How packaging is designed can have a significant effect on whether the product can be manufactured and packed cost effectively. It can also have an impact on the energy and resources used through the process.
Products aren't just packed at the end of the manufacturing process, in many cases packaging plays a vital role throughout the making of the product.
An example of how packaging can play a role in the making of a product.
Product and packaging: Small iced cakes in foil cases, held in a plastic tray, wrapped in plastic film and then put into a cardboard box.
- The cakes are baked in the foil cases
- The cakes are then placed in a plastic tray, this is an important part of the manufacturing process as it keeps the cakes accurately in position to be iced/ decorated.
- Plastic film is then used to cover the tray which keeps the cakes fresh and prolongs their shelf life.
- A cardboard box is added to protect the cakes during transportation from the manufacturer to the retailer and finally to our homes.
So, without using packaging for steps 1 and 2, we would see an increase in food waste.
This is just one example of how packaging is used to make a product and what effect it can have on reducing environmental impacts such as food waste.
