Packaging

Question 1

Packaging

Answer 1

is a marketing tool related to the performance of marketing function. The basic objective behind packaging is to prevent damage to the product during storage, transportation and handling, when it is in movement for distribution in the market. It forms an important cost element of goods and represents 5 – 30 percent of the value of goods, depending on the type of product.

Question 2

Two main types of packaging

Answer 2

Consumer and Industrial Packaging

Question 3

Consumer Packaging

Answer 3

This packaging is done with a marketing emphasis. The packaging design focuses on aspects like customer convenience, market appeal, shelf utilization, product protection etc.

Question 4

Industrial packaging

Answer 4

The concept of containerization or unitization where the individual products are grouped into carton, bags, bins, or barrels for handling efficiency. The master cartons are grouped into larger units for handling, the combination that is referred to as containerization or unitization. Logistical packaging is designed to meet the distribution objectives.

Question 5

Functions of packaging

Answer 5

1. Damage Protection
2. Utility/Convenience
3. Communication

Question 6

1. Damage Protection

Answer 6

The master carton protects products from damage while movement and storage, in addition to being a restraint to pilferage. The cost of protection increases according to the degree of value and fragility of the product. The vulnerability of damage is related to the environment in which it is stored and transported.

Question 7

Certain situations in which the product will cause in – transit damage to the product are

Answer 7

Vibration, compression, puncture and impact.

Question 8

The outside elements also influence the packaging

Answer 8

Temperature, humidity etc., which are beyond the control of logistical management.

Question 9

2. Utility/Convenience

Answer 9

This refers to how packaging can affect the logistical productivity and efficiency. When products are packed in certain configurations and order quantities, it increases the logistical output. Packaging thus provides convenience of handling and storing. Also the concept of unitization is very significant here. Unitization refers to the process of grouping the master cartons physically into one restrained load for easier material handling and transportation.

Question 10

3. Communication

Answer 10

Packaging plays a significant role by assisting all channel members to identify the contents of the package. An attractive surface decoration can serve as a display item. Information such as the manufacturer’s name, quantity, code number etc is mentioned on the package.

Question 11

Types of packaging material

Answer 11

1. Shrink-Wrapping
2. Aluminium
3. High – Density Plastic Boxes
4. Plastic Strapping
5. Plastic Foam Dunnage
6. Film – Based Packaging
7. Blanket – Wrapping
8. Returnable Containers
9. Intermediate Bulk Containers
10. Plastic Pallets
11. Refrigerated Pallets

Question 12

1. Shrink-Wrapping

Answer 12

Form of packing where a pre - stretched plastic sheet or bag is placed over platform and master cartons. Heating locks the cartons. Advantages of this packaging are adaptability to various shipment sizes, low cost, and the ease of identifying contents and damage. A major disadvantage is disposal of waste material.

Question 13

2. Stretch – Wrapping

Answer 13

The unit load is wrapped with a tightly drawn external plastic material. Then it is rotated on a turntable to place the stack under tension. Platform is wrapped directly into the unit load.

Question 14

3. Aluminium

Answer 14

The main area of usage is foil. These are used as a replacement for beverage cans, stackability being the main advantage. Metal tubes and moulded trays are the other two forms. While metal tubes are used in pharmaceuticals, crafts, and cosmetics, moulded trays are used in the food industry.

Question 15

4. High – Density Plastic Boxes

Answer 15

Containers with lids similar to those purchased for home storage applications. These are rigid and sturdy, thus ensuring high protection.

Question 16

5. Plastic Strapping

Answer 16

A load is unitized so that many smaller containers can be handled as a single larger container. The strapping, which is usually about one to one and a half inch wide, is bound tightly around the containers.

Question 17

6. Plastic Foam Dunnage

Answer 17

Used to pack irregular shaped products into standard shaped boxes. These are light and do not increase the transportation cost and also provide substantial protection. A major issue here is the environmental problems related to disposal.

Question 18

7. Film – Based Packaging

Answer 18

This utilizes flexible materials instead of rigid packaging like corrugated fibreboard boxes. Corrugated fibreboard cases represent an important part of the paper and board industry, in terms of both tonnage and value. Corrugated fibreboards are commonly used for television, washing machines, refrigerators, cigarettes, personal care products, etc among a host of other products. The advantages here

Question 19

8. Blanket – Wrapping

Answer 19

A traditional form of packing, which is generally used in household packing. This packing is most suitable for irregular shaped products like chairs, tables and other furniture. Generally household goods carriers use these services.

Question 20

9. Returnable Containers

Answer 20

These are mostly re – usable packages like steel or plastic and sometimes corrugated fibreboard boxes. These are used by automobile manufacturers to pack inter - plant shipment of body parts.

Question 21

10. Intermediate Bulk Containers

Answer 21

Used for granular and liquid product shipment quantities smaller than tank cars but larger than bags or drums. Resin pallets, food ingredients, and adhesives are packed in these containers.

Question 22

11. Plastic Pallets

Answer 22

The rapid growth in the utilization of plastic in packaging is noticeable. These are lightweight and recyclable.

Question 23

12. Refrigerated Pallets

Answer 23

A self – contained refrigerated shipping unit, which can be placed inside a regular dry van as a Less Than Truck Load shipment. This integrates the demands of environment and unitization.

Question 24

GENERALIZATION

Answer 24

Packaging has a key impact on the cost and productivity of the logistical system. A central planning logic designed to control the total distribution costs must incorporate all the relevant costs and trade – offs, also those related to packaging. The cost of every logistical activity is affected by packaging.