Packaging is very important for the sale, storage and shipping of supplies. The importance of packaging increased significantly after the Industrial Revolution but its usefulness is not new. Even in the times of yore, clay, glass and leather containers were used for these purposes. In modern times packaging has become a complete science which studies all aspects of the product to be packaged; for example, its sensitivity to light, air, moisture, chemical reaction, degree of fragility and more. It also tries to find a solution to increase protection and decrease cost. Apart from the science and economics of packaging, its aesthetic sense and creativity is equally important. A major portion of packaging is used for food. Packaging for food is mostly cheap as well as light, and can fit any preferred size. Apart from these, packaging elongates the storage period of the products. To store solid and liquid food, glass containers are preferred due to their chemical resistance, clarity and durability, whereas for boiled or frozen food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical substances and toiletries plastic is used. For packaging of liquid, metal or plastic containers are used. Customized packaging, however, meets the special needs of the product. Different materials are used for packaging different goods. For lighter goods, corrugated or solid cardboard is used. Cardboard cartons are light, economical and easy to manufacture, print and store. For heavy loads, wood is required. Products weighing more than a hundred kilograms come in timber cases, and for the merchandise weighing less than a hundred kilograms fiberboard is used. |
