Product Packaging

Product Packaging

Product packaging refers to all containers, film and boxes that protect, display and aid in the shipping and distribution process of a wide variety of different products within the medical, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, toy, electronics, food and beverage industries. Almost any item sold in stores, including foods like meat, dairy, snacks, spices, raw ingredients and condiments, beverages like beer, soda, juice and milk, cosmetics such as makeup and lotion, medical instruments, medicine and medical devices, and consumer merchandise which includes electronics, toys, office supplies and kitchen equipment, among many others. Product packaging enclose and contain items during distribution, storage sale and use, and provide physical protection from shock, vibration, compression and temperature, a barrier from oxygen, moisture and contaminants, portion and dosage control, marketing and a place to display important information about the product. They also prevent tampering and preserve perishable items. Product packaging comes in many different forms. It is often made out of a thermoplastic resin, cardboard, coated paper, aluminum and glass. Cardboard boxes, plastic film, plastic or paper bags, bottles, vials, blister packaging, clamshells  and cans are all different forms of packaging products, which are either reusable or disposable. Most disposable packaging is recyclable.

Packaging is separated into three different divisions. Primary packaging refers to the material that makes contact with the product itself. It can be a bag, film, bottle or can. Secondary packaging is designed to group multiple primary packages together or provide extra protection. Cardboard boxes are a common example. Finally, tertiary packaging is used for bulk handling, warehouse storage and shipping. Pallets and large boxes are considered tertiary packaging. All packaging products are fabricated in different ways. Most plastic bottles and jars are formed by a plastic molding process. Clamshells and blister packs as well as plastic bags are all blow molded or vacuum formed. Plastic film comes in sheets and cover products, adhering to them perfectly when heat is applied. Aluminum cans and foil are produced by rolling processes. Packaging produced for medical, pharmaceutical, food and beverage applications are strictly regulated by the FDA, USDA, CE and ISO, since contamination or spoiling could cause harm if those products are ingested or used. Product packaging must be manufactured in a contaminant free and sterile environment, and is employed mainly to provide protection as a barrier system. The design, production and shipping of packaging products are carried out by contract packagers, who have a hand in every aspect of the packaging lifespan and offer pre-engineered or custom designs. They help improve the aesthetics, marketing and display of the packaging, which increases the product's visibility and sales.