Product Packaging
The purposes of product packaging are mostly for the preservation
of the product. Many items need to be protected from damage that can
occur from shock, vibration or other forces. Often the protection is
also from dust, air and other contaminants keeping them fresh or sterile.
Some have special oxygen absorbers or preservatives to extend shelf
life.
Some other purposes of product packaging are for security. Many products
come with tamper evident seals that indicate whether or not the package
has been pilfered. In many retail and clothing stores, products have
special electronic or dye tags. The electronic tag, coupled with sensors
at exits, is an effective way to prevent losses. Dye tags release a
dark ink that ruins the fabric and stains hands, and is very recognizable
but doesn’t necessarily prevent losses.
Portion control and convenience are other reasons for product packaging.
Many items can be bought in bulk, such as salt, but it is much easier
to put the salt in multiple small containers allowing for easier use.
Pencils are often grouped together as well, it being much easier to
handle 1,000 pencils in one box than all of them individually. Many
products have reusable or re-sealable packaging for multiple uses.