Sachet Packaging of Products - Research Paper Example

Table of Contents Table of Contents 0 Table of Figures 1 Summary 2 Introduction 4 Illustrations of Different forms of Sachets 5 The Reasons for the Use of Packages 0 i.Physical protection 0 ii.Barrier Protection 1 iii.Containment 1 iv.Security 1 v.Portion Control 2 The method of manufacturing the packaging 2 Methods of assembling the sachet packaging 3 The materials used in sachet packaging 4 Properties of the sachet packaging materials 5 The design of the sachet packaging 6 Environmental impacts of the sachet packaging 7 a.During manufacture 7 b.During use 7 c.At end of life 7 Economics associated with the use of the sachet packaging 8 Conclusion and recommendations 8 List of References 10 Table of Figures Figure 1: Sachets 5 Figure 2: Lavender Sachets 5 Figure 3: Healthy Products 5 Figure 4: Curry Chicken seasoning powder 5 Figure 5: Chilli Beef Seasoning Sachets 5 Figure 6: Liquid Laudry Detergent 5 Summary For the past years products have been packed facilitating their storage, distribution, sale and even their use. The term packaging is a broad term and it also refers to the process of designing, evaluating and producing the packages (Anin, et al., 2010). With increasing level of technology, advancement has been made in packaging. The use of sachet packaging is spreading at a high rate due to the benefits associated with it. Sachet packaging provides both physical protection and barrier protection from things such as dust, water vapor and even oxygen. Sachet packaging is manufactured by many methods depending on the type of sachet required (Anin, et al., 2010). The method discussed in this paper is the present invention method relating to triangular flexible and closed sachet. The assembling method of sachet packaging depends on the method of manufacturing the sachet. The materials used in making sachets depend on the products to be packed (Smith, et al., 1995). The materials used could include flexible films such as polyethylene, cellulose or propylene. Sachet packaging has economic benefits. However, sachet packaging has impacts on the environment during its manufacture, use and at end life. This report provides an introductory understanding of sachets as a way of packaging. In addition, the report identifies the reasons for the use of satchets. Besides, the report discusses the method of manufacturing the sachets, methods of assembly, materials used in the production, properties of the sachet packaging, and the design of the sachet packaging. Other important aspects addressed in this report include the environment impacts of the sachet packaging during manufacture, use and at the end of their life. Lastly, with a discussion on the economics associated with the use of sachet packaging, the report provides conclusions and recommendations. Introduction Packaging involves the art, science and technology for protecting or enclosing the products in order to facilitate their storage, distribution, sale and use (Anin, et al., 2010). Packaging could also refer to the process by which the packages are designed, evaluated and produced. The increasing level of technology has led to advancement in the ways in which products are packed (Anin, et al., 2010). The use of sachets can be traced back more than four hundred years ago. People could keep essential oils and spices in the silk bags to prevent their bags from being stained (Vermeiren, et al., 1999). Sachets have formed an important factor in many businesses in the present commercial world. The use of the sachet is simpler and less expensive way of sampling products. Sachet can be used to pack pastes, liquids, semisolids and even products that are pellet-like. Sachet packaging has many benefits making it to be widely used (Suppakul, et al., 2013). The consumers can be able to consume the product in any situation or place and they also have the guarantee of getting the product in the correct amount. The manufacturers are able to commercialize their products due to the use of sachets to pack the small dosage (Anin, et al., 2010). Products are now available for various customers in small packets (Trani & Sterner, 2002). Food additives, dyes, chemicals, cosmetics, detergents, soap and many products can be found in small packets. Sachets offer a new form of displaying products especially in the food industries (Trani & Sterner, 2002). A specific number of consumers can get an instant soup, saccharin of the correct dose and even coffee in the right measure (Suppakul, et al., 2013). The sachets can be in many forms such as chemical sachets, powder sachets among others. This paper will focus on the sachet packaging explaining the reasons for their use, the method used in manufacturing the packaging, method of assembling the packaging, properties of the packaging and the design of the packaging. Other factors such as the environmental impact and the economics associated with the use of packaging are also explored. The information is collected from various relevant sources. Interviews and meetings are also conducted to seek for more satisfying information. Illustrations of Different forms of Sachets The following diagrams provide illustrations on the different types and forms of sachets used in the packaging of food products. Figure 1: Sachets Figure 2: Lavender Sachets Figure 3: Healthy Products Figure 4: Curry Chicken seasoning powder Figure 5: Chilli Beef Seasoning Sachets Figure 6: Liquid Laudry Detergent The Reasons for the Use of Packages Sachet packaging are widely used because of the number of benefits the consumers and the manufacturers derive from it. The use of sachets enables the manufacturers to produce products in a wide range of amounts. This will make the products sell very fast because of meeting the requirement of various consumers (Anin, et al., 2010). The consumers do buy products in different qualities depending on their needs and economic status (Sivertsvik, 2003). Production of a certain product in large containers may have economic implications and in such circumstances the sachets become ideal (Sy-Changco, et al., 2011). This has enabled the manufacturers to avoid losses that may accrue from the use of large containers. Sachets make it very easy for the manufacturers to introduce new products in the market (Trani & Sterner, 2002). Samples of the products in small quantities can be given to a large number of people to try the product in the prospective market (Appendini & Hotchkiss, 2002). This helps to promote the product making more people to be aware of the product and so they could look for it in the store (Woodford, 2005). The production of small sachets in large number is an efficient way of gaining customers. The manager of the food processing industry held a meeting to brief the employees the objectives for introducing the sachet packaging. I happened to have attended the meeting in the process of seeking information for my topic. The objectives for the main use of packages were stated include; i. Physical protection The products that are contained in the sachet require physical protection from many things (Appendini & Hotchkiss, 2002). The products may require protection from things such as temperature, compression, mechanical shock, electrostatic discharge among other things. ii. Barrier Protection Sachet packaging provides protection of products from the dust and water vapuor (Bai, et al. 2012). Some sachets contain oxygen absorbers known as desiccants that extend the shelf life of a product. The sachets packages keep the product fresh, clean, safe and sterile thus extending the shelf life of the product (Yam, et al., 2005). iii. Containment The use of sachet packaging improves on the efficiency (Bai, et al. 2012). When the products are grouped together it becomes very easy to handle than when it is not grouped. Products such as powders, liquids, and granular can be handled with ease (Appendini & Hotchkiss, 2002). iv. Security In order to reduce the many risks of security shipment, manufacturers have found it appropriate to use the packages. The packages are made in a way that prevents the product from being tampered with (Appendini & Hotchkiss, 2002). Some packages are made in a way that tampering with them will show evidences of tampering. In order to avoid pilferage, some sachet packages have seals that indicate attempts of pilfers (Brown, 1966). The authentication seals can be included in the package. v. Portion Control The use of sachet packaging control usage of a product since the contents contained are in precise amounts. The commodity that is bulky can easily be divided into packages with sizes that are more suitable. This makes it easy to use the product by different individuals. The method of manufacturing the packaging There are different types of sachets and the present invention is related to triangular flexible sachet that is closed (Brown, 1966). The manufacturing methods of closed flexible sachet having a triangular shape mainly involves folding single flexible sheet(200) upon itself forming an interior space that is triangular (Dean, 2003). The interior space is filled with substance and welding the sheet that is folded capturing the substance found in the interior space (Bai, et al. 2012). The flexible sachet (100) is then closed. The manufacturing method of flexible closed sachet while holding a substance mainly assumes the principle that the welding lines is made up of one or even three welding lines (Anin, et al., 2010). The method of manufacturing may further comprise sealing of the two sheets that are opposed creating a triangular flexible and closed sachet closed with the shape of an isosceles triangle (Brown, 1966). The many welding lines consist of at least a line used in sealing along the filling tube’s vertical direction and the sealing lines that are at an angle of 45 degree versus the filling tube’s vertical direction (Cooksey, 2010). This present invention of sachet packaging relates further to the use of closed and flexible sachet by a user in the process of beverage preparation and comprises tearing of the flexible and closed sachet along the split lines that were designated previously (Bai, et al. 2012). The flexible sachet has one or more compartments in the interior space (Dean, 2003). The substance in the named sachet is a portion of beverage powder and it can be selected from the group that consist of tea, roast coffee, a chocolate product, ground coffee, dehydrated cream and dehydrated milk. The weight of the powdered beverage ranges from about 5g to 50g (Gueret, 2001). Some sachet manufactured contains an impregnated substrate (Anin, et al., 2010). These sachets made from metal foil or plastic film that is impermeable have a variety of uses. In the food industry it can be used to dispense individual portions of pastes and liquids such as mayonnaise and of solid materials such as butter and cheese (Anin, et al., 2010). They can also be used in the toiletry and cosmetic industries to contain small volumes of products. Methods of assembling the sachet packaging The methods of assembling packaging materials depend on the method of manufacturing the sachet packaging and the type of material to be used in making the sachet (Anin, et al., 2010). For the new invention method of sachet manufacturing, the sheet to be used in making the sachet is identified (Jiang, et al., 2013). The single flexible sheet (200) is then folded upon itself forming an interior space that is triangular (Brown, 1966). The interior space is filled with substance and welding the sheet that is folded capturing the substance found in the interior space. The flexible sachet (100) is then closed. The method of manufacturing may further comprise sealing of the two sheets that are opposed creating a triangular flexible and closed sachet closed with the shape of an isosceles triangle (Dean, 2003). The materials used in sachet packaging One of the interviews that I attended during the recruitment of employees in one of the food-based industries equipped me with more knowledge on the sachets packaging materials (Becker & Becker, 1994). There are various types of sachet packaging and therefore the materials of sachets also differ greatly (Cooksey, 2000). The types of materials used in making sachets depend on the type of products that is to be packed (Brown, 1966). The products could be liquid, solids or pellets and this greatly affects the type of material to be used in making the sachet (Bai, et al. 2012). The material used is also affected by the size or amount of the product that is to be packed (Anin, et al., 2010). Some products are corrosive and therefore they will require materials that are non reactant. Some of the materials used in sachets are made in such a way that they can withstand the pressure exerted by its contents or the products (Appendini & Hotchkiss, 2002). One of the interviewee asserted that some sachets contain the carrier, which is porous and incompressible (Becker & Becker, 1994). The carrier is held under compression by a pressure that is exerted onto the carrier by the walls of the sachet. The carrier mainly contains liquid that is antiseptic (Brown, 1966). The antiseptic liquid plays a big role in the packaging. The antiseptic liquid does not harbor bacteria ensuring that the product is not contaminated and remains safe for a specified period of time (Jiang, et al., 2013). It was argued that the sachets packaging also contains labels attached to them. The labels act as a source of information to the consumer communicating more about the products (Appendini & Hotchkiss, 2002). The labels communicate usage guidance, advertising recipes, barcodes, pricing and the seller’s details among others (Cooksey, 2010). The labels may be also used to prevent or show the issues of pilferage or tampering (Day, 2003). The labels are applied on the sachet packaging using label printer applicator of high speed. Properties of the sachet packaging materials The properties of the sachet packaging materials differ depending on the type of the material used in making the sachet (Appendini & Hotchkiss, 2002). The flexible films such as cellulose have a barrier property against moisture and gases. The products are protected from moisture or any water that may interfere with its quality (Brown, 1966). Some of the sachet packaging materials do not react with the products (Cooksey, 2010). There will be no reaction between the products and the materials ensuring that the customers buy quality products (Delsahut, 2002). The carriers used in the sachet packaging contain antiseptic liquid (Becker & Becker, 1994). The antiseptic liquid has a characteristic of fighting germs. The antiseptic liquid ensures that the bacteria and other germs are not harbored hence the product quality is not interfered with (Brown, 1966). The materials used in making sachets especially for the new invention should be flexible so that it can be bent very easily (Cutter, 2002). The materials used for sachet packaging has an appealing characteristics (Savill, & Wagner, 1995). The sachet will be appealing to the consumer hence he get persuaded and buys the product (Han, 2005). The materials used are made in a way that they can show cases of pilferage or tampering of the products (Becker & Becker, 1994). The design of the sachet packaging The design of the sachet packaging ranges widely from small sachets to large sachets and of different shapes (Haq, 1983). However, most of the sachets are designed in small shapes because of their benefits. The manufacturers can easily commercialize their products (Appendini & Hotchkiss, 2002). The companies offer samples in small amounts free of charge to the consumers. The company is able to test the excellence and quality of their products (Day, 2003). By using this marketing strategy, the company obtains good results without spending much (Brown, 1966). The improvement that can be done preferably on the present invention is by applying various types of materials. The sachets should also be made of materials that look more attractive. This will increase the number of sales. Environmental impacts of the sachet packaging a. During manufacture The sachet packaging has effects on the environment (Anin, et al., 2010). During manufacture of plastic material used in sachet packaging, is derived from natural gas and this deplete the resource that could be used for other purposes (Appendini & Hotchkiss, 2002). During manufacture of the materials used in sachet packaging fumes from the industries are emitted in the environment (Sam, et al., 2012). The fumes emitted in the atmosphere deplete the ozone layer increasing the intensity of the sun’s heat (Ozdemir & Floros, 2004). The waste products from the factory are released into the river directly; the water gets polluted posing a risk to the life of aquatic animals (Day, 2003). The carbon (IV) oxide gas released in the atmosphere leads to formation of acid water harmful to the environment (Becker & Becker, 1994). b. During use Even though the labels of some sachets are written stating that the materials are biodegradable, some of them are not degradable (Appendini & Hotchkiss, 2002). The non biodegradable substances cause impacts to the environment during their use (Cutter, 2002). Most people have a tendency of throwing the litter without taking consideration of the environment. The materials pollute the environment Cooksey, 2000). c. At end of life Some of the materials are not degradable and therefore after using the products they will still occupy the environment (Becker & Becker, 1994). The environment will thus get polluted with waste materials (López, et al., 2005). The materials buried deep in the soil can lead to leaching of harmful chemicals that will spread into the ground water. (Rao, et al., 2012) Economics associated with the use of the sachet packaging The use of sachet among the manufacturers is spreading at a high rate mainly because of the economics associated with it (Anin, et al., 2010). According to statics, the sale of sachets constitute to about 70% of the total sales (Lopez-Rubio, et al., 2004). The sachets enable the various products to be packed even in smaller sizes making it easy for the customers to afford it. The consumer who needs a product in smaller quantity can easily acquire one (Appendini & Hotchkiss, 2002). The sales volumes have therefore grown pulling down more profits and revenue (Nishiyuen & Principale, 2006). The manufacturers have incurred less cost especially when promoting their products (Anin, et al., 2010). The manufacturers give out samples of the products freely to a large number of people making them to be aware of the products they offer (Cooksey, 2000). Many people will be aware of the products offered hence increasing the sales of the product (Delsahut, 2002). Conclusion and recommendations Packaging of products is increasingly becoming necessary because of the benefits it has. Many consumers tend to consider the packed products because of the belief they have. They believe that the packed products are genuine in terms of quality and quantity. The use of sachet in packaging has many benefits because of the high number of sales as compared to other packaging methods. I would therefore recommend the use of sachet in packaging because it covers the demands various consumers. However, the material to be used in manufacturing the sachet should be well chosen taking into consideration of the environment. The materials that can be recycled are the most preferable. List of References Anin, S. K., Ellis, W. 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