Introduction to Logistical Packaging

Firstly, what is Logistical Packaging?

Packaging is a way of enclosing or protecting products for transportation, handling, distribution, storage, sale, and use. While Logistical Packaging will look into the movement and handling of the products in the Supply Chain and thus design it not only to protect it but also to allow efficient transportation and storage. However, the packaging of products differs a lot by the nature and characteristics of the product. In addition, packaging also aids in the marketing of the product.

We have discovered some purposes of packaging and package label:

1)Physical Protection – The outer or overall packaging of the product protects the product from physical damage like shock, vibration, compression, temperature, etc during transportation, handling and storage.

2)Barrier Protection – This layer of protection prevent oxygen, water vapor, dust, etc from reaching the products. Some products are very sensitive thus require such type of packaging. Controlled environment around the product can aid in extending the shelf life of the product and keep the contents clean, fresh and safe for consumers.

3)Containment or Agglomeration – Having containment allows small products to be grouped together in one package for reasons of efficiency. An example is a package of 100 sweets are packed together to significantly reduce the physical handing of the sweets.

4)Information transmission – Besides protecting the product, packages and labels also may provide information on how to use the product, transportation whether it is fragile or not, whether it is recyclable, or to dispose product after use.

5)Marketing – Marketing also uses the packaging and labels of the products to encourage potential buyers to purchase their product.
Security - Packaging can play an important role in reducing the security risks of shipment. Packages can be researched and developed to reduce the risks of package pilferage. Authentication seals on packages will help to indicate that the package and contents are not counterfeit or opened. Improved packages also can increase loss prevention and theft when equipped with devices, such as dye-packs, RFID tags, or electronic article surveillance tags, that can be activated or detected by reading devices at exit points and require specialized tools to deactivate.

6)Convenience - Packages can have features which add convenience in transporting, distribution, handling, use, and reuse.