Packaging: functions and techniques

Packaging fulfils the following functions:

• containing and holding the product
• protecting the product from damage
• making sure small parts are not lost
• informing the customer about the product
• creating brand identity to promote and help sell the product
• making it convenient to carry, use and store the product.

Cartons

Cardboard cartons, in all of their numerous variations, are the most common form of packaging. The process involved in manufacturing cartons can be summarised as follows:

Print the carton design on card. This is usually done by lithography.

1. Cut the card into a net or surface development of the carton, with tabs for gluing. This is usually done using a press knife.
2. Fold the net into the carton shape. Often the creases will be marked by the press knife, and the folding done on a folding machine.
3. Finally the carton is glued together along the tabs. A hot melt glue system is often used.

Roll over the graphic to reveal part names of the carton net.

Other packaging methods

• Bottles and jars made from glass or plastic are used for liquids, granules and powders. Boxes and cylinders made from card are also used for granules, powders and whole items.
• Plastic bags are used for food products and small loose items, eg snack foods and sweets.
• Cans are used for food products. Drinks cans are made from aluminium and food cans are made from tin-coated steel (tinplate).
• Bubble packs consisting of a stiff plastic bubble made by vaccuum-forming fixed to a card backing - are used for small products, eg stationery items, toys and screws.
• Shrink-wrapping - soft plastic vaccuum formed onto card backing - is used for some small products, eg DIY products and toys.