Types of Packaging Material
Most products sold by retailers will have some form of packaging, and this can serve a few purposes. It can directly hold a product, provide it with some protection and make transportation easier. Packaging can also have marketing benefits, displaying a product in a manner that appeals to consumers and showing information about the product. The manufacture of packaging can use a variety of materials.
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Plastic
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Plastic can take many different forms, and this makes it a useful packaging material. Depending on the type of resin used, it can form flexible or more rigid materials. Flexible packaging can include cellophane wrap, made from low-density polyethylene. One of this material's common uses is a protective covering in food packaging. Rigid plastic packaging includes polystyrene, used in the manufacture of plastic trays and take-out food cartons. Other types of plastic packaging can include soda bottles, egg boxes and milk cartons.
Cardboard
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The manufacture of cardboard packaging can typically use either flat or corrugated cardboard. Flat cardboard is thinner material, commonly used in the production of smaller boxes to hold dry foods, such as cereals, as well as other non-consumable products. Corrugated cardboard has a greater strength, due to an increased wall thickness. Its use includes the production of larger boxes for transporting goods, although smaller boxes to directly hold a product can also use corrugated cardboard.
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Glass
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The use of glass packaging has a history dating back many centuries. Its most common use in packaging comprises the storage of food and drinks. Glass bottles typically contain consumable liquid products such as soft drinks, beer and wine, although glass can also store non-consumable products such as perfume or medicine. Glass jars typically hold food products such as jam, honey and preserved fruit and vegetables. A benefit of using glass packaging is that you can recycle it repeatedly, making it an environmentally friendly material.
Metal
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Metal packaging generally comes in the form of cans, which can store a variety of products. This includes food and beverages, such as soup, vegetables, fruit and soft drinks. Other products commonly held in metal containers include paint, household sprays, chemicals and pet food. Metal forms a strong, durable container, and this helps protect the stored contents from damage, as well as providing a barrier against heat, dirt and bacteria. Products stored in metal packaging also typically have a long shelf life.
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