Packaging plays a central role in the modern industry, not only by protecting products but also by influencing consumer purchasing decisions. Our toolkit will gather information such as packaging types, their manufacturing and transformation processes, as well as cross-cutting elements like project management.
Types of packaging
Primary packaging
Primary packaging is in direct contact with the product. It is essential for protecting the product, preserving its quality, and providing important information to consumers. Examples include beverage bottles and blister packs for medications.
Secondary packaging
Secondary packaging combines multiple units of primary packaging. It facilitates handling, storage, and distribution of products. Examples include grouping cartons and multipacks of cans.
Tertiary packaging
Tertiary packaging is used for bulk transportation of products. It ensures protection during logistics and distribution stages. Examples include pallets, wooden crates.
Rigid, semi-rigid, and flexible packaging
Rigid packaging
Rigid packaging maintains its shape regardless of the contents. It offers excellent protection but can be more expensive and bulky. Examples: glass bottles, metal cans.
Semi-rigid packaging
Semi-rigid packaging combines characteristics of both rigid and flexible packaging, offering some flexibility while maintaining a defined structure. Examples: plastic bottles, aluminum tubes.
Flexible packaging
Flexible packaging is pliable and easily conforms to its contents. It is lightweight and often more cost-effective, though it provides less protection. Examples include plastic pouches and wrapping films.
Types of packaging materials
| Packaging Materials Types | Types | Properties | Applications | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plastics |
| Lightweight, durability, moisture resistance | Bottles, films, containers | Low cost, flexibility, wide applications | Environmental impact, recycling challenges for some types |
| Paper and Cardboard |
| Recyclability, lightweight, printability | Boxes, bags, envelopes | Easily recyclable, biodegradable | Less moisture resistance, limited durability |
| Glass |
| Chemical inertness, transparency, reusability | Bottles, jars | Excellent barrier against gases and liquids, reusable and recyclable | Heavy, fragile, expensive to transport |
| Metals |
| Durability, protection against oxygen and light | Cans, tin cans | Excellent barrier against contaminants, recyclable | Higher cost, energy-intensive production |
| Biodegradable and Compostable Materials |
| Biodegradability, low environmental impact | Food packaging, sachets | Reduced carbon footprint, compostability | Often higher cost, variable performance |
Design and production process
Stages of packaging design creation
1. Briefing
- Objective : Define the project's needs and objectives.
- Importance : Guides the design process.
2. Design
- Objective : Creation and iteration of concepts.
- Considerations : Technical and aesthetic constraints.
3. Prototype
- Objective : Development and testing of prototypes.
- Purpose : Evaluate their performance and suitability.
4. Test
- Objective : Thorough evaluation of prototypes.
- Purpose : Identify necessary improvements before mass production.
Techniques de production
1. Injection Molding
- Process: Injection of molten plastic into a mold.
- Applications: Caps, containers.
2. Extrusion
- Process: Extrusion of plastic material to form films or sheets.
- Applications: Bags, packaging films.
3. Thermoforming
- Process: Heating a plastic sheet to mold it into a specific shape.
- Applications: Trays, cups.
4. Cartoning
- Process: Cutting and folding cardboard to create boxes or rigid packaging.
- Applications: Folding cartons, cardboard packaging, gift boxes.
Technologies of printing and finishing
1. Flexography
- Advantages: Fast and economical printing for large runs.
2. Gravure printing
- Advantages: High-quality printing for fine details.
3. Screen printing
- Advantages: Printing on irregular surfaces and various materials.
4. Digital printing
- Advantages: Printing small quantities with flexibility.
5. Offset printing
- Advantages: Fast printing, economical for large runs, high definition.
Project management for packaging
Project management methodologies
| Methodology | Characteristics |
| Agile | Flexibility, adaptability to changes, collaboration, and rapid iteration. |
| Waterfall | Structured methodology with clear sequential phases, ideal for projects with well-defined requirements from the outset. |
Development phases
| Phase | Objective |
| Initiation | Identification of needs, objectives, and stakeholders. |
| Planning | Establishing timelines, budgets, and necessary resources to carry out the project. |
| Execution | Coordination of teams and implementation of defined plans. |
| Monitoring | Monitoring progress, identifying variances, and making necessary adjustments. |
| Closure | Final evaluation of the project, documentation of lessons learned, and formal project closure. |
Project management tools
| Tool | Use |
| Gantt Chart | Plan and visualize tasks and their timeline, enabling effective progress tracking. |
| Kanban | Visual board that aids in managing workflow and enhancing productivity by limiting work in progress. |
| Project Management Software | Facilitate project planning, collaboration, and tracking. |
