Packaging Styles
Regardless of what items you purchase, just about every product comes packaged a particular way. Often, the packaging materials used to support the item within the box utilize more space than the item itself. If you're environmentally conscious, pay attention to the packaging used in items you purchase. You might also buy items in bulk and avoid buying products that use too much packaging.
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Electronics
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Small electronic items, like iPods, MP3 players and CD players, are usually packaged in tightly secured inflexible plastic that molds to the shape of the item. Bigger electronic items, such as big-screen televisions, flat-screen televisions and stereo systems, are packaged in heavy-duty cardboard boxes that are insulated with foam slots that conform to the shape of the item. Often, these same items include plastic pockets that are filled with air, which help to prevent scratching or damage to delicate parts of the items inside the box. Many boxes also utilize heavy-duty staples and packaging tape to secure openings.
Perishable Items
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Perishable items such as frozen foods are packaged in airtight, water-resistant plastic that is designed to keep items fresh. Most of this material is easy to open, but once the freshness seal is broken, items have a tendency to acquire freezer burn. Meat, chicken, pork and other cuts of protein are often placed on top of rectangular sections of foam and tightly secured with plastic. Milk is available in medium-sized cartons or medium-sized and larger-sized plastic containers. According to Slate Magazine, even though a gable-top carton isn't the most environmentally friendly way to package milk, it does serve an important purpose. It helps to preserve A and D vitamins and riboflavin, which is degraded when milk is packaged in clear glass bottles and plastic containers. Eggs often come packaged in molded foam or cardboard containers. Other fresh foods, like muffins, cakes and bakery goods purchased at the store, are packaged inside plastic molds that are designed to keep items stabilized. Flowers are usually packaged inside of cellophane or plastic, which covers the entire length and width of the flowers. These flowers are also placed inside containers with water in them.
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Fragile Items
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Household items, items containing glass or other breakable materials are packaged inside of thick cardboard boxes with cardboard sleeves, which produce a tight fit for the items packaged inside. Foam sleeves and foam packing peanuts may also be used inside of these boxes to protect items from breaking. Layers of newspaper may also provide extra cushioning inside boxes containing fragile items. Often these boxes are secured with heavy-duty staples, which keep fragile items safe and secure.
Clothing and Underwear
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Most of the time, clothing and other textile items are displayed at the store and are not packaged; however, there are times when clothing items do come in packaging. When you visit a surplus store, some clothing items may be packaged in cellophane or plastic wrap. This is to protect items from any spills from drinks or food items accidentally dropped by customers. It is also a way of protecting clothing items from accumulating dirt or other substances, if they are constantly being dropped on the floor. Other clothing accessories, like underwear, may be packaged in a cardboard container with hard plastic on the cover, to display the item. Underwear is either rolled up and placed inside of the package or displayed on the front of the box, through the plastic.
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References
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