The Most Effective Packaging Solutions For Your Product

Technology is changing the way we do everything, including packaging. It’s easier than ever to create custom designs with CAD/CAM technology, so it’s no wonder that more and more companies are finding new ways to utilize these technologies. Check out some examples of innovative ways technology is being used in modern-day packaging design!

Packaging is the final, crucial stage of a product’s development. If the packaging fails, either during transport or storage – all previous steps will probably have been in vain. So it’s crucial that not only the right material and technology is chosen, but it also needs to be efficient at what it does. Effective packaging solutions are all around us, it’s only a question of what we need to wrap up!

Packaging Materials

Cardboard/Paper:

Cardboard technology has come a long way in the last few decades. From being able to print on the cardboard itself to being lined with wax for extra durability, technology has made it easier than ever to find customized packaging materials that provide your product with maximum protection and appeal at an affordable cost. A packer machine, when properly adjusted, can create boxes and finish packaging in a matter of seconds. Considering its weight, recyclability, and price, cardboard boxes are the undisputed favorite in many industries.

Paper is another great option as well as it can be recycled and reused multiple times. Both options are good for any product that’s not listed as requiring other materials because these options will likely fit both your budget and your brand image.

Plastic:

The most common plastic used for packaging is polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PET containers feature high clarity and gloss and they also protect products from damage due to oxygen transfer.

They can be used for storing food and drinks, although not without controversy. There are debates about the safety of using plastics for food storage, but there is no evidence that PET containers are unsafe when used properly–that means avoiding exposure to heat and prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Glass:

Glass can give your product a look like no other packaging material, but there are some drawbacks as well. Glass is fragile, and therefore it needs more protection during shipping than other materials do, which can lead to higher costs if you, not to mention that it is heavy on its own.

However, as it is totally inert it offers itself as a solution to many foodstuffs and chemicals that would otherwise be damaged by the packaging material.

Metal:

While metal containers often make the most sense for food products, they are primarily made from aluminum alloys and steel–both materials which are easily recycled.

Metal containers are good for products that require long-term storage, but they do suffer from drawbacks like weight and environmental concerns regarding the manufacturing process. This is only made more apparent when you consider the enormous energy consumption needed, meaning the packaging has a very large carbon footprint of its own.

Importance of Design

A finalized product must have an attractive look in order for it to compete in the market. This is especially true of packaging since this is what the consumer will be seeing before they make the purchase. The technology used in design allows for more creative liberties when coming up with a unique look for your product.

This is most obvious in certain industries such as the food industry, where an attractive and smart look can make all the difference between a sale and just a passing glance. Other products, such as sheets of steel, for example, do not have that problem but are still faced with the dilemma of how to properly advertise to potential buyers. It has been shown, time and time again, that better packaging is essential in making a better product.

Smart Packaging Design

There are some technology companies that take this idea to the next level. These smart packaging design companies work with technology like 3D scanning and computer-aided design (CAD) technology to create virtual mock-ups of their products, not just how it looks, but also where each component should go, what materials are needed for it all to function successfully, etc.

Taking into account these various factors can help ensure that you get something that is simultaneously both attractive and efficient in every way possible – the best solution possible for your product. Currently, this technology is still relatively expensive as it requires a lot of highly skilled labor and technology to produce, yet it is expected that the price will go down as the supply of it increases. “Older” materials such as metal or glass are harder to fit into this as they require specialized machines, molds, or tools to bring to a unique shape, but cardboard and other polymers are perfect to try it out.

Cost VS Quality

There are often trade-offs to be made when deciding on technology for your product. You will need to consider not only the costs of importing or producing these technologies but also their environmental impact in the long run.

The whole packaging industry is under much scrutiny for the huge amount of waste it produces, and the problem is only going to get worse before it gets better. As new laws about environmental protection pass legislation, so does a business owner or an engineer need to rethink the way they are organizing their production line. As technology advances, these companies will need to pay even more attention to the environmental effects of technology. The engineering industry is changing along with the technology itself, so it’s important that engineers are aware of what impact their technologies have on the environment.

Whatever your product is – it will need to be packaged in the end. Doing so makes it not only last longer but it is transported more easily and it can be sold for a much higher price, than, say, selling something in bulk. That is why the decision on the right packaging must be informed and thought out carefully.

Hopefully, this article has been useful and that you will be able to choose not only the right material for your production line but also to make it look as best as it can be!