MATERIALS MANAGEMENT Packaging

By Kudzanayi Chiteka

Definition

Packaging is the science, art, and technology of

enclosing or protecting products for distribution, storage, sale, and use.

An average of 26% cost of a product is attributed to packaging [Gopalakrishnan, 2009]

Packaging
Interest in packaging is widespread
Logistics
Warehousing Transportation

Marketing
Production

Legal

Packaging
Consumer packaging

Marketing managers primarily concerned with how

the package fits into the marketing mix.

Industrial packaging
Logistics managers primarily concerned with efficient shipping characteristics including protection, ability to withstand stacking when on a pallet, cube, weight, shape and other relevant factors.

The Role of Packaging

Identify product and provide information Show conditions in which product is to be used Storage requirements Improve efficiency in handling and distribution Customer interface Protect product
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Packaging Materials
Basic considerations include:
Soft materials
Plastic

Environmental issues
Recycling (reverse logistics)

Packaging categories

primary packaging secondary packaging transit packaging

Primary packaging
Package labeling refers to the graphics and text that provide information about product contents, and directions for handling and use

Primary packaging is the material that first envelops the

product and holds it. This usually is the smallest unit of distribution or use and is the package which is in direct contact with the contents.

Secondary packaging

Secondary packaging is the box or crate into which a number of primary packages are placed for ease of manual movement of products. Some secondary packaging is also used to display products.

Tertiary Packaging

Tertiary packaging is used for bulk handling, warehouse storage and transport shipping. The most common form is a palletized unit load that packs tightly into containers
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Transit packaging

Transit packaging is the base pallet, strapping and wrapping used to bundle the boxes or crates for transport and distribution.

Shipping containers

Transit packaged products are placed in shipping containers for long-distance transportation and distribution.

Packaging and waste

Half of all the packaging produced ends up in our homes. Primary packaging makes up 20 percent of all household solid waste.

Purpose of packaging
Physical protection
Barrier protection

Containment or agglomeration
Information transmission

Marketing
Security

Convenience
Portion control
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Packaging Symbols

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Package development considerations

Prevention Reuse Recycling Energy recovery

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References
1. 2. 3. Gopalakrishnan p, handbook of materials management, PHI learning Pvt. Ltd., 2009 O. Brand, Packaging, Comprehensive Microsystems Journal, 2008 Sotomayor, R. E.; Arvidson, Kirk, Mayer, McDougal, Sheu, "Regulatory Report, Assessing the Safety of Food Contact Substances". Food Safety. (2007).

4.

Chitale and Gupta, Materials management texts and case, Prentice hall of India,
2006

5.

Yoxall, A.; Janson, R.; Bradbury, S. R.; Langley, J.; Wearn, J.; Hayes, S "Openability: producing design limits for consumer packaging". Packaging Technology and

Science 16 (4): 183243. doi:10.1002/pts.725, (2006).

6. Diana Twede (2005). "The Origins of Paper Based Packaging". Conference on Historical Analysis & Research in Marketing Proceedings 12: 288300 [289]. Retrieved 2010-03-20. 7. Franklin (April 2004). "Life Cycle Inventory of Packaging Options for Shipment of Retail Mail-Order Soft Goods" (PDF). Retrieved December 13, 2008 8. Bix, L, Rifon, Lockhart, de la Fuente, "The Packaging Matrix: Linking Package Design Criteria to the Marketing Mix". IDS Packaging, (2003).

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The end
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