1. What is Packaging?

Packaging is a special product, used to wrap and contain, to protect the value of goods, to create favorable conditions for moving, preserving in warehouse and consuming product. Product packaging is concerned with the way the product is stored and displayed. Usually, the packaging is attractively designed, consistent with the product and brand of the business.

2. Packaging classification

There are many different ways of classifying packaging products depending on the characteristics of each type. Therefore, customers need to consider to choose the most suitable product for themselves.

a. Classification according to uses

+  Inner packaging: this type of packaging is used to pack goods, it is in direct contact with the product, often sold with the product. Therefore, its value is added to the value of the product for sale.

+ Outer packaging (or shipping packaging): This type has the effect of protecting the intact quantity and quality of products, serving the transportation of products from the place of production to the place of consumption

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b. Classification according to compressive strength

There are 3 types of packing according to hardness: hard packaging, semi-rigid packaging and soft packaging.

+ Hard packaging: capable of withstanding mechanical impacts from the outside, the load of the product inside, keeping its shape when carrying, transporting, loading and unloading.

+ Semi-rigid packaging: this type is fully solid when carrying out product storage and transportation; however limited to a certain extent. It can be deformed under the weight of the goods, pressure effects when stacking goods, mechanical effects (impacts, vibrations) during transportation.

+ Soft packaging: easy to deform when under the impact of cargo loads and external mechanical impacts, easy to change shape. Although it withstands impacts and collisions during loading and unloading, but this type of packaging is the means to transmit those impacts to the goods and is often used for granular, powdered products, which are not affected. mechanical effects on product quality.

c. Classification of packaging according to manufacturing materials

+ Paper, carton and paperboard packaging
This is a popular type of packaging currently on the international and domestic market. It accounts for about 70% of all packaging used. This type of packaging has the following properties: Physically: moisture-proof, tear-resistant, folding-resistant and impact-resistant (with high rigidity); Chemically: resistant to chemicals, resistant to heat (good heat resistance), poor flammability, resistant to insects and germs; Physiology: odorless, tasteless, non-toxic; Psychology: flat surface, easy to print decorative, easy to use. This type has the ability to recover materials to continue the production process of other types of packaging

+ Packaging made of artificial and synthetic materials
For example, all kinds of packaging are manufactured from polymer materials, artificial rubber, plastic film, "plastic packaging" hard... or a combination of many other materials to produce packaging that meets the requirements. in product storage and transportation.

+ Glass and ceramic packaging
Usually used to contain liquid products such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, alcohol, beverages, etc., this type is non-toxic, does not react with goods, has a certain hardness, but is very fragile when impacted. , vibration during transportation, loading and unloading.

3. The function of product packaging

Packaging brings a lot of benefits to users.

+ Product protection
-  This is the most primitive function of packaging. Packaging helps to protect the product inside from breakage, vibration, impact, the influence of temperature  and the external environment.

+ Separation function
- Prevent the product from getting wet with water and dirt. Packaging also helps insulate the product from oxidation or contamination.

+ Makes transportation easier
-  Some products will not be able to be shipped without packaging. For example: sugar, salt, roasted coffee ... in this case, packaging is a simple and effective way to bring products to consumers.

+ Information transmission
-  One of the most basic and ancient functions of packaging is to convey information. The information printed on the package includes mandatory or optional information such as: product name, composition, uses, functions, manufacturer information, expiry date...

+ Reduce theft
-  The packaging is always designed to wrap the product and can only be opened once. Therefore, once the packaging is opened, it cannot be closed again or when closed, it will leave a identifying mark. This in turn reduces the risk of products being stolen.

+ Guaranteed convenience
-  Products packaged by the packaging machine can be easily transported, distributed, displayed on supermarket shelves, opened and closed, and used many times.

+ Marketing function
Packaging is a secret weapon in marketing. Packaging helps influence buyers and encourage consumer behavior. Today, the role of packaging is becoming more and more important in building a strong and consistent brand. Businesses are interested in professional, impressive packaging design as an effective sales advantage, helping businesses increase sales and at the same time reduce costs for product promotion activities.