In general the term ‘packaging’ and ‘packing’ are used interchangeably. Unit of the retail or consumer container is referred as packaging while transport containers are referred as packing. Consumer packaging has marketing implications whereas from logistics point of view transport containers are more important.

The wrapper or a container of a product is its package. The product is packed or wrapped so it may safely reach the consumer without losing its utility. It represents the creative skills of an artist on one hand and marketing and sales knowledge of the manufacturer’s management team on the other hand. Thus, it shows the combination of the talents of the designers, marketing experts, advertising team, technicians, researchers, and the top management.

First impressions are very important, and your packaging is often a consumer’s first introduction to the product. As such, product packaging is a factor that manufacturers should never overlook. The importance of product packaging is multi-faceted and can go a long way in securing a good first impression and lasting brand loyalty.

• Protects the product
• Displays and promotes the product
• Attracts buyers
• Differentiates the product from competitors

Packaging is the act of designing and creating the container and wrapper for the product. Package is the cover of the product that is used for storing, handling and protecting the product from external factors like sunlight, moisture, breakage etc. Packaging makes the product attractive and acts as an important tool of sales promotion. Attractive packages allure the customers to buy the product. Packaging performs the basic function of holding the product, protection, handling, storage, convenience in usage.

1. Primary Packaging – Packaging may be primary packaging that is required to hold the product like the toothpaste tube that carries the toothpaste.
2. Secondary Packaging – Secondary packaging is the outer wrapper that performs the function of sales promotion by displaying the brand name, features, price, and quantity. Like the outer wrapper of the toothpaste tube.
3. Transport Packaging – Transport packaging is the carton or crates that facilitates transportation and avoids damages in transit. The types of packaging depend upon the nature of the product. Products like soft drinks, beverages are available in bottles and tetra packed containers, which is the primary package and does not have any secondary packaging. Marketers are designing and creating innovative packages that are unique, attractive and distinct so that it can be easily identifiable from its competitor.

1. Physical protection – The objects enclosed in the package may require protection from, among other things, mechanical shock, vibration, electrostatic discharge, compression, temperature
2. Barrier protection – A barrier from oxygen, water vapour, dust, etc., is often required.
3. Containment or agglomeration – Small objects are typically grouped together in one package for reasons of efficiency. For example, a single box of 1000 pencils requires less physical handling than 1000 single pencils.
4. Information transmission – Packages and labels communicate how to use, transport, recycle, or dispose of the package, or product.
5. For Marketing purpose – The packaging and labels can be used by marketers to encourage potential buyers to purchase the product.
6. Package graphic design and physical design have been important and constantly evolving phenomenon for several decades
7. Security – Packaging can play an important role in reducing the security risks of shipment.
8. For Convenience – Packages can have features that add convenience in distribution, handling, stacking, display, sale, opening, re-closing, use, dispensing, reuse, recycling, and ease of disposal.
9. Portion control – Single serving or single dosage packaging has a precise amount of contents to control usage.

• Flammable liquid
  Explosives
  This way up
  Fragile material
  Keep away from water

• It should be capable of withstanding the hazards of handling and transport. The cargo may be handled manually and mechanically. The handling methods may differ between places. When manually handled, it may be tilted, draped, thrown, pulled, pushed, rolled etc. further it may also be subject to compression due to stacking. The packing should, therefore, be capable withstanding such hazards of handling and transportation.
• It should be easy to handle. To facilitate easy handling, bulk packs may be provided with handling facilities like hooks, handles, gripper’s etc. In case of products which shall not be turned upside down, the position should be clearly indicated like marking ‘this side up’. In case of fragile articles, which shall not be subject to rough handling, the size, shape and weight of the pack should be amendable for smooth handling. Further, it should also be indicated on the pack.
• It should be amendable to quick examination of contents. It may be remembered that the customs authorities of the exporting and importing countries may want to examine the contents.
• It should be easy to identify the manufacturer from package
• It should be adequately marked.
• Unless it is necessary, the detail contents shall not be disclosed.
• It should be easy to dispose of.
• Packing must confirm to the buyer’s specifications. It must also obey the regulations in the exporting and importing countries, guidelines and regulation by the shipping company, etc.

There are certain packaging standards defined by countries where goods are exported such as the British standard packing code, published by the British standards institution and Exporters Encyclopedia, USA that gives detailed packing instructions.

Shipping companies also give certain packing instructions especially for highly dangerous products. According to the products the exporter intends to export, he has to choose the right type of packing. A right package always guarantees the right undamaged quality product at the time of delivery.