Packaging is nothing but, the material that covers the product, gives the information, attracts the consumers and protect the product during transportation. Packaging plays a major role in marketing of the product as it is directly linked to the visual acceptance of the product.
Types of packaging
1. Primary packaging
2. Secondary packaging
3. Tertiary packaging
Primary packaging is in direct contact with the product and contains the product information such as manufacturing date, nutritional values (food products), directions to use etc. The packaging that contains primary packaged products is called as secondary packaging. It is required to transport the product in batches without any damage to the primary package. Package that incorporates these secondary packages is called as tertiary packages. It contains of two types: 1. Homogeneous packaging 2. Heterogeneous packaging
Homogeneous packaging contains secondary packages of the same product whereas heterogeneous packaging contains secondary packaging of multiple products.
Current trends in the packaging
1. Modified Atmospheric Packaging
2. Controlled atmospheric packaging
Modified Atmospheric packaging is the technique which is used to increase the shelf life of the product by altering the gaseous composition inside the package. This can be done by either gas flush packaging where the air inside the package is pushed by the desired gaseous mixture or Vacuum packaging where the air is completely removed and then package is filled with desired gaseous mixture. The difference between the modified and controlled atmospheric packaging is, the process can be controlled once the packaging is done in Controlled atmospheric packaging whereas process cannot be controlled in Modified Atmospheric Packaging once the packaging is done.
The leading packaging company in India is Tetra pak. It is used for the storage of the liquid foods such as Juices, soft drinks etc. The packaging material is composed of polythene, cardboard and aluminum foil. Cardboard gives the base for the package and contains information about the product. Aluminum foil protects the product from sunlight and any changes in its chemical composition. Polythene protects the package from moisture or other environmental hurdles. Now-a-day’s tetra paks are available in different shapes to ensure the comfort ability to the consumers. The aim of the packaging is to reduce the storage space, attract the consumers, and provide information at reduced cost.
“The packaging is designed so that when people buy the second record, they can attach it to the first, making it a double record.”
prasannablog 