Despite being criticized, packaging was originally designed for seven specific purposes. The objective of this article is to list and explain its various functions, with the help of the National Packaging Council.
No, packaging is not merely a source of waste.
1/ Packaging contains and protects a product
For practical, hygiene, or safety reasons, a product—whether solid or liquid, edible or not—is most often packaged. Indeed, it can sometimes be toxic or harmful. In such cases, the packaging isolates it from the external environment, for example, from children.
The container also helps extend shelf life. It provides a protective barrier against external aggressions such as germs or light, which optimizes the preservation of perishable goods.
Furthermore, packaging protects against theft. Several products grouped in the same container are less practical to steal than a single bulk product.
Finally, transport is made easier, for example, in the case of liquids and powders. Without packaging, tankers would be required for bulk transport, which would compromise retail sales.
2/ Packaging as a source of information
Between regulations, standards, and useful details, the amount of information to be included on products can be significant. Logically, the packaging serves as the medium for this information.
Depending on the type of product, regulations dictate specific elements that must appear on the packaging. These may include the expiration date, storage conditions, the presence of potential allergens, product composition, or warnings. “Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health” is one of the most well-known.
Furthermore, for traceability purposes, several indications can be applied, such as a label or a controlled origin. These are often a guarantee of quality for the consumer and allow for a more confident purchase.
3/ Packaging offers the possibility of grouping into batches
For several reasons, it is sometimes more practical to group certain products into batches. Today, it would be difficult to imagine buying a single biscuit or yogurt. Their weekly consumption is such that a grouping of several units is preferable. This reduces the frequency of purchase and makes the product easier to handle. This latter advantage applies to both consumers and handlers.
Certain promotional offers also use this grouping principle. This allows the consumer to buy several products contained in a single package at once. In addition to ease of handling, this technique offers a better understanding of the promotion.
4/ Transport and storage facilitated by packaging
During the transport and storage stages, the advantages of packaging are manifold. It protects products from impacts, first during various handling operations, but also within logistics warehouses. The solutions adopted are varied: corrugated cardboard, plastic films, and more.
Furthermore, thanks to information printed directly on the packaging, it is possible to know its contents. As a result, logistics stages become more responsive, and storage and transport times are optimized.
5/ Packaging at the service of consumers
Packaging comes in various shapes and sizes. Their opening and closing systems are increasingly innovative. Packaging competes in inventiveness to provide a customer experience in line with daily needs.
Portable, easy to open, resealable, microwave and freezer safe, easy to grip in all circumstances, recyclable… These adjectives perfectly describe today’s packaging.
Furthermore, formats are increasingly adapting to actual consumption. Today, individual formats contrast with family formats. Different household situations are thus taken into account, and food waste is minimized.
6/ A product easily packaged thanks to its container
The shape of packaging is not studied solely for the client’s benefit. The packaging line is also part of the equation. Several parameters are taken into account at this stage of the product’s and its container’s life.
With automation, everything must move quickly, function well, and at a lower cost. During the container filling stage, nothing should jam the line. This is where the shape of the packaging comes into play. It must not hinder automation in order to meet economic logic: saving time and therefore money.
Furthermore, as employee safety is paramount, their working conditions must not be jeopardized during the packaging process. It is therefore essential to take this aspect into consideration when studying a new type of packaging.
Finally, this stage is crucial because it marks the end of an empty package’s journey on a packaging line. It finally receives the product it is meant to transport and protect. The contents must not be degraded, polluted, or lost due to any potential fragility of its packaging.
7/ Packaging gives pride of place to the marketing department
A renowned brand, beautiful colors, a clearly identified product… The work of a marketing department consists of conveying an image and values, and driving sales. What could be more natural than using packaging as a medium for the product and the brand?
Finally, over time, certain “standards” have emerged, allowing for the quick classification of certain products. Milk is a very good example: red packaging for whole milk, blue for semi-skimmed. The consumer spends less time in the aisles and knows exactly what to buy. The clearer and more legible the message displayed, the more inclined the consumer is to buy it.
In conclusion, thanks to its seven functions, packaging is an integral part of consumers’ daily lives. Some, however, seek to move away from it for environmental reasons. Efforts are already being focused on reducing over-packaging. Nevertheless, packaging has enabled incredible progress, both during packaging, storage, and transport, as well as in terms of the consumer experience.
To learn more about Flexico’s waste management policy, visit the page Flexico, an eco-responsible player.
