Purpose of Packaging throughout Supply Chain - Literature review Example

Client inserts his/her name Tutor’s name Name of institution Course title Date of submission Introduction Calver (2004) defines packaging as an art or technology of enclosing products in readiness for distribution or storage. It also entails the processes involved in designing, evaluating and production of the various packages used for wrapping and enclosing products. Many production firms have a coordinated system of preparing their goods for distribution, transportation, warehousing or sale. This segment of production ensures that goods are contained, preserved and sold while in good condition. Besides, packaging plays a vital role in informing the target consumers. Discussion Purpose of packaging throughout supply chain The purpose of packaging is very central in the supply chain process. Some products need to be protected against shock, vibration, extreme temperatures among other factors that may affect the condition of products. Packaging is thus important in physical and barrier protection of products. Some packages perform other functions such as those which contain desiccants which help in extending the shelf life of the products. Therefore, the primary function of packaging is to keep products dirt free, fresh and hygienic for a considerable length of time (Calver, 2004). Leonard (1996) asserts that through packaging, those products that are made of small groups are put together for reasons of efficiency. Products in form of liquids, powders and granular shape need proper physical packaging and handling. It is thus efficient to pack these products in large or sizeable quantities which make it easy to transport. Packaging also serves as a medium for communicating vital information such as uses of the product, transport means, recycling process and the way of disposing the package after use. For instance, food products, medicines and pharmaceuticals need some information by governments. Storage of medicine requires some directives which are offered in the package material (Yam, 2009). According to Dean (2000), the package as well as the numerous labels used in packaging may also serve as marketing strategies where they encourage and persuade the potential buyers to try out the product. It can be a good avenue for sale display especially if the physical design of the package is appealing to the potential buyers. Food products usually acquire markets in this way. For security purposes, packaging play a great role. Some seals are tamper resistant while others have security prints for the purpose of reducing instances of product counterfeits. Anti- theft devices are sometimes included in the packages such as codes and tags that are easily detected at exit and entry points. This reduces the risks of damage as well as prevents losses that arise due to theft and the existence of counterfeits in the market (Dean, 2000). Nevertheless, packaging is done for the sake of creating convenience. This involves ease in distribution, display sale and use. It can also help in controlling quantity used at a particular time such as packages of one liter bottles of milk rather than asking people to come for milk in their bottles (Leonard, 1996) Discussing a range of different packaging types The art of packaging consists of various categories. A particular type of package is applied on products depending on the purpose such as for transport, distribution, shipping, storage or for direct consumption. In this regard, the three types of packaging include consumer packaging, distribution packaging and distribution packaging (Lockhart and Paine, 2006) According to Leonard (1996), packaging can be categorised according to the type of product in question. These include medical package, chemical package, food package or even material package among others. Moreover, it is important to consider the convenience of the packages when choosing the type and nature of packages. Primary package is convenient in products that form the smallest units and it is directly in contact with the product. Secondary packaging group a number of primary packages and it is often outside the primary package. Finally, the tertiary package is applicable where bulky goods are involved that need to be transported or stored Factors to consider when designing packaging According to Yam (2009), it is clear that the type of physical design used in packaging gives an insight of what is inside the package. Because of the numerous social and economic shifts in the world, it is prudent to plan and design packages efficiently. Some of the primary factors to be put into consideration include heath matters especially for food and medical products. The nutrient and additives forming the product should be considered seriously. It is also important to consider all types of family sizes such that packages for all proportions are designed. In this way, the potential consumer will be taken care of indiscriminately. (Soroka, 2002). Soroka (2002) emphasizes on the convenience of items in regards to mobility which is a very key factor to be considered. This relates to the economic status of the majority of the population which may require numerous sizes as well as qualities. Better still; the package should consider the labelling requirements of the product under package. The social and custom habits of the potential buyer will also affect the nature of the package designs for instance beverage packaging. Despite the fact that packaging serves a single purpose, environmental concerns cannot go unmentioned. Most companies and governments approve those packages that are minimal, recyclable and hence can be used again in another way such as polyethene bags. However, the impact of polyethene bags on the environment is worth considering (Yam, 2009). The importance of standardisation Many governments demand that companies follow the standardized rules of package. These standards are usually universally recognized. Each product has international standards in which packing methods are met. Standardization is very important because it reduces the chances of counterfeits because the real package is designed according to set standards. It is either significant in the package process because the people involved are presented with the guidelines to follow. (Soroka, 2002). The environmental implications of packaging According to Stillwell (1991), Packaging should allow environment friendly materials that are easily decomposed. In order to ensure that packaging creates a sustainable environment, waste prevention should be the main goal. Packaging should be used when it is extremely necessary to minimize costs. This can be maximised through an efficient package design process in regards to mass and volume. He further says that for both environmental reasons, packaging should allow for reuse. Nevertheless, recycling is encouraged such that the primary components of a package can be made into a new utilizable product. Besides, energy recovery may be the basis for recycling product packages. Disposal methods are very harmful to the environment and thus packaging should be done with materials that emit minimum pollutants to the environment. Also, the packaging materials used may be easily decomposable to ensure that the do not harm the environment much. Not at any time should packages litter the environment (Selke, 1994). In regards to Selke (1994), a sustainable environment may be achieved through the reduction of packaging material by using single pieces, aid recycling process and the use of natural materials. The main aim is to reduce harm on the environment through the development of better packing methods. Packaging designed for In-Transit and packaging for Display The two aspects of packaging differ because of the purpose intended for each. Packaging for display is designed with the intention of appealing to the potential buyers in regards to size, aesthetic value and informational value. On the other hand, the in transit package does not consider physical design quality because it is meant to hold goods for transportation or storage. It is thus supposed to be tough material which may help in handling the goods as required (Yam, 2009). Conclusion Packaging is a very basic aspect of the production process which carries much weight. It serves various services including security, protection, informing and the marketing purpose among others. The designs of packages rely on the nature of the product as well as the purpose for which the package is made. However, packaging companies should always stick to the standards set for packaging the various products. Most importantly, environmental sustenance should at the forefront of the entire process. References Calver, G., 2004.What Is Packaging Design, Rotovision. Dean, D. A., 2000. 'Pharmaceutical Packaging Technology." Leonard, E. 1996. Packaging, Marcel Dekker. Lockhart, H., and Paine, F.A., 2006."Packaging of Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare Products", Blackie, Stillwell, E. J, 1991. "Packaging for the Environment", A. D. Little Selke, S. 1994. Packaging and the Environment. Soroka, P. 2002. Fundamentals of Packaging Technology, Institute Of Packaging Professionals Yam, K. L., 2009. "Encyclopaedia of Packaging Technology", John Wiley & Sons. Read More