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Packaging and labeling

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"Packaging" redirects here. For the semiconductor device fabrication term, see
integrated circuit packaging.

A sealed pack of diced pork from Tesco. It shows the cooking time, number of
servings, 'display until' date, 'use by' date, weight in kg, price, price to
weight ratio in both £/kg and £/lb, freezing and storage instructions. It says
'Less than 3% Fat' and 'No Carbs per serving' and includes a barcode. The Union
Flag, British Farm Standard tractor logo, and British Meat Quality Standard logo
are also present.
Tablets in a blister pack, which was itself packaged in a folding carton made of
paperboard.Packaging is the science, art and technology of enclosing or protecting
products for distribution, storage, sale, and use. Packaging also refers to the
process of design, evaluation, and production of packages. Packaging can be
described as a coordinated system of preparing goods for transport, warehousing,
logistics, sale, and end use. Packaging contains, protects, preserves, transports,
informs, and sells.[1] It is fully integrated into government, business,
institutional, industry, and personal use.

Package labelling (BrE) or labeling (AmE) is any written, electronic, or graphic

communications on the packaging or on a separate but associated label.

Contents [hide]
1 The purposes of packaging and package labels
2 Packaging types
3 Symbols used on packages and labels
3.1 Shipping container labeling
4 Package development considerations
5 Packaging machines
6 History
7 See also
8 References
9 Bibliography

[edit] The purposes of packaging and package labels

Packaging and package labeling have several objectives[2]

Physical protection - The objects enclosed in the package may require protection
from, among other things, shock, vibration, compression, temperature[3], etc.
Barrier protection - A barrier from oxygen, water vapor, dust, etc., is often
required. Permeation is a critical factor in design. Some packages contain
desiccants or Oxygen absorbers to help extend shelf life. Modified atmospheres [4]
or controlled atmospheres are also maintained in some food packages. Keeping the
contents clean, fresh, sterile[5] and safe for the intended shelf life is a
primary function.
Containment or agglomeration - Small objects are typically grouped together in one
package for reasons of efficiency. For example, a single box of 1000 pencils
requires less physical handling than 1000 single pencils. Liquids, powders, and
granular materials need containment.
Information transmission - Packages and labels c