In the packaging industry we identify the different layers of packaging that surround a product in the following way:
Packaging is essential in ensuring products get from the manufacturer and into our homes in excellent condition and ready to use.
Over the years, the functions of packaging have evolved to adapt to our modern lifestyles. So for example we can now heat products in their packaging, reseal products to keep them fresher for longer, have child safe and tamper proof packaging and so forth.
Packaging is often hailed as 'environmentally unfriendly' or 'excessive', however most of the time the packaging in question is neither of these.
Packaging can even have a positive impact on the environment without us realising it!
Shrink-wrapping cucumbers keeps them fresh for
two weeks, without the shrink wrapping, 'naked' cucumbers would not be able to
be sold after 3 days!
So by wrapping products in very light plastic, products can stay fresher for longer, which means less food waste and a wider choice of products in the shops.
If you think that a product is unnecessarily or excessively packaged ask yourself the following questions.
Without the packaging would the product
- get to the shop in good condition?
- be delivered to or arrive at your house without being damaged?
- have a long shelf life?
- be able to offer essential usage/ disposal and contents information?
These questions are just some of the things that businesses have to think about when designing and manufacturing packaging for their products. Check out our 'packaging journey' pages to find out more.
We've talked a lot about the positive points about packaging and how there are some cleverly packaged products. However, we are also aware that some products could actually be excessively packaged.
So we have created an online form for you to submit the good, the bad and the ugly of packaging to us. We will then ask packaging suppliers for feedback on why their packaging is the way it is.
Your feedback will help businesses to understand what you as a consumer think of their packaging, and also help them to
