Classification of packaging at the place of packaging: types, purpose, functions and characteristics, basic requirements for packaging

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Today it is customary to classify packaging according to a number of features. Among them - the place of packing; materials used in the manufacture; the form; frequency of use; purpose of container; dimensions and load capacity. In this article, we will consider the types of packaging, classification and characteristics of each of them.

Purpose of packaging

So, above are several criteria according to which it is customary to form a grouping. To begin with, consider the classification of packaging by purpose:

• Transportation container and packaging, which is an independent transport unit. It is used for transportation, storage and warehousing of this or that product.
• Consumer packaging is used for packaging commercial products, which are sold exclusively to the public. It serves as part of the product itself and, accordingly, is included in the total cost. After implementationpurchase, it becomes the property of the consumer. Usually this type of packaging classification is not transported by itself - it is transported in transport type packaging.
• Industrial packaging used for transportation within a plant, workshop or between these structures, as well as for the accumulation of materials, raw materials, blanks, semi-finished products, finished products and waste.
• Preservative packaging, often referred to as special. It is needed to store materials, raw materials, equipment and even hazardous waste of a chemical, radioactive nature in the long term.

It is worth noting that the presented classification of containers and packaging according to their intended purpose is of a general nature, in contrast to the division according to the industry principle (engineering, food, chemical, etc.) or according to the degree of protective features (moisture resistant, against mechanical damage, isobaric, vapor tight and others).

Materials used

Now consider the classification of containers and packaging methods according to the materials used in its manufacture. So, it is customary to distinguish the following types of containers:

• glass packaging;
• wooden packaging;
• metal packaging;
• polymer packaging;
• carton packaging;
• ceramic packaging;
• packaging of various materials used in a specific combination.

It is important to know that the use of a particular material as one of the key featuresclassification of packaging involves its choice based on the specific properties of the product. We are talking about chemical, biological, hygienic and physical characteristics. By the way, a polymer container can be identified in accordance with the name of this polymer. For example, polystyrene or polyethylene packaging.

Packaging contents

Next, we will analyze the classification of packaging by composition. Currently, containers and packaging means of an auxiliary nature are distinguished. Among them are corks, covers that protect against damage, as well as backfills and fillers. It should be noted that the container is a key component or type of packaging. It is a tool for placement and further movement of products.

Packaging design

Classification of packaging in accordance with the chosen design is carried out according to the following criteria:

• According to the constructive form, packaging and containers are divided into jars, boxes, boxes, flasks, bottles, cups, tubes, bags, barrels, ampoules, pencil cases, bags, test tubes, bags and so on.
• In accordance with the design (in other words, compactness), collapsible, collapsible, non-collapsible, as well as collapsible and collapsible containers and packaging are distinguished. It is worth noting that collapsible packaging tends to be disassembled into smaller parts and, accordingly, assembled in its previous state. This is due to the connection of elements that perform the function of articulation. Collapsible packaging can be folded without violating theseelements, and then unfold again.
• Soft, semi-rigid and rigid packaging is distinguished by shape stability or structural rigidity. It should be added that the stability of the form depends on the properties of the material and the characteristics of the structure. Rigid containers will never change size and shape if filled with one product or another. It can withstand the mechanical impacts that are relevant during transportation and storage. This includes metal, glass, wooden containers, less often - from polymers. Semi-rigid packaging does not change its size and shape only under light load. As a rule, it is made of cardboard, thick paper or plastics. Soft packaging tends to change in size and shape when filled with a product, since its material is polymer films, loose paper, and so on.
• In accordance with the level of tightness of the structure, it is customary to distinguish sealed and non-hermetic containers. The latter is carried out open or closed with a lid. Sealed packaging is impervious to liquids and gases.

Soft consumer packaging

When studying the topic "Packaging: functional purpose, packaging elements, packaging classification" it is impossible not to single out the category of consumer packaging. She is soft and hard. Soft is able to keep products under reliable protection when it comes to external influences, as well as automate the process of its manufacture. Generally, the main materials herepolymeric films of multilayer type and various combinations of elements act. In the process of product packaging, robots perform filling operations, sealing the packaged product, as well as packing into a container of another type, transport, which is discussed above.

Studying the topic of consumer packaging, it should be noted that the film is endowed with a low specific gravity and low price. That is why it is often used one-time. As a rule, packages are made by a welding method. Less commonly used in production are stapling or gluing.

Rigid Resin Packaging

The main function of such packaging is to ensure the safety of the product, in other words, to protect commercial products from destruction or loss of shape. That is why rigid containers, as a rule, are endowed with mechanical strength. It is convenient in terms of consumption. It is advisable to include molded, extrusion-blown, pressed packaging made from sheet materials into this group. By the way, it is formed through various types of mechanical and thermoforming.

It should be borne in mind that consumer packaging made of sheet materials in terms of consumption and production, as well as cost-effectiveness, is significantly inferior only to film packaging. However, it surpasses the film in terms of dimensional stability and rigidity. Containers from the presented material are cups, spoons, cassettes, boxes with cells, jars and so on.

Packaging location

Classification of packaging by place of packaging is sufficientstandard. Here it is customary to allocate commercial and industrial containers. In the first case, the technological operation is carried out directly by the seller, in the second - by the manufacturer. That's all the difference! It should be added that the packaging trade service can be both free and paid. Moreover, the free service is included in the distribution costs, but the paid one is paid by the consumer.

Production technology

The classification of containers and packaging according to this criterion is as follows:

• Blow pack.
• Compressed packaging.
• Welded packaging.
• Injection packaging.
• Thermoformed packaging.

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Blown packaging today is in third place in terms of production, because in terms of functionality and variety, it is able to satisfy even the most fastidious consumers. It is used for a wide variety of products: bulk, liquid, solid, pasty, and so on. It should be added that almost all types of plastics are currently used to create it. Molded and molded containers are created by injection molding and pressure with precise execution of the inner bands of the product, as well as the outer surfaces.

Gas-filled containers are typically made from low-density foam. It can withstand significant specific loads, while only minimally deforming. Such packaging is used in order to provide reliable protection of the product from shocks, impacts,temperature fluctuations or mechanical damage.

Combined consumer packaging

It is advisable to separately consider combined packaging and packaging used for consumer purposes. It includes a combination of different materials: cardboard, paper, foil and so on. Such packaging is able to provide a high level of product safety and good consumer properties. This category includes containers of the "flow" type, in other words, made by applying a polymer melt directly to the product to be packaged. Skin packaging uses shrink films, that is, a second skin.

Stretch containers are made as follows: the product is closed on both sides with a PVC or SE-based shrink or stretch film, its ends are fixed with staples, welding or glue between cardboard sheets. In order for the film to fit snugly, the cavity with the product is heated and fixed in a vacuum. It should be added that this type of packaging is used for commercial products of household and haberdashery types, as well as for cosmetics and perfumes.

Classification of packages by style

Today there are a considerable number of classifications related to packaging and containers. One of the most modern is the division in accordance with the style of performance. Currently, the following types of packages are distinguished depending on the design used:

• Packaging with history. Todayproduct manufacturers often place a brand legend on the container, which is not at all surprising: this is done to increase consumer confidence. For example, whiskey Chivas Regal.
• Pop art. This direction is rather slowly, but still confidently moving into advertising design. Already today he has found his rightful place there. Pop art is bold, everyday and as simple as possible, using a bright, even poster-like color palette.
• HandMade packaging. Design trends tend more and more towards simplicity, but at the same time towards exclusivity. A few years ago, complex graphics were in fashion, however, today the rule “The simpler the better” undoubtedly wins. That is why manufacturers of well-known and expensive brands often choose manual packaging design. First, it builds consumer confidence. Secondly, uniqueness and uniqueness gives its fruits. Thirdly, hand-packed goods are still closer to the heart of the consumer than ordinary machine work, often similar to the work of other sellers.

Today there are many other design solutions, but this topic is very extensive. Therefore, it is recommended to study it separately.