Before we delve into the different types of packaging and their role in manufacturing, it is important to define some common terms related to packaging materials.
With the development of technology, economy, and society, the rise of e-commerce platforms, the packaging of products has become more and more exquisite, so packaging and its related processes and materials have become an important part of most manufacturing and distribution companies.
Learning how to better, safer, and cheaper package items locally has become a key factor in managing a business’s specific operating costs. As consumers and companies become more environmentally aware of our world’s limited resources, the issue of reusing and recycling packaging has also become a priority.
The importance of correct packing material
Deciding what type of packaging material to use and how to use it is critical to the successful sale and distribution of the product. Some key factors to consider include packaging design and brand, how the product is sold, where it is distributed, transported, return policy and logistics, your packaging budget, and sustainability issues. (Is it reusable? Environmentally friendly? Biodegradable and compostable?)
What are the advantages and disadvantages of these packing materials?
Advantages and disadvantages of 6 types of packaging materials：
Plastics-Advantage:
- The most widely used.
- Incredibly flexible, lightweight, and durable
- It can be made food-safe, transparent or opaque.
- It can also be chemical and heat resistant.
Disadvantage:
- Only 9% of plastic is recycled, according to National Geographic.
Paper and cardboard
Applications
Commonly used for commercialization and transportation
Advantage –
- The corrugated board structure is stable, can be used for transportation, storage.
- Easy to print, so it’s easy to incorporate your brand into your packaging.
- Easy to recycle and completely renewable (often reused by environmentally conscious companies and consumers)
- Low Price, lightweight and flexibility
- They are easy to stack and store as well as fold and Recycle
Wood
Applications
Wood packaging can be found in food, beverage, grocery, automobile, construction and other industries.
- Can successfully support, protect and transport a variety of goods. (pallet, box, box, bucket, or another container.)
- Reusable and repairable if damaged.
- Compostable
Disadvantage
It is more susceptible to pests and insect damage than plastic, glass, or metal packaging.
Glass
Applications
Ninety percent of people prefer glass packaging — mainly wine, beer and medical supplies.
Strenth
- Glass has been used for many years, especially in the production of food and drink.
- Non-porous, non-toxic material.
- Therefore, can also maintain the flavor and freshness of its contents for a longer time.
- It can also be created beautifully and aesthetically and is 100% recyclable.
Faults
- It requires a lot of heat and energy processing.
- High- costs
- They are more likely to break during transport.
Steel-The recovery rate is over 70%.
- It is usually used for industrial transportation.
- Steel containers are very durable.
- It is able to withstand harsh handling, weather conditions and heavy loads.
Aluminum—-About 65% of the aluminum is recycled.
- Aluminum packaging is used for a wide range of applications including aluminum cans, aluminum foil and aerosol products.
- With strong corrosion resistance,
- Offers excellent light, UV, oil and oxygen production.
- It’s clean, it’s non-toxic, light and durable.
- Long retention period, commonly used in packaging food or medicine.
- Save resources and energy.
Five solutions to reduce packaging costs
- Simplify the use of storage and packaging materials
- The most popular packaging materials are stored in easy-to-use locations and .kept in stock. Moving less commonly used packaging materials to more remote areas.
- Automating common packaging tasks.
- Use Investment Robotics to assemble or package cartons. Move your employees to higher-level, more valuable tasks to grow your company.
Optimize Size and Space
Packaging size and space rationalization to reduce the use of materials. One package, multiple uses.
Decrease Returns
While accepting returns is a key part of today’s excellent customer service expectations, make sure you have cleaned up the confirmation order process to minimize the number of returns.
Keep up with the packaging trend
Pay close attention to new packaging technology, no matter design or packaging development information. These can reduce things like damage, returns, or other transportation problems.
Five options for reducing and reusing packaging materials
- Explore packaging materials made from recycled materials.
- Find ways to reuse sturdy wooden or metal containers.
- Use sustainable or renewable packaging materials.
- Use stretch wrap for safer packaging and less breakage.
- Choose biodegradable loose-fill materials.
Packaging in food manufacturing
If you are in the food manufacturing industry, there are several other considerations when choosing packaging materials. In addition to looking at the cost, availability, and sustainability of the material, you also need to consider how it keeps food and drink safe, reliable, and fresh.
Tamper-proof packaging is important in the production and use of food-grade materials, especially when choosing plastic packaging. Certain types of packaging help to capture better marketing and branding opportunities, which can be a competitive advantage on crowded grocery store shelves.
Packaging material management using CMMS
- Helps you to ensure that packaging equipment and machinery are running
- Eliminate or reduce potential food contamination points.
- Capable of routine reactive, preventive and predictive maintenance
- To help food manufacturers to provide safe, nutritious and fresh products to the general market
