Packaging is an Integral part of any product and it can be broadly classified into two categories. Industrial packaging is used in logistics and storage. The other kind of packing is specially designed keeping in mind the consumer.

1. Product Packaging
Packaging is an Integral part of any product and it can be broadly classified
into two categories. Industrial packaging is used in logistics and storage. The
other kind of packing is specially designed keeping in mind the consumer. We
are exposed to such packaging everyday of our life right from a pack of chips,
to biscuits, to creams, gels, etc. Such packaging has dual a role to play. It not
only has the important task of preserving the product but also has to be
appealing enough for the consumer to make a purchase.
How does one decide on packaging?
Every organization/firm has to think of packaging from two perspectives one
for sale and the other for logistics. As already Mentioned Packing has
different utility depending on where it would be used. Usually the marketing
department of any company looks for packaging which is very attractive and
easy to be noticed in super markets with overcrowded shelf spaces. However,
having attractive packing has two disadvantages, the cost goes higher and the
packaging itself is fragile and ethereal.
The logistics department on the
other hand looks for Packaging
supplies that is durable. They
seek for packaging that is easier
to move and store. Here the
shape of the packaging plays at
important role as one has
limited space to store it. Fancy
packing is not advisable in this
case as it too fragile and can
cause damage to the product.
The shipping supplies will also require an external industrial packaging
which protects it from the weather conditions outside. It also has to protect
the contents of the box from tampering, contamination and damage from
material handling. The packaging has to be such that it provides ease in
stacking it as well.

2. How environmental friendly is the packaging the Firm uses?
Most of the packaging that looks attractive is not necessarily attractive to the
environment .We as consumers should realize that such packaging may not
always be made with ecofriendly materials. The packaging used for logistics is
usually made of bio degradable substances. However these degrade slower
than usual as they are coated with materials that help them last longer.
We should make use of packaging made of cardboard and other materials
which are easily recyclable, compostable and can be made itself from post-
consumer recycled material. Every Packaging company should work towards
making packaging that not only protect the product but also protects the
environment.
Packaging cannot be ignored as it is essential in preserving the product from
being soiled and contaminated. However they must work towards invention
and practice using materials that benefit the consumer as well as the
environment at large.