Product Packaging History

Packaging became a necessity when food and other items needed to be packaged for storage, transportation, protection, measurement, and display purposes. In early civilization nature provided containers like hollowed-out trees and stones. As man discovered through chemistry how to use elements like ores, product packaging took on new forms which remain the standard today.

Paper

Wrapping paper around products started with the ancient Chinese who used treated bark to wrap around their food. Then came flax and linen, and in 1867 paper was made from pulp wood. As industrialization took place machines were made that could produce paper bags in an assembly line, later adding printing to the process so information was printed on the paper. From paper came paperboard and boxes like cereal boxes and shipping boxes. Paper has seen a resurgence as a preferred packaging material because it is easily recycled.

Glass

Although glass making was industrialized by the Egyptians it was not until the invention of the glass-blowing pipe that round glass containers were made. Clear glass evolved in the Christian era; from that point on, it was possible to see the product inside the glass. As glass manufacturing progressed, different shapes and lettering added to the packaging possibilities. The automatic machinery made for bottling revolutionized the use of glass in packaging. Although many products like mayonnaise and ketchup are packaged using plastic now, glass is still preferred for high-end food, alcohol, perfumes and oils.

Metal

Natural metals like silver and gold were used to hold products but they were cost-prohibitive for general use. Then, in 1200, the Bohemians started tin plating which led to iron cans made with a tin coating inside. In the beginning cans were not used for food because of health concerns. Napoleon challenged France to develop a method that would permit food to be placed in cans and stay fresh. A French chef won the challenge by boiling the food and sealing the can. In 1810 a patented round sealed metal can evolved holding everything from cookies and tooth powder to matches. Canned goods still remain an affordable staple.

Plastic

Introduced in the 19th century, plastics were generally used for packaging by the military. The biggest pioneer of plastics used for product packaging is DuPont. Plastics revolutionized what could be done with a product as far as transportation, protection, shelf life and making the products appealing to the consumer. Due to environmental concerns, lighter and thinner films have been manufactured and are currently the preferred plastic. Harder plastics are used to secure and protect products and at the same time display the product in an appealing way to consumers.

Military Influence

The United States has been a behind-the-scenes influence in product packaging. The need to get perishable and non-perishable products to servicemen around the world in all different climates led to many packaging innovations. The space program has also been the source for packaging concepts.

References

• Florida State Univeristy - K. Berger
• Ohio State University