-made or custom-tailored to specific operations
  3. manufactured or modified by in-house engineers and maintenance staff

Efforts at packaging line automation increasingly use programmable logic controllers and robotics.

Packaging machines may be of the following general types:

See also

References

  1. ^ Soroka (2002) Fundamentals of Packaging Technology, Institute of Packaging Professionals ISBN 1-930268-25-4
  2. ^ Diana Twede (2005). "The Origins of Paper Based Packaging". Conference on Historical Analysis & Research in Marketing Proceedings 12: 288–300 [289]. http://faculty.quinnipiac.edu/charm/CHARM%20proceedings/CHARM%20article%20archive%20pdf%20format/Volume%2012%202005/288%20twede.pdf. Retrieved 2010-03-20.
  3. ^ Brody, A. L; Marsh, K. S (1997). Encyclopedia of Packaging Technology. ISBN 0-471-06397-5
  4. ^ Maloney, J. C. (July 2003). "The History and Significance of Military Packaging". Defence Packaging Policy Group. Defence Logistics Agency. http://www.dscc.dla.mil/downloads/packaging/pkghistory.pdf. Retrieved 7 June 2011.
  5. ^ Y. Schneider; C. Kluge, U. Weiß, H. Rohm (2010). "Packaging Materials and Equipment". In Barry A. Law, A.Y. Tamime. Technology of Cheesemaking: Second Edition. Wiley-Blackwell. p. 413. ISBN 978-1-4051-8298-0.
  6. ^ Bix, L; Rifon, Lockhart, de la Fuente (2003). "The Packaging Matrix: Linking Package Design Criteria to the Marketing Mix". IDS Packaging. http://www.idspackaging.com/Common/Paper/Paper_47/PdfImge.pdf. Retrieved 2008-12-11.
  7. ^ Choi, Seung-Jin; Burgess (November 2007). "Practical mathematical model to predict the performance of insulating packages". Packaging Technology and Science 20 (6): 369–380. doi:10.1002/pts.762.
  8. ^ Lee, Ki-Eun; Kim, An, Lyu, Lee (November 1998). "Effectiveness of modified atmosphere packaging in preserving a prepared ready-to-eat food". Packaging Technology and Science 21 (7): 417. doi:10.1002/pts.821.
  9. ^ Severin, J (July 2007). "New Methodology for Whole-Package Microbial Callenge Testing for Medical Device Trays". J. Testing and Evaluation 35 (4).
  10. ^ Johnston, R.G. (July 1997). "Effective Vulnerability Assessment of Tamper-Indicating Seals". J. Testing and Evaluation 25 (4).
  11. ^ HowStuffWorks.com, “How Anti-shoplifting Devices Work”, <http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/anti-shoplifting-device.htm>
  12. ^ Bacheldor, Beth (2008-01-11). "Sam's Club Tells Suppliers to Tag or Pay". http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/articleview/3845/1/1/. Retrieved 2008-01-17.
  13. ^ Sotomayor, R. E.; Arvidson, Kirk, Mayer, McDougal, Sheu (Aug/Sept). "Regulatory Report, Assessing the Safety of Food Contact Substances". Food Safety. http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodIngredientsPackaging/FoodContactSubstancesFCS/ucm064166.htm#authors
  14. ^ Rodgers, G. B. (June 1996). "The safety effects of child-resistant packaging for oral prescription drugs. Two decades of experience". JAMA 275 (21): 1661–65. doi:10.1001/jama.275.21.1661. PMID 8637140
  15. ^ Yoxall, A.; Jason, Bradbury, Langley, Wearn, Hayes (July 2006). "Openability: producing design limits for consumer packaging". Packaging Technology and Science 16 (4): 183–243. doi:10.1002/pts.725.
  16. ^ Zabaniotou, A; Kassidi (August 2003). "Life cycle assessment applied to egg packaging made from polystyrene and recycled paper". Journal of Cleaner Production 11 (5): 549–559. doi:10.1016/S0959-6526(02)00076-8.
  17. ^ Franklin (April 2004). "Life Cycle Inventory of Packaging Options for Shipment of Retail Mail-Order Soft Goods" (PDF). http://www.deq.state.or.us/lq/pubs/docs/sw/packaging/LifeCycleInventory.pdf. Retrieved December 13, 2008
  18. ^ "SmartWay Transport Partnerships" (PDF). US Environmental Protection Agency. http://www.epa.gov/smartway/transport/documents/faqs/partnership_overview.pdf. Retrieved 2008-12-22.
  19. ^ anon: "Packaging Matters", page 5 – 8. Institute of Packaging Professionals, 1993
  20. ^ "Packaging Factsheet" (PDF). INCPEN. http://www.incpen.org/pages/data/PackagingFS.pdf. Retrieved 2009-02-04.
  21. ^ DeRusha, Jason (July 16, 2007). "The Incredible Shrinking Package". WCCO. Archived from the original on 2007-07-17. http://web.archive.org/web/20070717171902/http://wcco.com/topstories/local_story_197233456.html. Retrieved 2007-07-16.
  22. ^ "HP DeskJet 1200C Printer Architecture"
  23. ^ "Footprints In The Sand"
  24. ^ "Toxics in Packaging". http://www.toxicsinpackaging.org. Retrieved 2007-07-31.
  25. ^ Wood, Marcia (April 2002). "Leftover Straw Gets New Life". Agricultural Research. http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/apr02/straw0402.htm.

Books, general references

Further reading

Packaging
Packaging topics Active packaging · Child-resistant packaging · Food packaging · Package testing · Packaging engineering · Shelf life · Package pilferage · Pharmaceutical packaging · Tamper-evident · Tamper resistance · Wrap rage
Containers

Aluminum can · Aluminium bottle · Ampoule · Antistatic bag · Barrel · Biodegradable bag · Blister pack · Bag-in-box · Bottle · Box · Bulk box · Carton · Chub (container) · Clamshell (container) · Corrugated box design · Carboy · Crate · Drum (container) · Envelope · Flexible intermediate bulk container · Folding carton · Insulated shipping container · Intermediate bulk container · Jar · Juicebox (container) · Keg · Multi-pack · Plastic bag · Plastic bottle · Pail (container) · Popcorn bag · Retort pouch · Sachet (package) · Self-heating can · Self-heating food packaging · Shipping container · Skin pack · Steel can · Tube (container) · Unit load · Wooden box

Materials and components

Adhesive · Aluminum foil · BoPET · Bubble wrap · Cellophane · Closure (container) · Corrugated fiberboard · Cushioning · Glass · Corrugated plastic · Coated paper · Foam peanut · Hot-melt adhesive · Label · Linear low-density polyethylene · Liquid packaging board · Low-density polyethylene · Metallised film · Modified atmosphere · Molded pulp · Nonwoven fabric · Overwrap · Oxygen absorber · Packaging gas · Pallet · Paper · Paper pallet · Paperboard · PET film (biaxially oriented) · Plastic wrap · Polyester · Polyethylene · Polypropylene · Pressure-sensitive tape · Screw cap · Shrink wrap · Slip sheet · Security seal · Security printing · Strapping · Stretch wrap · Susceptor · Time temperature indicator · Tinplate · Velostat

Processes Aseptic processing · Authentication · Automatic identification and data capture · Blow fill seal · Blow molding · Calendering · Containerization · Curtain Coating · Die cutting (web) · Electronic article surveillance · Extrusion · Extrusion coating · Graphic Design · HACCP · Hermetic seal · Induction sealing · Injection molding · Molding (process) · Papermaking · Plastics extrusion · Plastic welding · Printing · Quality assurance · Radio-frequency identification · Track and trace · Vacuum forming · Ultrasonic welding · Verification and validation ·
Machinery Barcode printer · Barcode reader · Bottling line · Cartoning machine · Check weigher · Conveyor system · Extended Core Stretch Wrapper · Filler (packaging) · Heat gun · Heat sealer · Industrial robot · Injection molding machine · Logistics automation · Material handling equipment · Mechanical Brake Stretch Wrapper · Multihead weigher · Orbital Stretch Wrapping · Palletizer · Rotary Arm Stretch Wrapper · Rotary wheel blow molding systems · Shrink tunnel · Staple gun · Tape dispenser · Vertical form fill sealing machine · Turntable Stretch Wrapper
Environment, post-use

Biodegradation · Glass recycling · Plastic recycling · Environmental engineering · Industrial ecology · Life cycle assessment · Litter · Paper recycling · PullApart · Reuse · Recycling · Source reduction · Sustainable packaging · Waste management

Labeling
Label Construction Adhesive · Die cutting (web) · Hologram · In-mould labelling · Paper · Perforation · Pressure sensitive adhesive · Plastic · Printing · Release liner · Security printing · Smart label · Sticker ·
Content Advertising · Barcode · Cigarette warning label · Ecolabel · Food labeling regulations · Mandatory labelling · Nameplate · Nutrition facts label · Radio frequency identification · United Kingdom food labeling regulations · UPC · Warning label · Wine label
Use Advertising · Authentication · Automatic identification and data capture · Label dispenser · Label printer · Track & Trace

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Verb

packaging
  1. Present participle of package.
Noun packaging (plural packagings)
  1. the act of packing something
  2. the materials used to pack something
  3. the industry that produces such material
  4. (by extension) the manner in which a person or product is promoted

from: Wiktionary: packaging,
Mon Nov 7 18:41:24 2011

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