Editing Packaging (section)

==The purposes of packaging and package labels==

Packaging and package labeling have several objectives<ref>{{cite conference
  | first = L
  | last = Bix
 |author2=Rifon |author3=Lockhart |author4=de la Fuente
  | title = The Packaging Matrix: Linking Package Design Criteria to the Marketing Mix
  | publisher = IDS Packaging
  | year = 2003
  | url =https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282313342
  | access-date = 16 September 2017}}</ref>
* '''Physical protection''' – The objects enclosed in the package may require protection from, among other things, mechanical [[Shock (mechanics)|shock]], [[vibration]], [[electrostatic discharge]], abrasion, compression, [[temperature]],<ref>{{cite journal |last=Choi |first= Seung-Jin|author2=Burgess |year=2007 |title=Practical mathematical model to predict the performance of insulating packages|journal=Packaging Technology and Science |volume=20 |issue=6 |pages=369–380 |doi=10.1002/pts.762 |s2cid= 136558384}}</ref> etc.
* '''Barrier protection''' – A barrier to [[oxygen]], [[water vapor]], sunlight, dust, etc., is often required. [[Permeation]] is a critical factor in design. Some packages contain [[desiccant]]s or [[oxygen absorber]]s to help extend shelf life. [[Modified atmosphere]]s<ref>{{cite journal |last=Lee |first= Ki-Eun |author2=Kim |author3=An |author4=Lyu |author5=Lee |year=1998 |title=Effectiveness of modified atmosphere packaging in preserving a prepared ready-to-eat food|journal=Packaging Technology and Science|volume=21 |issue=7 |page= 417|doi=10.1002/pts.821 |s2cid= 98181751 }}</ref> or controlled atmospheres are also maintained in some food packages. Keeping the contents clean, fresh, [[Asepsis|sterile]]<ref>{{cite journal |last=Severin |first=J|year=2007 |title=New Methodology for Whole-Package Microbial Challenge Testing for Medical Device Trays|doi=10.1520/JTE100869|journal= Journal of Testing and Evaluation|volume=35|issue=4|page=100869}}</ref> and safe for the duration of the intended [[shelf life]] is a primary function. A barrier is also implemented in cases where segregation of two materials prior to end use is required, as in the case of special paints, glues, medical fluids, etc.
* '''Containment or agglomeration''' – liquids and powders need to be contained for shipment and sale. Small objects are typically grouped together in one package for reasons of storage and selling efficiency. For example, a single box of 1000 marbles requires less physical handling than 1000 single marbles. [[Liquid]]s, [[Powder (substance)|powders]], and [[granular material]]s need containment.
* '''Information transmission''' – Packages and [[label]]s communicate how to use, transport, [[recycling|recycle]], or dispose of the package or product. With [[Medication|pharmaceutical]]s, [[food]], [[medicine|medical]], and [[chemical substance|chemical]] products, some types of information are [[Mandatory labelling|required]] by government legislation. Some packages and labels also are used for [[track and trace]] purposes. Most items include their [[Serial number|serial]] and [[lot number]]s on the packaging, and in the case of food products, medicine, and some chemicals the packaging often contains an [[Shelf life|expiry/best-before date]], usually in a shorthand form. Packages may indicate their construction material with a symbol.
* '''Marketing''' – Packaging and [[label]]s can be used by [[marketing|marketers]] to encourage potential buyers to purchase a product. Package [[graphic design]] and physical design have been important and constantly evolving phenomena for several decades. [[Marketing communications]] and [[graphic design]] are applied to the surface of the package and often to the [[point of sale display]]. Most packaging is designed to reflect the brand's message and identity on the one hand while highlighting the respective product concept on the other hand.
[[File:Dual number tab on a tamper evident label.jpg|thumb|Permanent, tamper evident voiding label with a dual number tab to help keep packaging secure with the additional benefit of being able to track and trace parcels and packages]]
[[File:Shampoo packet, single-serving.jpg|thumb|right|upright|A single-serving shampoo [[Packet (container)|packet]]]]
* '''Security''' – Packaging can play an important role in reducing the [[security]] risks of shipment. Packages can be made with improved [[tamper resistance]] to deter manipulation and they can also have [[tamper-evident]]<ref>{{cite journal |last=Johnston |first= R.G.|year=1997|title=Effective Vulnerability Assessment of Tamper-Indicating Seals|url=http://library.lanl.gov/la-pubs/00418792.pdf|doi=10.1520/JTE11883J|journal= Journal of Testing and Evaluation|volume=25 |issue=4|page= 451}}</ref> features indicating that tampering has taken place. Packages can be engineered to help reduce the risks of [[package pilferage]] or the theft and resale of products: Some package constructions are more resistant to pilferage than other types, and some have pilfer-indicating seals. [[Counterfeit consumer goods]], unauthorized sales (diversion), material substitution and tampering can all be minimized or prevented with such anti-counterfeiting technologies. Packages may include [[authentication]] seals and use [[security printing]] to help indicate that the package and contents are not [[counterfeit]]. Packages also can include anti-theft devices such as dye-packs, [[Radio-frequency identification|RFID]] tags, or [[electronic article surveillance]]<ref>[http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/anti-shoplifting-device.htm How Anti-shoplifting Devices Work”], HowStuffWorks.com</ref> tags that can be activated or detected by devices at exit points and require specialized tools to deactivate. Using packaging in this way is a means of [[retail loss prevention]].
* '''Convenience''' – Packages can have features that add [[convenience]] in distribution, handling, stacking, display, sale, opening, reclosing, using, dispensing, reusing, recycling, and ease of [[Waste disposal|disposal]]
* '''Portion control''' – Single serving or single [[drug delivery|dosage]] packaging has a precise amount of contents to control usage. Bulk commodities (such as salt) can be divided into packages that are a more suitable size for individual households. It also aids the control of inventory: selling sealed one-liter bottles of milk, rather than having people bring their own bottles to fill themselves.
* '''Branding/Positioning''' – Packaging and labels are increasingly used to go beyond marketing to brand positioning, with the materials used and design chosen key to the storytelling element of brand development. Due to the increasingly fragmented media landscape in the digital age this aspect of packaging is of growing importance.